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:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs Name McCaig Goaltending Coach:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are pleased to announce that Jamie McCaig has joined the Bulldogs in the role of Goaltending Coach. McCaig brings 12 years of coaching experience to the position, including time spent working with the WHL’s Kootenay Ice, the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials and the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints. Jamie played in the BCHL with Prince George, Penticton and Merritt before embarking on a successful university career split between the University of Brandon and the University of Lethbridge in USports. He then suited up professionally in the ECHL with the Alaska Aces and Victoria Salmon Kings before turning to coaching. “By adding Jamie to our program we’re giving our goalies one of the best and highly respected goalie coaches around,” says Bulldogs head coach Joe Martin. “Jamie and I have worked together in junior hockey for eight years, including a few events with Hockey Canada. I’m behind Jamie 100% on what he can do for our tandem in net going forward.” McCaig was recently named the Director of Operation for Team Canada West at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge in Dawson Creek after serving as their Goaltending Coach the previous two years. 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: Ty Amonte
With 37 points in 58 games during the 2016/17 season, Ty Amonte helped the Vees to a BCHL Championship and a RBC Cup appearance. Three seasons laer, his younger brother Tristan looks to complete the same feat and bring a National Championship to the South Okanagan in the year 2020. The younger Amonte plays a little different style of hockey than his brother but the two grew up with a strong relationship and continue that today, “He’s always been someone I looked up to and had the chance to play with him for two seasons at Thayer Academy,” Amonte mentioned, “I watched him play a lot growing up and he was a great influence and heard nothing but good things from him about Penticton.” The hockey bloodlines run deep in the Amonte family as father Tony played 1,174 National Hockey League games split between five NHL franchises before being inducted in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010. For Tristan, having those kind of role models in his life has made a big impact on his hockey career and life in general. "After every game, my Dad always has something to let me know about,” Amonte said, “He’s got one of the best eyes for anyone who has coached me or talked to me about hockey and he’ll give it to you straight. Whatever he tells me is probably right so I’ve got to take it and work with it but having him be there every step of the way has been invaluable.” Thayer Academy is where Tristan spent four seasons playing High School hockey on the East Coast of the United States, including two with his brother, but the overall experience was one Amonte will never forget, “It was a very special team to play for with a lot of rich history down at Thayer,” Amonte stated, “We had a lot of good players come through the school and I had a few really good seasons there and it was a great spot to play.” One of Amonte’s teammates, in fact linemates, in his final season at Thayer was incoming Vees forward Jay O’Brien. The 5’10”, 165-pound forward Amonte put up his best numbers over his time at Thayer in his senior season, registering 10 goals and 39 assists for 49 points in 30 games during the 2017/18 campaign before finishing his four-year tenure with 23 goals and 93 assists for 116 points in 123 games played. “I know Jay very well having played on the same team and the same line as him and it’s always good to have someone you know coming in with you,” Amonte said, “I actually know a couple of guys on the team already including Steven Holtz who I played with last season in Youngstown so it’s always good to have that chemistry right away and fit in with the guys.” The Norwell, Massachusetts native played his first season of junior hockey in the 2018/19 campaign for the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League but is looking forward to making his way West for the upcoming season, “We had a good team and a good group of guys last year,” said Amonte, “Personally, I don’t think it was the best fit for me and I know Penticton is a spot where I’ve heard a lot of good things and I think with the way I play and the role I can fill, it will be a good fit.” Growing up in a hockey rich state like Massachusetts made for an exciting childhood for Amonte, who said there was elite level talent everywhere you looked in the The Bay State, “It’s great growing up in Massachusetts, you always see guys you grow up idolizing around the rink,” Amonte mentioned, “I remember growing up, I played for the South Shore Kings and watching the ’97 team and they had players like (Noah) Hanifan and (Colin) White, just so many great players that you could go watch play for the same team, just at an older age group.” When it comes to the style at which Amonte models his game around, one name comes to mind, “Matthew Tkachuk,” Amonte said, “I think he’s gritty player but also plays with a great amount of skill and play a finesse spot around the net but not be afraid to get into the dirty areas of the ice, which is the style of game I like to play.” “I like to work,” Amonte continued, “Getting into the areas on the ice that you have to go to retrieve the puck and I like to use that to also create a bit of offence. It’s not always the highlight reel play that gets the job done and I’m not afraid to go into those spots on the ice and fight for the puck.”
