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:
Curran Commits To Silverbacks:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are excited to announce the commitment of 2001-born forward Aidan Curran for the 2019-20 BCHL season. The 18-year-old winger suited up last season for the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs in the National Collegiate Development Conference, where he was named rookie of the year, with 12 goals and 37 assists for 49 points in 50 games. His 49 points were the most in the NCDC among players 18 or younger. “You look around the league at some guys who put up similar numbers to him in that league and they’re off to pretty good starts, so we think we’ve got a pretty good player in him,” Silverbacks assistant coach and assistant general manager Tanner Cochrane said. “Obviously excited for him to choose us to continue his junior career before he heads off to [college]. We’re excited at the prospect of what he can bring to our team with his speed.” Curran has committed to the University of New Hampshire Wildcats for the 2020-21 season. Last season, the 5-foot-11, 180 lb. forward was also named to the NCDC all-star team. This past summer, he was selected in the sixth round of the USHL Entry Draft by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, 84th overall. The Silverbacks would like to welcome Aidan to the organization.
Eagles Announce Final Commitments:
With the Surrey Eagles off and running to kick off their 2019-20 campaign, the Eagles are getting set for their home opener tomorrow night against the Coquitlam Express. With the roster finalized, the Eagles are proud to announce the commitments of forwards J.J. Fecteau, Jesse Carr, and Akash Bains along with defenseman Jason Lin to the team for the upcoming season.
JJ Fecteau
Starting off with JJ, the former roller hockey phenom will be the oldest rookie, and player in the league this year as the 20 year old forward turns 21 on January 12, 2020. Fecteau has numerous clips online when he was younger as he danced his way around a number of roller hockey opponents, many who were older than him at the time. After a year in which he was able to post 19-32-51 in 42 games played with the Connecticut Jr. Rangers of the United States Premier Hockey League. He’ll look to be an emotional leader while chipping in where he can offensively. “Coming in as an older guy, I’m just going to try and be a role model for some of the younger guys who are looking to make an impact. Just keeping my composure, setting an example and producing as much as possible.”
Akash Bains
The 2nd 20 year old committed to the roster, Akash Bains joins the Eagles after a season in the WHL as a member of the Everett Silvertips. After an injury plagued year which saw him only score 5 goals and 9 points in 25 games, Bains decided to finish his junior hockey career back home, as the Delta native doesn’t have to travel too far to play at the South Surrey Arena. The former Silvertips forward has played his last 3 seasons in the WHL, and will be a veteran presence in a locker room filled with younger guys looking to make an impact at the BCHL level. “Obviously I’m an older guy coming in. So leadership, all around play and helping lead this great group here to a lot of wins.” Bains added, “I base my play around being a 200ft player, and doing everything. So I’m looking to bring that to the Eagles this year.”
Jesse Carr
While Jesse Carr is the youngest of the 3 forwards the team committed out of main camp, the Eagles continue to add some older players as the 2000 born Carr will join the team from the Columbia Valley Rockies of the KIJHL. There’s no doubt Carr was excited, and he expressed his feelings in his interview with Surreyeagles.ca. “I’m super excited, I’m really looking forward to a good year with a great group of guys and coaches.” After a season of Junior B hockey which saw him put up 18-16-34 in 45 games played in Columbia Valley, the Calgary native was blunt when asked what he’s looking to bring to this year’s team. “My speed, and my puck movement; being able to create space for myself and my teammates.”
Jason Lin
On the defensive side, the Eagles shored up their blueline with the addition of 2002 born defenseman Jason Lin. The Coquitlam born defender comes to the team after a year in which he put up 8-12-20 in 27 games played with the Burnaby Winter Club Prep team of the CSSHL. Lin also suited up for 3 games for the Coquitlam Express last year, and was able to net an assist. The young puck moving defenseman looks to bring that element of his game to the Eagles this year. “I’m a quick, puck moving defenseman and I like to have fun with my game. So the fans can expect some fast skating, and some good plays and passes all through the year.”
