I found these press releases off team websites, twitter accounts, blogs or online. All Vipers news-trades are posted on this blog as soon as released-announced.
BCHL News & Trades:
Pennington Commits To Powell River Kings:
The Powell River Kings are excited to announce the commitment of 2001-born defencemen Davis Pennington for the 2019/2020 season. Pennington, from Saline, Michigan spent last season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights of the North American Hockey League where he tallied 9 goals and 11 assists in 52 games. “Davis is an elite puck moving defencemen,” said Kings Head Coach and General Manager Tyler Kuntz, “with us losing Jayden Lee to Quinnipiac earlier this summer we had to find a defencemen that could fill those big minutes for us and we’re not only getting that with him, but we also get a kid whose going to be heading to a good program in Nebraksa-Omaha.” After his strong rookie season in Wilkes-Barre, which saw him finish 1st in goals and 3rd in points among all U18 defencemen in the NAHL, Pennington gained a lot of interest from other teams. “We were very excited when Davis decided to come play for us,” said Kuntz, “He was highly sought after in the USHL and deservedly so, he was a very good player in the NAHL as a 17 year old which is very hard to do.” Pennington’s decision to come to the BCHL and play for the Kings was thanks to some of his friends who have played in the league along with the detail-oriented nature of the Kings coaching staff. “I’ve only heard good things about the coaching staff,” said Pennington, “all of my buddies that play in the league spoke very highly of it and told me it was a much more offensive game which really fits with how I like to play, with that and how detailed the Kings coaches are I couldn’t be more excited to play here.” Davis will join his new teammates in Powell River for main camp, starting August 19th.
Chiefs Sign Reynolds & Thornton:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are thrilled to announce the signings of 2003 born players Peter Reynolds, and Hudson Thornton. Both players have been recently invited to Hockey Canada’s U17 Selection Camp, among 112 invitees Canada-wide. Chiefs coaching staff Brian Maloney and Brad Rihela have been scouting these players for quite some time now, and are ecstatic to be able to add them to the fold in Chilliwack for the upcoming season. “Peter and Hudson are both excellent young players that will immediately help our team. They will be given every opportunity to excel on and off the ice, we are very privileged to announce the commitments of these two exceptional talents today.” said Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Brian Maloney. “We have scouted these players in depth for quite some time now, and realistically view them as two of the top 2003-born prospects in the country.” Peter Reynolds, who is originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, is a Boston College Commit that spent the past season playing for the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep program. As a member of their U16 program last year, the 5’10” 165lb forward racked up an impressive 27 goals and 44 assists for 71 points in 55 games played. Peter was drafted in the QMJHL draft #21 overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs, and was also selected in the 2019 USHL draft by the Chicago Steel, 180th overall. When asked about joining the Chilliwack Chiefs, Reynolds had this to say “It’s an honor to be joining such an amazing organization, a team that just recently won a National Championship. I am excited to play for the team and the city of Chilliwack. I can’t wait to get things started and bring another trophy back.” Peter will quickly become a fan favorite in Chilliwack according to Maloney, “Peter’s dynamic ability with the puck, and the fact that he can change gears and make plays at top speed will make him an exciting player to watch and a player that will suit our system and the way we play extremely well.” said the Chiefs bench boss. Hudson Thornton, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, comes to the Chiefs after registering 17 goals, and 30 assists as one of the elite offensive defensemen in the CSSHL playing for the Rink Hockey Academy this past season. Hudson is a player that has been highly regarded in Western Canada for quite some time, evidenced by the fact he was chosen 33rd overall in the 2018 WHL draft by the Prince George Cougars. He was also chosen by the Omaha Lancers of the USHL 35th overall. Weighing in at 5’10” and 175lbs, Thornton will be a great addition to the blueline for the Chiefs this season. “Hudson is a player with great offensive instincts, and a great ability to get pucks through from the point. He possesses a lot of intangibles that are hard to teach and will suit him well in the BCHL next season.” said Chiefs Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager Brad Rihela. When asked his thoughts about joining the Chiefs for his junior hockey career, Thornton alluded to his excitement about the decision to come to Chilliwack “I am extremely excited to be joining the Chiefs family next season. I know that playing in Chilliwack will provide me with the best opportunity to develop and grow as a player and I can’t wait to get started.” “These two young men will be a big part of our program’s future up front and on the back end for the next couple of seasons. We are thrilled to welcome them and their families, and are extremely excited to watch their steady progressions over the next couple of seasons.” said Brian Maloney. Chiefs fan’s can get their first glimpse at these two impressive young players when training camp begins in late August.
