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:
Shepard Leaves Penticton Vees-Signs With Vancouver Giants:
Vancouver Giants General Manager Barclay Parneta announced today that the Giants have signed 2002-born forward Cole Shepard (West Vancouver, B.C.) to a Standard WHL Player Agreement. The team made it official this morning during a media conference at the Ladner Leisure Centre. “We are very happy to have Cole and the Shepard family committed to the Vancouver Giants,” said Barclay Parneta. “He provides a solid mix of speed and skill and can impact a game in a lot of positive ways. He’s going to be a key contributor to our success in the years to come.” Originally selected 33rd overall by the Giants in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft, Shepard joins the Giants after spending his 16-year-old season with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees. In 53 games the 5’10”, 152-pound forward scored seven goals and added 17 assists for 24 points. Shepard spent the two previous seasons with the Delta Hockey Academy notching 53 points in 34 games during the 2017-18 season in Midget and 47 points in 30 games in 2016-17 in Bantam. He is eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft. Internationally, Shepard suited up for Canada Red at the 2018 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and registered four assists in six games. With this signing, Shepard becomes the sixth Giant from their 2017 WHL Bantam Draft class to commit to the team joining the likes of: Justin Sourdif, Tanner Brown, Krz Plummer, Braedy Euerby and Jacob Gendron. Shepard joins his older brother Jackson who was acquired by the Giants in a trade with Lethbridge on May 24, 2019
BCHL Next Generation: Alberni Valley Bulldogs
All summer we’ll be going team-by-team to profile new players coming in for the 2019-20 season with recaps of offseason commits and acquisitions. We will also have interviews and scouting reports from the coaches.
First up is the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs have had a busy offseason, first announcing Joe Martin as the team’s new head coach in April, then adding new players through commitments and trades. With Martin now behind the bench, he is putting an emphasis on speed and skill, not unlike his recent teams in Merritt. “Some of those things will transition over,” said Martin. “I think the reason we had so much offence [in Merritt] was we were a good-skating team and we were relentless. We’ll have some core values in how we play. Being accountable and being relentless will be two of the things that we value. As you can see with the players that we have, skating and skill are also things that we hold in high regard. When we talk about those types of things, I think scoring naturally occurs.” With training camp on the horizon, Martin has certain expectations for his team that he wants to instill in his players heading into the season. “I want to make the arena even more difficult to play in for opposing teams,” he said. “That’s what we’re asking for from our players. That’s what we’re looking for in our culture, being very hard to play against. I think as a coach, that’s always something that you want to be well-known for. The belief that we had in Merritt when I left was that when you graduate from the program, you’re going on to something bigger and better and that’s what we want here too.”
2019-20 commits:
Moe Acee (2001, D)
- Hometown: Ballston Spa, N.Y.
- Previous team: Avon Old Farms School (USHS-Prep)
- Commitment: St. Lawrence University
Acee is a player that fits the mold of speed and skill that Martin wants to emphasize this year. The 18-year-old defenceman had 11 points in 26 high-school games last year for Avon Old Farms School.
Martin’s scouting report:
“He’s an elite skater who likes to get involved in the play. Skating and skill will be a trend here and it’s a huge thing for Moe. We look forward to him helping our backend.”
Tommy Bannister (2001, F)
- Hometown: Clayton, N.Y.
- Previous team: Northwood School 18U (USPHL 18U)
One of those players who Martin will rely on to provide offence is 17-year-old forward Tommy Bannister. He lit up his high school league at Northwood School in New York last season with 83 points in 68 games.
Martin’s scouting report:
“He’s a skilled forward who was second on his team in scoring last year. He’s a player from Upstate New York on Lake Ontario, an area that I grew up in so I know it well. He’s a quality kid – a good person with a good family.”
Carson Hemenway (2002, D)
Hometown: Ladner, B.C.
- Previous team: North Island Silvertips (BCMML)
Hemenway had 19 points in 39 games on the blueline last year playing major midget.
Martin’s scouting report:
“He had a good season last year. He’s a good skater who made our team out of spring camp where he was very good. He’s a young guy and we’re going to be looking to build around him in the future.”
Other offseason acquisitions:
Tim Gould (2000, D)
- Hometown: Moncton, N.B.
- Previous team: Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL) (acquired via trade)
- Commitment: University of Maine (2020-21)
The blueliner had 60 points in 104 regular-season games the last two seasons playing in the SJHL. He led the Hounds in scoring from the backend with 31 points in the 2017-18 season.
Martin’s scouting report:
“He’s a good-skating defenceman, involved at both ends of the rink and he’s a quality individual away from the ice. He’s a professional and someone that can help move this culture onto the right path.”
Luke Pearson (2001, G)
- Hometown: Whitby, Ont.
- Previous team: Whitby Fury (OJHL) (acquired via trade)
Pearson played the last two seasons in the OJHL for his hometown team of Whitby. Last season he put up eye-popping numbers including a .938 save percentage and a 1.94 goals-against average. He’s slated to succeed former Bulldog John Hawthorne as the team’s starting goalie next year.
