Sunday, August 4, 2019

BCHL News & Trades:

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:

Clippers Bid For National Junior A Championship Unsuccessful:

The Host Committee that put the bid in to host the 2021 National Junior A Championship through Hockey Canada announced today that they were not successful in landing the bid. “We were notified late last week by Hockey Canada that we were not the chosen community to host the event.” Tali Campbell, Nanaimo Bid Committee Co-Chair and Nanaimo Clippers Director of Business Operations said, “Hockey Canada said this time there were a lot of great bids and it wasn’t an easy decision.” The Nanaimo 2021 National Junior A Championship Bid Committee which had members from the Nanaimo Clippers Junior A Hockey Team, City of Nanaimo, Tourism Nanaimo, Nanaimo Hospitality Association and community members worked for two months on the 100+ page package that was submitted to Hockey Canada at the end of April. Clippers Head Coach Darren Naylor and Tali Campbell also traveled to Brooks Alberta to take in this year’s National Junior A Championship where they met with Brooks Host Committee, Hockey Canada Members and tons of volunteers. “At the end of the day, simply sucks to not get this event. When receiving the news, the only thing I wanted to do was lock my office and just sit there.” Commented Tali Campbell “With that being said though, it amazed me that so many community members came together to put this package together. It truly showed how amazing our City really is.” Hockey Canada is going to provide the committee with a full rundown of things to work on, and after that the committee will meet and review “Will we apply in the future, I hope so.” Campbell said, “The Clippers are committed to bringing this event to Nanaimo and feel other groups/organizations will feel the same.” At this time Hockey Canada has not yet announced the successful community but is expected to-do so within a few weeks “the 2021 event won’t be in Nanaimo, but I hope the National Junior A Championship Trophy will still be by us [Clippers] going to the successful community and winning it all.” chuckled Tali Campbell.

Warriors Want You To Buy In:

The BC Hockey League's West Kelowna Warriors are looking for financial partners to help get affiliated programs off the ground. Team owner Kim Dobranski says potential investors would not be investing in the Junior A club, but in other, specific programs. Dobranski says the Warriors have been working with other BCHL operators on a number of independent models to "ensure long term viability and sustainability of our respective franchises." "Collectively, our goal is to anchor franchises in our communities by creating revenue streams which allow reinvestment in our Junior A programs," Dobranski said in a news release. "This will also help us improve community support initiatives, recruiting, scouting, marketing, arena infrastructure improvements, player development, NCAA and NHL placements, and also support and improve our minor hockey programs in our regions." He says the opportunities would be "relatively low-risk," as many are ones they are currently active in. "We are looking for people with financial resources, a passion for hockey and community, and the time and desire to be actively involved in the top Junior A league in the country, arguable North America." Anyone interested is asked to contact partner@westkelownawarriors.ca.

Bulldogs Announce Majority Sale:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that the BCHL’s Board of Governors has granted unanimous approval for Keycorp Sports & Entertainment Ltd to acquire majority ownership in the club.  Keycorp Sports and Entertainment will be the leadership in a group of established community partners joining the existing Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society in the newly founded group. Keycorp Sports and Entertainment’s president David Michaud will assume the same role with the Bulldogs and oversee all hockey & business operations for the club.  Michaud is no stranger to the BCHL as he spent parts of 4 seasons with the Penticton Vees and served on the BCHL’s Board of Governors. Prior to his time with the Vees, Michaud worked with CAA Sports in their hockey division, and spent 5 years as the general manager of the BCMML’s Okanagan Rockets. “The goal of Keycorp Sports and Entertainment is to acquire properties that would help us expand our reach in the sporting world here on Vancouver Island and beyond.  Acquiring the Bulldogs is a tremendous opportunity and we’re very excited to help build on the work that PAJHS has put in over the years.   I’ve seen first-hand what an exciting atmosphere the Multiplex can create.  It’s our mission to return the Bulldogs to a position of prominence in the community and continue to move players along to the NCAA and ultimately professional hockey.” said Michaud. “PAJHS is very excited to have the ability to partner with Keycorp Sports & Entertainment and other local business leaders.  This transaction means the Bulldogs will have the ability to thrive in Port Alberni for years to come.  Our fans and our community should be excited about what this means both on the ice and off.” Said PAJHS President Jim Pelk Keycorp Sports and Entertainment is a subsidiary of the Keycorp Group of Companies and is led by long time Victoria businessman Jim Hartshorne.  Keycorp Sports & Entertainment is joined in the ownership group by Ron Coutre of Victoria; Dennis See, Stefanie Weber, Tim MacLean all of Port Alberni; and the Port Alberni Jr Hockey Society.