Merritt-Salmon Arm Trade:
The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce the Cents have acquired defenseman Olson Werenka (99) from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. A Calgary, Alberta native standing at 6’2″ and weighing 220 pounds, the left shot Werenka compiled 6 goals, 14 assists, and 102 penalty minutes while playing with Salmon Arm last season. He spent the majority of the previous year with the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the AJHL where he had 5 goals, 11 assists and 226 penalty minutes. Head Coach and General Manager Barry Wolff says that Werenka is more than just a big body. “Olson brings a 200 ft game, he has a high end compete, is hard to play against, and doesn’t mind playing a more tough and rugged game. We’re also hoping he can continue to build on his offensive totals from last season.”
Penticton Vees Name Miller New Play By Play Man:
The Penticton Vees announced today that Penticton native Trevor Miller has been named the new Director of Communications and Broadcasting. He will handle all play-by-play broadcasts on EZ Rock AM 800 for the 2019-20 season. Miller, 24, comes to Penticton with years of broadcasting experience to his name. Last season, Miller handled the play-by-play and communications duties with the Trail Smoke Eaters. Prior to his year in Trail, Miller was the voice of the West Kelowna Warriors for two seasons from 2016-2018. Miller’s voice should be familiar to Vees fans as he was the colour commentator with Fraser Rodgers for three seasons with the Vees, beginning with the 2013-14 season. In addition to handling the broadcasts, Miller will run all Vees social media channels and create unique and interesting content for fans of the hockey club. Miller will be relocating to Penticton in the coming weeks to begin his daily work with the team.
Warriors Claim Rights To Ice:
The owner of the West Kelowna Warriors claims his lease with the city gives him first rights to all ice at both city arenas. Kim Dobranski made the comment during a wide-ranging letter responding to comments by both the city and West Kelowna Minor Hockey over his decision to start Saturday home games at 6 p.m. instead of the traditional 7 p.m. start. "Our lease is extremely clear that we are the anchor tenant, and have the first rights to all ice in Jim Lind and Royal LePage for our practices and games prior to any other program allocations," he said. "It's been that way for 13 years." Dobranski previously approached the city about the earlier start time in the hope of attracting more families and young fans, but was told no. When the schedule was released this week, it included 12 Saturday games starting at 6 p.m. Minor hockey president Marnie Douglas said the change would prove to be a hardship for the organization, with the possibility of 30 or more players being turned away as a result. Dobrasnki says he studied the impact a change to 6 p.m. would have on minor hockey as well as the teams need to increase attendance. "We eliminated all but three (sic: 4) weekday games, returning over 20 hours of ice. We also eliminated all but three (sic: 2) Sunday games, returning an additional 20 hours of ice for a total of 40 hours. There are 11 (sic: 12) 6 p.m. starts all season with three of them in September where there are few to no minor hockey games, one when minor hockey is on Christmas break, and one in February when minor hockey is wrapped up, except for a few teams who may still be in playoffs. The resulting impact is six hours. This nets minor hockey 34 hours they never had before on Sundays and weekdays. To make the statement that kids will have to be turned away is irresponsible, and factually incorrect." Dobranski further stated the arena is funded by all taxpayers to the tune of $1 million a year, not just hockey parents, adding rental fees paid by minor hockey "is negligible compared to what the building costs to operate." "Sorry Mrs. Douglas, it's for all of the community to use," he said. "Your organization already takes up most of the ice, for a disproportionately small number of users. It's not your ice, it's the taxpayers too." Dobranski also took aim at comments Douglas made about to Warriors 50/50 raffle, which minor hockey ran the previous 12 years. He claims the association owes the Warriors about $30,000 as part of an agreement between the two groups. "Funds were to be used to help support academic opportunities for our players." He said the club had some "serious concerns" about where the funds were going. The city has said it is working with the Warriors and minor hockey to try and resolve the issue.