Martin’s scouting report:
“He was a runner-up MVP in net in the OJHL and I think that speaks a lot when you’re still a 2001 birthday. He’s a young kid with a bright future. He’s got good size, good ability and he’s got great marks. I think this kid is very well-focused and driven and somebody that we want to lean on.”
The Bulldogs kick off their regular-season schedule Friday, Sept. 6 against the Powell River Kings.
Surrey-Milton Trade:
The Surrey Eagles have acquired forward Adamo Santia from the Milton Menace (formerly Newmarket Hurricanes) of the Ontario Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. The 2001-born Santia scored 14 goals and added 25 assists for 39 points in 53 games in his rookie Junior A season last year. He would later add 5 points in 12 playoff games. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native is described as a “power forward” by Eagles head coach and associate general manager Cam Keith. Keith is very excited to land the 6-foot-1, 180 pound forward who brings an element that the team was missing heading into the 2019-20 BCHL season. “He’s a physical forward that also possesses high end hockey sense,” Keith explained to SurreyEagles.ca. “He’s a natural goal scorer that can create offence in transition and below the dots.” Making the move out west will be a big adjustment for Santia, who also had offers from major junior clubs back home in Ontario. His decision to embrace the trade to Surrey came down to a combination of his desire to seek out a NCAA division I scholarship and the positive reputation of the BCHL as a league. “From everything I’ve heard about the BCHL, it seemed like such a great opportunity,” said Santia, speaking about the trade. “When I first found out I had a chance to come out west, I was really excited. Growing up in the [Toronto] area, major junior seemed like the way to go – but thinking about what my personal goals are, and seeing the success that the BCHL has had moving players on to that next level in college, I’m happy with the decision.” In terms of his playing style, Santia agrees with coach Keith’s assessment. Eagles fans can expect to see physicality and playmaking ability when he is on the ice. “I’d say I’m a power forward,” Santia acknowledged. “I like to make plays by getting into the dirty areas. I work hard and chip away each shift. I’ll do anything I can to help my team succeed.” Santia won’t be alone in the BCHL when it comes to former teammates. Fellow Newmarket Hurricane Adam Trotman was acquired by the divisional rival Coquitlam Express earlier this offseason, and he’s excited to face off against his former line-mate when the home portion of the schedule gets going on September 13th. Living away from home for the first time will be another major adjustment for Santia, who didn’t require a billet family with Newmarket. He’s excited for that challenge, and being able to grow with his fellow Eagles teammates. “The team we had last year in Newmarket was pretty young. People didn’t expect us to do anything, but I think we had a decent year with the young roster we had. I’m excited to do it again. I think living away from home will give me a chance to grow as both a person and a hockey player. That’s another big thing that I’m looking forward to.” He’ll report to camp in mid-August with the rest of the team in preparation for the pre-season schedule, then the regular season kicks off on September 6th in Prince George. Welcome to Surrey, Adamo!
Cowichan-Humboldt Trade:
The Cowichan Valley Capitals have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Timber Lewis(01)(D) to the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations
Alberni Valley-Selkirk Trade:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Tanner Pochipinski(00)(F) to the Selkirk Steelers of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations
Smart Leaves Vees For University:
D Jonathan Smart won’t be returning to the WHL for his 20-year-old season. Instead, he will attend UBC and play for the Thunderbirds. Smart, from Kelowna, started last season with the Kootenay Ice, but didn’t return to the team after Christmas. He finished up with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees, putting up a goal and two assists in 13 games. In 216 career WHL games, split between the Kelowna Rockets, Regina Pats and Kootenay, he had 14 goals and 66 assists.
Merritt-Alberni Valley-Salmon Arm Trade:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have completed a three-team trade involving the Merritt Centennials and Salmon Arm Silverbacks, acquiring the CJHL playing rights of 2000-born defenceman Jackson Munro from Merritt while sending 2000-born forward Michael Hodge to Salmon Arm. Munro is a Vancouver, BC product who established himself as an excellent two-way defenceman with the Centennials, most recently scoring three goals and adding 15 assists in 44 regular season games as Merritt finished in a tie for top spot in the Interior Division. He has totaled six goals and 39 points in 97 games over two BCHL seasons. “We’re very happy to be able to acquire a talented and experienced defenceman in Jackson,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “He’s an excellent skater who plays smart and can contribute in all three zones. He’s also a tremendous person and teammate who will step in a play a big role on our blueline this season.” In a separate trade, the Bulldogs have dealt defenceman Ethan McLaughlin to the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Drayton Valley Thunder in return for future considerations. “We’d like to thank Michael and Ethan for their time and hard work as Bulldogs and wish them both success with their new teams,” says Martin. Munro will join his new teammates when the Bulldogs’ 2019 Main Camp opens at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on August 19.