Kanata-Langley Trade:

The Langley Rivermen have acquired the CJHL playing rights to Will Dow-Kenny(00)(D) from the Kanata Lasers of the CCHL in exchange for future considerations

Surrey-Bonnyville Trade:

The Surrey Eagles have acquired forward Hudson Schandor from the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in exchange for forward Matthew McKim. Schandor previously played two seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks before being dealt to the AJHL earlier this offseason. Over the course of his 91-game BCHL career, the 2000-born Schandor has recorded 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points. Last season he scored 15 times in only 41 games, also adding 1 goal and 2 assists in 5 playoff games. This acquisition is yet another move toward icing a faster, more skilled team in 2019-20. Alongside many of the committed players this offseason, the team has also reached out and acquired forwards Cristophe Tellier, Adamo Santia, and defenceman Jimmy Darby in an effort to get faster. The team would like to thank Matthew McKim for his dedication to the Surrey Eagles organization during his one season with the club. He was respected in the locker room for his focus, and skill on the ice – especially excelling in the shootout. We wish him nothing but the best with his new team in Bonnyville.

Moore Returns To West Kelowna Warriors:

The West Kelowna Warriors are pleased to announce the return of Wayne Moore as the game day voice of the Warriors, returning to Royal Lepage beginning this fall. Wayne was with the Warriors since the club located here back in 2006. He was released early last season in favor of Rob Mitchell, the former Prince George Cougars game announcer. “It goes without saying I am happy Mr. Moore accepted my offer for him to return.” stated Warriors owner Kim Dobranski. “Wayne is experienced, knowledgeable and professional, and I look forward to hearing his familiar voice echo throughout the building” Wayne Moore was the Warriors first PA announcer when the club arrived in West Kelowna (Formerly Westside Warriors) , announcing well over 400 games including playoffs. He was also a part of the 2016 National Champion team, travelling with the club while they advanced to eventually claim the National Title. “I am pleased Mr. Dobranski approached me about returning this fall and I accepted. I am looking forward to getting behind the microphone and being a part of the Warriors family once again.” Mr. Moore commented. The Warriors kick off the pre-season August 21 when they host the Penticton Vees at Royal Lepage Place, with the regular season home kick off September 6 against the Vipers. Single Game Tickets will be available by August 1 for purchase online at http://tickets.westkelownawarriors.ca or by visiting our office. Please call ahead as we are currently on summer hours. Please note all Saturday games are now at our new 6:00 pm start time.

Centennials Looking For Goaltender:

Since 2017 there had been a consistent face in the Merritt Centennials' crease. Brought to Merritt in a Halloween 2017 trade with Nanaimo, Austin Roden began a battle with Cents goalie Jake Berger for the role of number one netminder. The two goalies would share the crease throughout the rest of the season, but when playoff time came around Head Coach Joe Martin tapped Berger to be his starter in what ended up a four-game sweep at the hands of Wenatchee.   Those would be Berger’s last games in a Cents jersey as he went on to Minnesota State University. That cleared the path for Roden to take over entering the 2018-19 season as the heir apparent number one goalie. Roden would backstop the Cents to a 27-11-0 record with a .912 save percentage. Roden was leaned on heavily by coach Martin due to backup Vincent Duplessis being sidelined with injuries. Roden who was named BCHL player of the week in the final week of the regular season would see his Centennials’ career end similar to Berger’s before him, bowing out in the first round of the playoffs versus Trail. Thanks to his stellar year, he was able to grab the attention of the University of Nebraska-Omaha where he’ll begin his collegiate career this year. Roden’s departure left Duplessis as the only goalie left in town heading into this offseason.  But now as a new season appears on the horizon, Duplessis finds himself on the way to Manitoba thanks to a massive three-player trade swung earlier this week to acquire Matt Osadick. The trade made one thing abundantly clear, new Head Coach and GM Barry Wolff isn’t afraid of pulling the trigger on a big deal, even if it means creating a massive hole on the depth chart. “It wasn’t an easy decision, it wasn’t really a move we wanted to make, but it’s hard to find goal scorers like Osadick,” said Coach Wolff. “You always have to give up quality to get quality. It’s hard losing Duplessis, but it’s a business move and something we had to do.” Wolff went on to mention how he believes it’s easier to find a quality goalie than a top-line scoring talent like Osadick. However, finding not only one but two goalies has certainly now jumped to the top of Wolff’s to-do list as the season nears. “We’ll figure it out and there’s lots of time before now and camp. We’re obviously looking to find a veteran goalie for that hole. We may have that done before camp,” said Wolff. The countdown has officially begun with zero goalies on the roster and camp opening on August 19.