Schovanek Commits To Surrey Eagles:
The Surrey Eagles organization is pleased to announce the commitment of 2001-born forward Gabe Schovanek for the upcoming 2019-20 season. Schovanek played with the Pacific Coast Hockey Academy last season alongside fellow Eagles recruit Sean Ramsay, recording 23 goals and 52 assists for 75 points in only 36 games. Schovanek with Ramsay and linemate Kyle Brown terrorized the CSSHL last season, scoring seemingly at will when they stepped onto the ice. While Ramsay notched the majority of the goal-scoring, Schovanek was known for his skilled playmaking ability – leading his team and finishing second in the league in assists. The chemistry between Schovanek and Ramsay was something that both players wanted to keep going into their junior careers. Eagles head coach and associate general manager Cam Keith fully agreed that keeping both players together was important, making the commitments to both players an easy decision. “We’ve played on the same team for the last three years,” Schovanek said in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca “Only just last year we started playing on the same line. We had that chemistry together. In the summer we work together, we work out together, we’re trying to do everything together, so [going to Surrey] seemed like the right thing to do.” Bringing in the CSSHL’s single-season scoring record holder along with the player who set him up the most seems like a no-brainer of a decision. Schovanek contends that the pair still have a lot to work on. He says they aren’t taking the opportunity for granted, working out and getting stronger each day, but also understand that there are other areas of their game that they need to work on as well. “I think coach Keith expects us to perform offensively,” explained Schovanek. “With that being said, we still need to clean up our defensive game a little bit. Last year was a bit tough at times. We had to do a lot of the heavy lifting up front, which made us take our foot off the gas pedal a little bit on the defensive end. We’ll definitely have a more well-rounded mindset going into next year, and we’ll try to do our best at both ends of the rink.” As for why he chose Surrey over a variety of other options, Schovanek emphasizes the importance of having a connection with the coach. He had an instant rapport with Keith and felt like his new coach cared about his development – something that he didn’t feel with other coaches around the league. “No other coach felt as interested, or cared about us as much as Cam,” Schovanek revealed. “I think having that level of trust with your head coach is a big thing. Surrey looks like a great place to live, the rink is nice. It all happened quickly, but it felt right. I think Cam has done a great job recruiting and bringing in the best guys to give us the opportunity to succeed. Now it’s on us. He’s done his job, he believes in this group, now it’s up to us to prove him right.” Looking forward to next season, Schovanek wants to continue to get stronger in the gym in preparation, but also can’t hide his excitement to begin the season playing on South Surrey Arena’s Olympic-sized ice surface. “I would describe myself as a playmaking winger. I’m always looking to make a pass or create something. The Olympic-sized ice is more skating, but it also gives you more time and space, a little more opportunity to be creative offensively and make things happen. I’m pretty excited about that. It should fit into Sean’s game a little better because he’s a great skater, but I think I’ll be able to keep up.” Welcome to the team, Gabe!
Powell River Kings Name De Caria New Broadcaster:
The Powell River Kings are thrilled to announce the hiring of Dante De Caria as the team’s new Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations. Dante joins the Kings after spending the previous four years as Broadcaster and Head of Communications for the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the CCHL and the Ottawa West Golden Knights of the CCHL2. He also brings in experience working in baseball, working as a communications intern for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017 and as a Broadcaster and Communications Assistant for their Class-A affiliate, the Lansing Lugnuts in 2018 to current. “I’m super excited to be a part of the Powell River Kings organization and the city of Powell River.” Says Dante, “It’s been one of my dreams and goals to reach the BCHL. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started. I’d like to thank the Ottawa Jr. Senators, the Ottawa West Golden Knights and the CCHL for helping start my hockey career. The past four years have been a lot of fun.” Dante will be starting in mid-August and we look forward to having his energy around the team and to see what new elements he brings our awesome fans!
Cowichan-Penticton Trade:
The Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the team has acquired forward Lach Hadley (’00) from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for future considerations. Hadley, 18, brings experience to the Vees lineup, playing in 99 career games in the BC Hockey League split between the Victoria Grizzlies and Capitals. The 5’10”, 175-pound left handed shot has posted 6 goals and 10 assists for 16 points while adding 69 penalty minutes in that span. The Victoria, BC native has played all of his hockey on Vancouver Island, suiting up for the South Island Royals of the BC Major Midget League during the 2015/16 season where he posted 17 goals and 31 points in 40 games played before joining the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) and Shawnigan Lake ahead of playing for the Grizzlies full time in 2018. The Vees would like to welcome Lach and his family to the South Okanagan and the Vees organization.
Next Generation: Nanaimo Clippers
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 Nanaimo Clippers.
The Clippers were one the youngest teams in the BCHL last season and that was by design. Head coach Darren Naylor, who took over midway through the 2017-18 season, had a plan that he set in motion last offseason and has continued into this summer with the addition of several new players. “We really wanted to put our stamp on it last year and bring in the type of team that we wanted,” said Naylor. “We built a young team and went through last year and had a decent season. This year, in year two of the rebuild, we’ve taken a big step in solidifying the goaltending and some of the forwards we brought in to surround the guys from last year, so I think it’s a really good fit. “Usually on a rebuild it takes three years, but I think in year two we’re going to have a really strong team.”