Cam Keith’s Thoughts
All 4 of these players are going to bring a different element to the team for the upcoming year. From the mature leadership and veteran presence of JJ Fecteau and Akash Bains, the speed of Jesse Carr, and the poise of the young Jason Lin. There’s a lot of excitement around these 4 players for the Eagles for this upcoming year. Cam Keith sat down and offered his thoughts on what he expects from each of these players moving forward. Starting with JJ, Keith notes he comes from an unorthodox background but it excited to see how he can translate. “Well JJ is an interesting story where his background is unconventional for the BCHL. He’s a kid who I just happened to find in video, and fell in love with his game… He has an incredible mind for the game, and he just needs to adjust to the high tempo game of the BCHL. With JJ, it’s a wait and see approach, but if he reaches his full potential he’s going to be an impact player in the league.” For Bains, the biggest thing for him will be making sure he’s fully healthy for the upcoming year. “He was an effective player in the WHL, but unfortunately he’s had some injury problems for the last few years. He’s going to take some time to settle into the league and find his role, but with a kid like him we’re expecting him to produce offensively and be a leader for this team.” A surprise out of main camp, Jesse Carr showed up and zipped around the ice with an incredible skating stride. Cam Keith certainly noticed. “Jesse’s a kid that took us by surprise. He had a really good spring camp, but you never know if it’s going to translate through main camp and exhibition and it did. He just keeps surprising us everyday… Hopefully he makes the adjustment [to the BCHL], and with his speed and IQ level I think he will. However, every player has to have that mental battle about what’ll work in the league and what won’t, so his success will hinge on how fast he can make the adjustment.” Finally, Jason Lin came to Eagles camp a little later on, and only got into 1 exhibition game before the season got underway. However, Cam Keith and his staff jumped all over the Coquitlam product and are happy to bring him in. “Jason plays the game at a high tempo. He’s a younger kid, but our team is built on players who move pucks and read plays at a high level consistently. Jason fits that mould, he’s a kid that can read and react very fast, and has the ability to produce offensively as well. He’s a new hybrid defenseman, but will take some time to adjust to the league as a 17 year old. Long term he’s going to be really good defenseman, and we’re all excited about having him here.”
Meet Salmon Arm’s Nathan Kanter:
The BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks have a new broadcaster and social media manager for the 2019-20 season. Nathan Kanter spent some time in the SJHL calling games for the Battlefords North Stars and as sports director for 1050 CJNB. A graduate of Western University’s Master’s of Journalism (MAJ) program in 2015, Kanter has a real knack of giving fans more insight to the game while profiling the players on and off the ice.
Chilliwack-Powell River Trade:
The Chilliwack Chiefs have traded 2001-born forward Jacob Slipec to the Powell River Kings in exchange for future considerations. Thank you, Jacob, for all your hard work on the ice and in the community. Good luck in Powell River!
Lawsuit Blamed On Parent:
The owner of the West Kelowna Warriors has reiterated his claim a lawsuit brought on by his former business partner is over a refusal to let her son play on the team. In court papers filed earlier this week, Warriors owner Kim Dobranski stated the sole reason Xiaorong Liang sought to end their financial partnership is because he, and head coach Brandon West, determined her son, David Wang "was unsafe to play in the BCHL full-time in the 2019-2020 season." He claimed, Liang "invested in the Warriors for the main purpose of placing her son on a team in the BCHL," adding the determination of Wang's ability was allowed under the terms of the agreement. "The Plaintiff, refusing to accept the objective assessment of her son, David Wang, immediately sought to end the contractual agreement between the Plaintiff and Defendant, Dobranski, despite the said actions placing the Defendant in difficulties with the BCHL, and requiring the Defendants to take on unexpected financial risk." Wang is now playing for the Cowichan Valley Capitals. Dobranski says Liang's financial position with the Capitals contravenes the league constitution, regulations and bylaws. Liang filed suit in early August, claiming Dobranski breached their contract, and asking that a $300,000 investment in the team, plus other payments, be returned. She claimed she purchased 30 per cent of the team for $300,000, and made three further payments of $95,000. She stated Dobranski breached the contract by not keeping her apprised of employment issues with then head coach Geoff Grimwood and a refusal to let her see financial records pertaining to the operation of the team. Dobranski, in his response, has denied both allegations, saying the facts in her suit were "misrepresented." He stated Liang was kept fully informed on issues concerning Grimwood, and that he had met all financial obligations of the club, and provided financial information to her "on a timely basis." Dobranski is claiming it was Liang, not he, who breached the contract. None of the allegations has been tested in court. A court date has not been set.
