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:
O'Rourke Joins Express:
The Express will have some extra firepower in their forward group with the addition of Ethan O’Rourke. His rights were acquired from the Prince George Spruce Kings along with future considerations (Tyler Schleppe) in exchange for Sam Kozlowski before last season. The 6’5″, 1999-born forward started this season with the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos. He has also played for the Everett Silvertips and Prince George Cougars. His last BCHL season was in 2016-17, putting up 5 points in 19 games. Ethan is the son of Steve O’Rourke, a BCHL alum who played 7 years of pro hockey before coaching in the AHL and WHL. Welcome to Coquitlam Ethan!
Penticton Awarded The 2021 Centennial Cup:
The Penticton Vees, along with the 2021 Host Committee and Hockey Canada, are pleased to announce the 2021 Centennial Cup is coming to Penticton and the South Okanagan Events Centre. 2021 will mark the first time the Vees and the City of Penticton will host the annual tournament which decides the National Junior ‘A’ Champion. The final Centennial Cup was awarded to the Calgary Canucks in 1995, with the tournament being re-named the Royal Bank Cup from 1996 to 2018. Starting in 2020, the tournament has been rebranded to its original name, the Centennial Cup. The Vees are no stranger to participating in the tournament, winning the 1986 Centennial Cup in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia and 2012 Royal Bank Cup in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Penticton has also been a part of three National Junior ‘A’ tournaments, playing in the 1985 Centennial Cup as well as the 2015 and 2017 Royal Bank Cup. “With our organization about to celebrate its 60th anniversary of Junior A hockey, we are very appreciative to have been awarded the 2021 Centennial Cup,” said Vees Head Coach, General Manager and President Fred Harbinson, “It is our mandate to raise the standard of this tremendous event both on and off the ice; the next 20 months will be extremely memorable for all Vees fans young and old.” “It’s an honour to have Penticton announced as the host community for this great Canadian Junior A national hockey championship,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “The tradition of hockey in Penticton needs no introduction; our local team and facilities are some of the best you’ll find anywhere, as is our love for the game and status as World Champions. The Centennial Cup will see the entire SOEC complex in use, with wider benefits for the whole community. I look forward to welcoming the players, coaches, families and spectators to Penticton.” Vees season ticket and club seat members will have first access to 2021 Centennial Cup tickets with information and details on ticketing being released at a later date.
BCHL Buys Warriors:
The West Kelowna Warriors are under temporary new ownership. The BC Hockey League has entered into an agreement to purchase the Warriors from embattled owner Kim Dobranski. Dobranski tells Castanet News the sale is expected to be complete by the end of the month. At the same time, the league will seek a new owner or group to permanently take over the franchise. "When I rescued the team about two years ago, it was never my intent to be a long-term owner," Dobranski told Castanet. "I wanted to be a stop-gap owner. My goal was to eventually have less and less of an interest in the team." The Warriors have struggled out of the gate this season, attracting an average of about 500 fans per game. In order to break even, Dobranski said last month the club would need to average double that. However, he says the poor attendance and other legal issues with his former business partner and former coach, were not the reason for the move at this time. "These don't happen overnight," he said. "This opportunity came to me before the season even began." "There have been some challenges with my ownership. If I had to do things over, I probably would have done some things differently, but I did what I had to do." Dobranski said he achieved what he set out to achieve when he took over the team from previous owner Mark Cheyne, keeping the team in West Kelowna. "Had I not stepped in, there would be no team. There would have been no hockey for two years. "I hope people will understand I worked tirelessly to keep the team here. That's all that really matters." Dobranski says he knows there are parties interested in buying the team. That job now rests with the league.
Salmon Arm Arena Told To Upgrade Ice Chilling System In 2020 Or Face Closure:
The ammonia leak at the Fernie Memorial Arena that killed three workers in October 2017 has prompted a $20,000 design plan to upgrade the Shaw Centre in 2020. Darby Boyd, general manager with Salmon Arm Recreation, reported to city council that during the ice plant shutdown this year, Technical Safety BC (TSBC) required a test of the ammonia chillers, after being in use for 20 years. During the testing and subsequent remediation work, management was informed by TSBC that the facility would have to close unless an engineer approved the work. Some corrosion was found. “Fortunately, our refrigeration contractors were able to secure an independent approval as required,” Boyd reported. But the chillers must be replaced. Boyd told council that Salmon Arm’s are one of the few in the province that are 20 years old. Coun. Kevin Flynn said there’s no question what happened in Fernie was a tragedy and there’s no question it put a spotlight on chillers. What isn’t clear, he said, is if the Shaw Centre chillers are old enough to be replaced. Boyd said determining the rate of corrosion is up to engineers. The $20,000 he requested would fund the design work for the chiller replacement. “I think it’s not in question that Technical Safety BC can close the arena without question. Technical Safety BC is not being very flexible at this time,” Boyd said. Flynn asked for confirmation that if management doesn’t move on having the chillers replaced, the arena could be closed in the new year. “Yes, that’s what we’ve been told,” Boyd said. Coun. Debbie Cannon, who sits on the board of the recreation society, said she knows the need for the work and its cost were unexpected. “I definitely heard Darby’s stress at the time.” She said she thinks being proactive and getting the chillers ordered is a good plan. Technical Safety BC issued a news release Oct. 17, urging continued vigilance B.C.-wide regarding ammonia safety. It stated: “Technical Safety BC’s incident investigation report published on July 25, 2018 revealed that the tragic ammonia release at the Fernie Memorial Arena was caused by decisions to operate an aging ice chilling system past its service life and with a known leak.” It also provided 18 recommendations in October 2018. Chelsea Van de Cappelle, the city’s chief financial officer, explained that Boyd was not asking for an increase in funds but a reallocation. She said council was being asked to approve taking $20,000 from the Shaw Centre Major Maintenance Reserve, which has more than $400,000 currently, and moving it to the Shaw Centre Chiller Replacement Design Fund. While the design work will begin this year, the actual chiller replacement is expected to begin in May of 2020. In addition, Boyd pointed out that, for other reasons, the Shaw Centre currently has a $42,000 budget deficit while the SASCU Recreation Centre has a $38,000 budget surplus. Van de Cappelle proposed that the rec centre budget be reduced by $38,000 and reallocated to the Shaw Centre operating budget. Council approved the changes unanimously.