Clippers Extend Campbell's Contract:
The Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Clubs Ownership, Penny and Wes Mussio, have announced the resigning of the Director of Business Operations & Marketing Tali Campbell to a long term contract. Wes Mussio commented “Tali Campbell was hired in December of 2018 to take over the Clippers’ business operations and has helped re-establish the team as Nanaimo’s community team while increasing sponsorship, and the fan base. I cannot say enough about the effort Tali has put towards re-establishing the franchise in the community. The first year of ownership, before Tali, was troubling but once Tali came on board, the team operations have seen a dramatic improvement. Having a born and raised local talent added to the Clippers operation is just a bonus.” “I can’t thank Penny and Wes enough for trusting me to run their business for the long term.” Tali Campbell commented “I am looking forward to continuing on what we started at the end of last season and making sure we are filling Frank Crane Arena with fans and continuing to improve our relationships with the business community.” The Nanaimo Clippers kick off their season at home on September 6th against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Stockton Commits To Powell River Kings:
The Powell River Kings are excited to announce the commitment of 2001-born defencemen Cody Stockton for the 2019-2020 season. Stockton, from Duncan, BC joins the Kings after spending last season playing with the midget prep program at Shawnigan Lake School where he tallied 5 goals and 12 assists in 36 games. Stockton also dressed in 6 games for the Kings last regular season, along with games 5 and 7 in the second round against the Victoria Grizzlies. “Not many weeks went by where he wasn’t sending me his weekly schedule, his training, or when he was available.” Said Kings Head Coach and General Manager Tyler Kuntz, “He’s one of those kids who we often looked to have play for us because of how eager and available he was.” Stockton made his BCHL debut on November 9th in Duncan against his hometown Cowichan Valley Capitals. “I was super nervous,” said Stockton, “I played my minor hockey there and went to Capitals games a lot when I was younger so getting the chance to play my first BCHL game in my hometown was very exciting for me and my family.” Along with his eagerness to play in the league, Tyler Kuntz believes Stockton’s commitment to improving his game will lead to him being a big piece of the Kings blueline. “With his eagerness to get better, and his character I think he’s going to continue to get better.” Said Kuntz, “He really liked his time in Powell River and the direction the program is going and what we’re teaching. He’s another guy who what we’re getting day one will be a very different story come day 200 and we’re looking forward to what he’ll look like on that day. He’ll make big gains on our team, he’s very strong, agile and intelligent so he’ll be a nice fit.” Cody will join his new teammates in Powell River for training camp, which starts August 19th.
Merritt-Swan Valley Trade:
The Merritt Centennials are excited to announce the acquisition of forward Matt Osadick (’00) from the Swan Valley Stampeders in exchange for forward Frazer Dodd (’99) and goaltender Vincent Duplessis (’99). Barry Wolff is bringing in a player he’s familiar with in Osadick, as Wolff coached him last year in the MJHL. The 18 year old from Grande Point, Manitoba was a big part of the offense in Swan Valley last season putting up 29 goals and 63 points in just 45 games which had him the 5th highest scorer in the league. He also added 18 points, and 11 goals in 17 playoff games that saw the Stampeders fall in overtime of game 7 of the MJHL final. In addition, he was also a part of Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, winning a bronze while being held scoreless in 6 games. The 5’10”, 180 pound forward also has a commitment to the University of Maine. “Matthew is a top end player with lots of upside. He’s a player I know well, he’s going to slide into the top six, he’s going to work hard, and put his skill on display night in and night out.” Dodd spent his first full season with the Cents in 2018-19, after being an Affiliate the year prior, contributing 13 points in 34 games. After an injury wiped out his first season with the Cents, Duplessis posted a record of 9-8 with a 3.21 GAA and .906 SV% last year. The Centennials would like to welcome Matthew and his family to the organization and the Nicola Valley, and thank Frazer and Vincent for their commitment to the team for the past two seasons.
Prince George-Estevan Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired forward Preston Brodziak (99) from the Estevan Bruins (SJHL) in exchange for goaltender Keenan Rancier (00) and Future Considerations. Brodziak is a 6’0”, 185 pound native of Estevan, Saskatchewan, who has played two full seasons in the BCHL, one each with the Nanaimo Clippers and Cowichan Valley Capitals. He has amassed 22 goals and 28 assists for 50 points in 109 BCHL games, and has added 10 points in 18 career playoff games. GM Mike Hawes: “We’re excited to add Preston to our team. There are certain types of players and certain types of people we like to bring into the program. Preston is a great young man and a very good player so he checks a lot of the boxes for us. He will be a big part of this season’s team.” Rancier played in 6 games for the Spruce Kings behind Logan Neaton this season, helping the team to 16-1 playoff record, Fred Page Cup, and Doyle Cup Championship. He played 40 minutes at the NJAC in Brooks, allowing 1 goal. GM Mike Hawes: ““We’d also like to thank Keenan for his time with us. He is a great teammate who did a great job in a tough role last season. We wish him nothing but success in Estevan.”
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