Cowichan-Prince George Trade:
The Cowichan Capitals have acquired 2000 born defenceman Nolan Barrett from the Prince George Spruce Kings in exchange for 2001 born forward Kolton Cousins. Barrett, from Glen Ridge, New Jersey, is in his rookie BCHL season. So far he has played 7 games, yet to record a point. Barrett comes from the Skipjacks U18 program out of the United States Premier Hockey League, where last year he scored 6 goals and finished with 23 points, 4th most on the team and most amoung defenceman. Barrett stands 6’1″ and weighs 174 pounds. He is also committed to Merrimack College once he finishes playing junior hockey. Cousins spent this season and last as a Capital, playing 78 games with Cowichan, between regular season and playoffs, including 4 as an affiliate player in 2017-18. He tallied 6 goals and 10 assists. The Capitals would like to thank Kolton for all of the work he put in as a Capital, and wish him the best up in PG.
On The Bench With Trevor Miller:
Time for another episode of On The Bench. This week, our guest is Vees defenseman Steve Holtz!
Kings Sign Badal:
The Powell River Kings have signed ’01 born forward Jacob Badal. Badal, 17, appeared in 60 games with the North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights last season, posting 30 points (14G, 16A), 10 penalty minutes and a -16 plus/minus rating. The Flushing, Michigan native is committed to Western Michigan University for the 2020-21 season. “He’s got good size, he’s got a good shot and he has a history of scoring goals,” said Powell River Kings head coach Tyler Kuntz. “I think anytime you can add a player who can score goals to your lineup, you gotta do it.” The 6’1″, 201-pound forward spent his minor hockey career (2014-2018) in the Michigan arena, playing for Little Caesars Bantam AAA and Honeybaked U16, accumulating 157 points (69G, 88A) in 186 career games. Badal posted career highs in 2017-18 while playing for Honeybaked U16, scoring 22 goals and 56 points in 40 games. “I’m excited to get an opportunity to join such a tremendous program, where I can learn and develop my hockey skills,” said Badal, who is one of seven committed players on the Kings roster. Badal was a teammate of Kings defensman Davis Pennington throughout minor hockey and with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights last season. “Me and Davis (Pennington) have known each other for a long time, and it’s nice to have somebody that I’ve known for awhile here,” added Badal.
Prince George-Lloydminster Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired defencemen Mason Waite from the Lloydminster Bobcats in exchange for forward Mack Stewart. The 6’2 190 defenceman finished with 24 points in 55 games last year with Lloydminster where he had five goals and 19 assists.
Merritt-Cowichan Trade:
The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce they have acquired forward Joshua Kagan (00) from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for future considerations. Kagan, a Winnepeg, Manitoba native, spent last season with the Winkler Flyers in the MJHL before coming over to the Capitals this year. With the Flyers he had 11 goals, 14 assists and 25 points over 48 games. At 5’11 and 165 pounds, the left shot winger has been one of the leading scorers for the Capitals with 4 goals and 3 assists in 7 games played. Head Coach Barry Wolff says that he’s glad to be adding some offense to the lineup. “Josh is a kid that I had the chance to watch last year in the Manitoba league. He has a lot of skill, and early on he’s proven he can transfer those skills to the BCHL. We look forward to having him in the dressing room and on the ice.” Unfortunately, the Cents will no longer be procuring the services of Jerzy Orchard from the Kamloops Blazers after his rights were acquired by the Saskatoon Blades. The Cents would like to welcome Josh and his family to the Nicola Valley.