Bulldogs Name Smith New Assistant Coach:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that Brandon Shaw has joined the Bulldogs in the role of Assistant Coach & Player Development Coordinator. Shaw spent the last two years as an Assistant Coach with the Merritt Centennials, working under current Bulldogs’ Head Coach Joe Martin. Prior to joining Martin’s staff in Merritt, he worked as an Assistant Coach with the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Cambridge Winter Hawks. “I’m extremely excited to work with the Bulldogs and their first class staff and ownership,” says Shaw. “I’m very familiar with Joe and believe that he’s not only one of the best coaches in the hockey world but also one of the best people and mentors. I’m looking forward to working Joe, the rest of our staff and players, and the recruits we have coming into the Bulldogs organization. There’s the potential for these players and our team to be great and do great things.” “I’m also very excited to be a part of the Alberni Valley community. Every time I’ve visited Port Alberni over the past two years they’ve had a great fan base that brought excitement into the building. Port Alberni is a place where players, coaches and the whole organization can thrive with that type of great support.  I’m looking forward to helping our players earn college scholarships while we work towards building a team that will compete for a National Championship.” Last season, Shaw helped guide the Centennials to their best record since the 1978/79 season, winning 36 games and finishing in a tie with Penticton for first place in the Interior Division. “I’m very happy to add Brandon to our coaching staff in a new role for the Bulldogs,” says Head Coach Joe Martin. “His skill set in player development and analytics will help our current players grow as they’re being pushed on the ice and his scouting experience will continue to bring new and exciting players into our program.” The Bulldogs will open Main Camp at the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Monday, August 19th and open their exhibition schedule at home against Powell River on Thursday, August 22.