Moran Commits To Kings:
The Powell River Kings are very excited to announce the commitment of 2000-born forward Reilly Moran for the 2019/2020 season! Moran, from Milton, Massachusetts has spent the last four seasons playing at Thayer Academy where he recorded 29 goals and 52 assists in 119 games. “Reilly has good offensive instincts,” says Kings Head Coach and General Manager Tyler Kuntz, “he’s also extremely hard working and has great character and leadership. I think he’s going to help our team dynamic, everyone I’ve talked to about him says what a great teammate he is.” Heading into the 2019/2020 season, the Kings believe Reilly will play a big role in the team’s leadership group. “We wanted to improve the leadership and character within our group,” said Kuntz, “Reilly brings that to the table. To add a kid who’s as mature as him is something we’re very excited about.” Moran says that being a leader is something that began when he started high school. “I’ve always felt it was important to look after the younger guys on my team and not be afraid to go to the older players and ask for advice,” Says Moran, “That translated into my college decision with West Point and serving in the army. It started early in high-school; Thayer presented the opportunities to lead, I was on the community council there and it gave me the chance to work with younger people and become more of a leader.” On the ice, Moran gives credit to his coach at Thayer, Tony Amonte, for the role he played in his development. “Being under coach Tony Amonte was a big part of my development,” says Moran, “I played for Tony with the South Shore Kings before Varsity at Thayer. He taught me the importance of systems and how to be a hard-working, below the dots type of player.” When it came down to picking where he’d play junior hockey, the isolation that the city of Powell River provides along with the dedication to development from the Kings’ coaches is ultimately what attracted Reilly. “Powell River seemed like the perfect spot for me to focus on hockey and school since there are no real distractions like there are in other places.” Said Moran, “Coach Kuntz is very confident in his strategies, he sent me a very detailed PDF about his coaching style and the way he wants to play. It felt like a perfect fit for me.” The chance to play with his close friend Ryan Stevens also played a big role in bringing Reilly to the Kings, “I’ve known him since I was probably 11 or 12 years old.” said Reilly “I played with Ryan on the South Shore Kings. It’s great having the ability to play with my close friends especially since it’s my first time away from home, I think it’s going to help the transition for me.” Reilly will join his new teammates in Powell River for main camp, starting August 19th.
Trail Will Not Host 2021 National Junior A Championship:
The Trail 2021 National Junior A Championship (NJAC) Bid Committee, consisting of staff members from the Trail Smoke Eaters and the City of Trail, received official communication from Hockey Canada informing them that Trail will not proceed to the presentation stage of the bid process for the 2021 NJAC. The committee will schedule a meeting with Hockey Canada to receive feedback on Trail’s bid document, and to get a better understanding of Hockey Canada’s decision. “While this is disappointing news, everyone should be proud of the work they put into compiling the bid,” said Craig Clare Director of Hockey & Business Operations for the Trail Smoke Eaters. “Regardless of this outcome, working with the City of Trail was a great experience for our group, and we look forward to working together for future events.” The Bid Committee dedicated many resources to compile a professional and thorough document to ensure Trail was presented in its true light, as a welcoming sports-enthusiastic community that is well suited and capable of delivering large scale sporting events, tournaments and special events. The 136-page document addressed all of the requirements set out by Hockey Canada, including a community overview, host team highlights, a business plan, an operational plan, and 40 letters of support from local businesses, surrounding communities, politicians, and sports organizations. “I personally would like to thank everyone for all of their hard work and dedication as far as how we were able to come together in a relatively short period of time to develop a first-class proposal,” said David Perehudoff, City of Trail Chief Administrative Officer. “It is unfortunate this was not successful in moving forward, but we should be proud of what was advanced and for a city the size of Trail. Our city has first class facilities and amenities - perhaps another opportunity will come our way in the future.”
Chilliwack-Drumheller Trade:
The Chilliwack Chiefs have transferred the CJHL playing rights to 2001 born defenceman Colton Kitchen to the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Kitchen- who made his Chiefs debut last season after securing a spot in the Chief’s annual spring camp, was one of the teams most improved players last year. In 43 regular season games last season, Kitchen registered 3 goals, 6 assists and 18 PIMS. He was a regular contributor to the penalty kill and also suited up in 6 games in the 2019 BCHL playoffs, registering an assist and 4 minutes in penalties. “Colton is a fantastic kid that was one of our most improved players last year. With some of the changes we have made, we wanted to ensure Colton was in a position to get the opportunity he deserves and with this trade he is going to a quality organization that will have a lot of opportunity to give him. We wish Colton and his family nothing but the best.” said Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Brian Maloney.