Powell River-Fort McMurray Trade:
The Powell River Kings have also traded the playing rights to ’00 D Kyle Pow to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in exchange for future considerations. Pow, 19, suited up in 17 games for the Kings last season after coming down from the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. The Nanaimo, BC native also played for the Rockets during the 2017-18 season, posting three assists in 36 games. “We’d already made our commitments to our players so I told Kyle (Pow) that we would do everything we can to make sure he gets to a spot where he wants to go,” said Kuntz. ”That was the case for him, and we wish him nothing but the best because we just loved. We wanted to do anything we could to help a kid like him.”
Nanaimo-Omaha Trade:
The Nanaimo Clippers have made their most important deal of the 2019-2020 season by acquiring veteran USHL forward Steven Agriogianis from the Omaha Lasers of the USHL for future considerations. Agriogianis is a 1999 born forward who will definitely be a top 3 forward in the BCHL. He broke into the USHL playing for the U-17 US National team as a 16 year old and has since played 147 games in the USHL over 4 years accumulating 50 points in the process. In 2018, he was the first overall draft pick in the NAHL, which speaks volumes as to the skill set of Agriogianis. He is also slated to attend Penn State University in the NCAA Division 1 for the 2020-2021 season. Agriogianis is a 5 ft 10 in 170 lb right winger that comes for Florham Park New Jersey. He is a high skilled speedy forward that is no doubt going to be highly successful in the BCHL. Wes Mussio, owner of the Nanaimo Clippers, noted; “I am very familiar with Agriogianis. I remember seeing Steven at the Brick Tournament at age 10 when he was a dominant player for the Connecticut Yankees. I then watched him a few times in minor playing in the New Jersey Colonial program, a team that won the US Nationals. Last year, scouting the Central Illinois Flyers of the USHL, I reconnected with him and saw that he remained an elite level player. Steven is going to be a key player on the Clippers for his 20 year.” Darren Naylor remarked; “The Clippers have been impressive in terms of defensive zone coverage this year leading the league in goals against but the team has been underachieving offensively. I always thought we needed to add another top 6 forward to the line up to increase the offensive thrust of the team. Agriogianis is just that player. He has excelled at all levels and will be a big part of the Clippers for his last year of junior hockey. I can’t be more excited with this new acquisition.”
Powell River-Drayton Valley Trade:
The Powell River Kings have dealt ’00 F Matthew Byrne to the Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations. Slipec, 17, scored one goal in six games with the Chilliwack Chiefs this season. The White Rock, BC native played for the Chiefs last season, totaling one goal, eight assists and nine points in 43 games. Prior to the BCHL, he played at Delta Hockey Academy and the West Van Academy. “He’s a kid that really competes hard,” said Powell River Kings Head Coach Tyler Kuntz. “Jack Brackett and Jacob Paler-Chow navigated and drove our energy bus, and right now it’s empty, so a kid like Jacob (Slipec) can come right in and jump in the driver’s seat.” Byrne, 19, played in four games with the Kings this season, tallying no points. The Penticton, BC native scored four goals and nine points in 29 games last season after he was acquired in a trade from the Penticton Vees mid-season. In his final year of midget, Byrne set career highs in goals (26) and points (54) in 35 games at Okanagan Hockey Academy Red Prep. “He’s got some friends that play for Drayton Valley so I think it’s important when you move a player out of province that there is a natural fit there,” said Kuntz. “We want to make sure we take care of the kids that leave the team, and he’s someone we want to help. He’s a great kid, great teammate and he makes everyone on the team, including the coaches laugh.”
Scott & Ormsby Join Wild:
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