2019-20 Penticton Vees Spotlight: Colton Kalezic

Growing up in Toronto, there was no shortage of hockey for Colton Kalezic to get his eyes on. With hundreds upon thousands of youngsters getting their start in the minor hockey system in the largest Canadian city, it can be an overwhelming place to start, “Playing in Toronto, it’s easy to get lost at some points,” said the 6’2″, 176-pound forward, “But it’s some of the best minor hockey in the world and there was plenty of competition but I had a great minor hockey experience in Toronto.” The Toronto, Ontario native remained close to home in playing three seasons with the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, joining the team as a 16-year-old. Kalezic went on to play in 145 games for his hometown squad, amassing 54 goals and 60 assists for 114 points over that span while also registering 58 penalty minutes in three seasons. Playing in your own backyard is an experience like no other and one Kalezic was able to live for the majority of his Junior ‘A’ career. “It was a great experience to play for the Patriots and playing at home,” Kalezic continued, “Having my parents be able to come out to most of the games as well as making plenty of friends while I played there and I learnt a lot through my 16-year-old season. The team was pretty hard on me, which I’ve come to appreciate, and definitely made me the player I am today.” During his final season with the Patriots in 2017/18, a season which saw Kalezic post 51 points in 46 games, the right-handed shot found himself suiting up for Team Canada East at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in Truro, Nova Scotia. “I had a lot of motivation to wear the Maple Leaf on my chest and I made the team as the last forward,” Kalezic went on to say, “I went on to have a great  tournament but the hardest part was making the team in the first place.” A great tournament, indeed, as Kalezic finished the WJAC with two goals and four assists for six points in his team’s four games, which tied for the tournament lead in scoring.  An overtime loss to the eventual Gold Medal winning Team Canada West squad pushed the East side into the 5th place game and semi-final contention where the team defeated Switzerland by a 3-2 score in overtime, a game in which Kalezic found the back of the net. Kalezic found himself in unfamiliar territory and moved away from home for the first time in his hockey career as he spent his 19-year-old season with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League. In 47 games played, Kalezic finished his season with 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points while adding 37 penalty minutes and finding the transition, as an older player, a relatively seamless one. “I made a lot of new friends and had a great year in Tri-City,” Kalezic mentioned, “Our team was very good and the coaching staff was awesome to deal with. We ended up being knocked out of the playoffs in the conference final but I had a great experience playing there last season.” “Obviously, it was my first time I had been playing hockey away from home but once I got there, I was home sick at all but more so excited to be there,” Kalezic continued, “Going there as a 19-year-old, it didn’t take me long to adjust and get used to the hockey culture in an American city after playing in Canada for all of my life but I’m really looking forward to coming out West and playing in Penticton this year.” The newly minted 20-year-old, as of July 21st, will head West for the first time in his life to play for the Vees, something that the Northern Michigan University commit is excited to come and do, “I always knew that Penticton was a first class organization and the players that have been through the system there and Northern Michigan said it would be an option for me to play there and I thought it would be the best place to finish my Junior career. The tradition and the culture is tough to pass up on.” The winning culture of the Vees is something that drew the future Wildcat to the South Okanagan and, after playing on Patriot teams that fell short of their ultimate goal, Kalezic has one thing in mind for his 20-year-old season, “I want a championship,” Kalezic stated, “Over the years, I’ve learnt about what it takes, how much you need to sacrifice and how many hours you need to put in on and off the ice to get yourself ready for a long season. It all starts in the dressing room and having the team be together as one.” Wearing a letter in two of his three seasons in Toronto, Kalezic knows that a good culture comes from strong leadership, something he is not shying away from, “I plan on stepping into that role and being a leader,” mentioned the forward, “I’m coming in as one of the older guys on  the team and I know what it takes in order to win and I’m willing to do that on and off the ice.

BCHL Next Generation: Langley Rivermen

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.

Next up is the Langley Rivermen. 

The Rivermen finished fourth in the Mainland Division last season, but proved to be a tough out for the regular-season champion Chilliwack Chiefs in the first round of the BCHL playoffs. Langley actually took a 3-0 series lead over Chilliwack, but the Chiefs ended up winning four straight to take it in seven and advance to the second round. This offseason, the Rivermen have made a pair of trades for players who played in the league last season. Head coach Bobby Henderson is hoping these new additions can use their BCHL experience to his team’s advantage in 2019-20

Will Dow-Kenny (2000, D)

  • Hometown: Abbotsford, B.C.
  • Previous team: Vernon Vipers

Dow-Kenny split last season with Chilliwack and Vernon, making it all the way to the Fred Page Cup finals with the Vipers. He had nine points in 47 games last year.

Henderson’s scouting report:

“I had some familiarity with him already. He started last season with Chilliwack and played major midget here in the Valley the year before, so we got to see plenty of him the last couple years. He was the captain of his major midget team, so he’s got some leadership ability. One thing I liked about him is he’s tough to play against. Our forwards were always aware when he was on the ice. We thought a little bit of sandpaper was something we’d like to add to our back end.”

Jonathan Stein (1999, F)

  • Hometown: Delta, B.C.
  • Previous team: Nanaimo Clippers

The 20-year-old was dealt to the Brantford 99ers of the OJHL in June before being acquired by Langley two weeks later. Stein had 24 points in 55 games with the Clippers last season. He also played for the Cowichan Valley Capitals the year prior where he had 15 points.

Henderson’s scouting report:

“He’s a local guy that we’re pretty familiar with. We actually had him at camp a couple years ago and he just about made our team. Unfortunately, it was numbers thing that season. Obviously, he went on to Nanaimo last year. I thought he was a kid that showed improvement throughout the course of the season. I feel like he’s a guy that could potentially break out as a 20-year-old. He’s got some experience in the league and he’s shown in some instances in the past that he’s able to produce. I think it’s just a matter of finding the confidence to do it consistently in the league.”

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