Merritt-Notre Dame Trade:
The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce the acquisition of forward Tanner Mortenson (00) from the Notre Dame Hounds of the SJHL for future considerations. Mortenson, also a Calgary native, is 6’0 and 180 pounds and has spent 5 seasons at the prestigious Notre Dame School. Last season with the Hounds Mortenson went pointless in 14 games with 25 penalty minutes. Coach Wolff says that Mortenson will bring some much needed character to the team. “Tanner is a high end character kid, he plays hard, and finishes every hit.” The Centennials would like to welcome both Tanner, Olson, and their families to the Nicola Valley.
Penticton-Powell River Trade:
The Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the acquisition of defenseman Ethan Martini (‘00) from the Powell River Kings in exchange for future considerations. Martini, 19, brings plenty of experience and grit to the Vees backend, spending the last three seasons in the BCHL and amassing 143 games between two different teams. The 6’6”, 209-pound defender played the majority of those games with the Trail Smoke Eaters, registering a goal and 10 assists for 11 points in 114 games while amassing 211 penalty minutes in that span. The Trail, BC native split last season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the BCHL, beginning his campaign with the Central Illinois Flying Aces where he played in 13 games, scoring a goal and adding a pair of assists for 3 points to go along with 71 penalty minutes before getting 29 games with the Kings, compiling 4 assists and 51 PIMs. “Adding Ethan’s experience, size and physical mentality was something we couldn’t pass up on,” commented Vees Head Coach, General Manager and President Fred Harbinson, “We all know the grind in which the Interior Division has become and I look forward to helping Ethan take the next step with his game.”
Grizzlies Sign Campbell Brothers:
The Stanstead College hockey pipeline continues to flow to Vancouver Island. One year after the Campbell brothers — Alex and Charlie — came west from the private prep school in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, the Victoria Grizzlies have added another pair of high-end prospects for the 2019-20 B.C. Hockey League season. Grizzlies general manager and head coach Craig Didmon has landed offensive defenceman Isack Bandu and big winger Andrew Amousse. The two 18-year-olds led the Stanstead Spartans to the Midwest Prep Hockey League playoffs last season. “Both players are under close watch by several NCAA schools and will be making a decision on that sometime during the season, so they are two very skilled players who will help our hockey club,” said Didmon, whose Grizzlies will open training camp Aug. 19 at Juan de Fuca Arena. Bandu, from the Montreal suburb of Notre Dame-de-I’Île-Perrot, knows the Campbells better as he played minor hockey with Alex, a Nashville Predators draft pick who is headed to Clarkson University in the NCAA. They also played a year together at Stanstead. “Alex is a good buddy and he had nothing but great things to say about Victoria and the Grizzlies. So when the opportunity came to go out there, I jumped at it because it looks like a very good fit for me,” said Bandu, who just graduated from high school. The six-foot-one, 170-pounder brings speed and skill on the back end. He was taken in the ninth round of the 2017 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft by Chicoutimi. Last season, he had two goals and five assists in 19 regular-season games with Stanstead and two goals and two assists in five playoff games. “Isack is great skater and will add to the high-tempo style of play we like to play,” Didmon said. “He has a very high ceiling and I look for him to develop into an elite defenceman in our league.” Bandu said the Grizzlies’ record of developing players such as recent NHL draft picks Alex Campbell, Alex Newhook (Colorado Avalanche) and Carter Berger (Florida Panthers) played a part in his decision. “They help players develop their games and get to the NCAA and maybe even the NHL, so I think it’s a perfect place to develop the style of game I want to play,” Bandu said. “The league is known to be the best [Junior A] league in Canada and I already know some of the players like Andrew and Cody Monds who are also coming, so I’m really looking forward to getting out there and getting going.” Amousse, who turns 18 next week, hails from Laval, Que., and was selected in the seventh round of the 2017 QMJHL draft by Blainville-Boisbriand. He brings his six-foot-one, 190-pound frame to Victoria. He had 10 goals and six assists in 18 games for Stanstead last season, as well as 25 penalty minutes. “Andrew is a big, tough kid who skates well and has soft hands for a big player,” Didmon said. “We look for him to add physicality to our lineup and develop into a high-end power forward in our league.”
Chilliwack-Neepawa Trade:
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