2019-20 commits
Timmy Washe (2001, F)
- Hometown: Detroit, Mich.
- Previous team: Victory Honda U18 (T1EHL U18)
- Commitment: Western Michigan University (2020-21)
Washe was the leading scorer on his major midget team in Detroit with 31 points in 27 games.
Naylor’s scouting report:
“He’s a player that we identified at the US Nationals. He’s a big, strong, physical centreman who is going to be a good 200-foot player for us. He plays the way I like, so he just caught my attention. He was the captain of his team and was the leader of that squad. It wasn’t the strongest of teams, but you could see his compete level was pretty high.”
Brandon Buhr (2002, F)
- Hometown: Burnaby, B.C.
- Previous team: Vancouver NW Hawks (BCMML)
The 17-year-old had 15 goals and 28 assists for 43 points in 39 games last year. He also played one game for the Coquitlam Express as an affiliate.
Naylor’s scouting report:
“He’s a boy that I have some familiarity with. I coached him back in the Atom, Peewee days at the Burnaby Winter Club. He’s a kid who just scores goals. He’s a big, strong boy for his age, he’s probably pushing 6-foot-2. He’s got a real knack around the net and he can just bury. When the puck is on his stick, it usually ends up in the net. If he plays with the right guys and in the right situations, he can score some goals for us.”
Cade Cavallini (2000, F)
- Hometown: West Vancouver, B.C.
- Previous team: West Van Academy Prep (CSSHL)
Born in West Vancouver, Cavallini played his youth hockey in Oakland, Mich. before coming back to play for his hometown team where he spent the last two seasons. He had 56 points in 34 games last year and led his team in goals with 28.
Naylor’s scouting report:
“I watched him and you can tell he has the hockey IQ as well as an unbelievable shot. He shoots the puck properly. He has the potential that, if he’s in the right spot, he’s a guy that can put the puck in the net. I’m looking forward to seeing if he can do it at the next level. He’s been out skating a couple times and I’ve been impressed with him.”
Blake Wood (2001, G)
- Hometown: Nanaimo, B.C.
- Previous team: Nanaimo Buccaneers (VIJHL)/Cowichan Valley Capitals
Wood will play for his hometown team after also playing Junior B in Nanaimo for the past two seasons. The 18-year-old played 14 games for the Cowichan Valley Capitals last year as well.
Naylor’s scouting report:
“We want a good tandem where the goalies push each other. He’s a local boy and he’s a player I’m familiar with through spring programs. He’s a year younger than [my son] Jordan, so I watched him play for a lot of years and I’ve always thought, for his age group, he’s probably one of the top-two goalies. I think with some confidence under him and a solid defence group that lets him see the shots he should be seeing, Blake could be a real asset.”
Travis Walton (1999, F)
Hometown: Abbotsford, B.C.
Previous team: Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
After getting into a pair of games as an affiliate for the Chilliwack Chiefs in the 2015-16 season, Walton played the last three years in Kamloops.
Naylor’s scouting report:
“He’s a big, strong guy who can shoot the puck and he competes really hard. He maybe just needs to get some confidence back after jumping up to the WHL and not being given the right opportunities. He brings a real leadership factor to the room too. He’s a real calming presence. On the ice, I’m looking for him to provide some big minutes and put some pucks in the net as well.”
Acquired via trade
Trevor LeDonne (2000, D)
- Hometown: Stoney Creek, Ont.
- Previous team: Brantford 99ers (OJHL)
LeDonne was the third-leading scorer on his team last year in Brantford, putting up 35 points in 47 games from the blueline. He spent the last two years in the OJHL, suiting up for the Oakville Blades prior to joining the 99ers.
Naylor’s scouting report:
“He has pretty much every element we’re looking for. When I watched him play, I thought he reminded me a little bit of a Scott Stevens in a way. He’s not as big, but he plays tough like that and he can move the puck and play in all situations. We’re really happy with that pickup. We felt we needed at least one more high-end defenceman to round out our top four and he fits in really nicely.”
Liam Ryan (2000, F)
- Hometown:New Westminster, B.C.
- Previous team: Surrey Eagles
The fifth player on our list born in B.C., Ryan started last season with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL before joining the Eagles. He put up five goals and four assists in 22 games for Surrey last year.
Naylor’s scouting report:
“He’s a player who I go back to the minor hockey days with at Burnaby Winter Club. He’s another guy I like because he competes hard. He needs a little more ice-time and a little more confidence, but I think he can be a really good contributor.”
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