Kushniryk Joins Spruce Kings:
The Spruce Kings are thrilled to announce that forward Wil Kushniryk has been added to the roster. Kushniryk has played 115 total WHL games with both the Tri City Americans and the Kelowna Rockets. “Wil is a veteran player who will give us some size and strength up front while also providing some leadership”, says GM Mike Hawes. “I feel that we aren’t playing a heavy enough game up front on some nights. The addition of Wil should help address this issue.” The 6’5, 210 pounder will be on the Spruce Kings island road trip this week. Welcome aboard, Wil!
Buskey Leaves Smoke Eaters For Western Hockey League:
Buskey leaves Smoke Eaters for new opportunity Trail, British Columbia (October 22nd, 2019) – The Trail Smoke Eater announce that goaltender Donovan Buskey has left the team to pursue a new opportunity in the WHL. Buskey who had his playing rights traded from the Prince Albert Raiders to the Regina Pats on Monday has elected to play in Regina. Buskey, in his 18 regular season games in Trail, had eight wins and eight loses. This season Buskey posted a record of 3W-4L with a GAA of 3.83 and a SV% 0.874.
Coquitlam-Grande Prairie Trade:
Defenceman Joseph Borthwick has been traded to the Grand Prairie Storm of the AJHL. The Northville, Michigan native picked up 3 points in 10 games with the Express, including a game winning goal on September 29. We wish Joe the best of luck in Grand Prairie.
Salmon Arm-Bonnyville Trade:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Aidan Curran(01)(F) to the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the AJHL in exchange for future considerations
Merritt Centennials Make Changes To Hockey Operations:
The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce some new additions to their hockey operations staff. Taking over from the now retired Brian Barrett in the position of Director of Hockey Operations will be John Stuart. Stuart has over 20 years of hockey experience in managing, scouting, and recruiting from the grass roots level to the CSSHL, BCHL, and WHL. Stuart says he’s excited to carry on the legacy of Brian Barrett and will continue to do whatever he can to help the club. “For the past decades, Brian has been instrumental to this club. I just want to carry on and keep this team on a positive note, and keep them moving in a positive direction. Anything I can do to help the team, I’m willing to do.” Assuming the roles of Assistant Coaches will be Paul Barnes and Zach Wright. Barnes will be charged with overseeing the forwards, while Wright will be in charge of defense. Both coaches are long time Merrittonians. Barnes worked his way through the minor hockey ranks to make the hometown Centennials in 1987, and played parts of 5 seasons with Merritt registering 174 points in 205 games. He joins the Centennials with over 20 years of coaching experience. Wright played Junior B in the KIJHL, and has been a part of the Merritt Midget coaching staff for 6 seasons – the last 3 as head coach. He also served as a special assistant last season, when Head Coach Joe Martin was away with Team Canada West. Stuart says both will make excellent additions to the coaching staff under Derek Sweet-Coulter. “Both of them have very calming influences, both of them have strong ties to Merritt. I like what they both bring to the table. Paul is an offensive guy and can help on the forward side of the puck, and Zach is a defensive guy that can help run the defenders. I think the fit with Derek is going to be perfect.” In addition, the team has also added a new Goaltending Coach in Mike Loewen, and a Video Analyst in Levi Stuart.
Penticton-Kanata Trade:
The Penticton Vees acquired Ho from the Kanata Lasers of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) in exchange for future considerations. Ho, 19, began the 2019/20 season with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL, playing in four games. The North Vancouver, BC native is a veteran of 80 WHL games split between the Blades and Vancouver Giants and is no stranger to the BCHL, scoring 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points in 33 games with the Vernon Vipers last season. “Tyler Ho will give us depth and experience up front,” Harbinson continued, “Tyler played in the BCHL Final last April.” The Vees would like to welcome Carl, Tyler and their families to the organization and the South Okanagan and would like to thank Derek for his time and contributions to the Vees and the City of Penticton.
Coquitlam-Weyburn Trade:
Forward Dante Ballarin has been traded to the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations. The New Westminster native tallied 1 assist in 12 games with the Express this year. Last season, he suited up in 3 games as an AP while serving as the captain of the Vancouver NE Chiefs of the BC Major Midget League. We wish Dante the best in Weyburn.
Powell River-Trail Trade:
The Powell River Kings have acquired ’02 born defenceman Jordan Hendry from the Trail Smoke Eaters for ’99 born goaltender Matteo Paler-Chow. Hendry, 17, joins the Kings after playing 16-games (0G/2A) with the Smoke Eaters this season. The Surrey, BC native played for the Valley West Giants (BCMML) for two previous seasons, scoring eight goals in 80 career games. Paler-Chow, 20, played in 50 games over parts of three seasons with the Kings. The Vancouver, BC native took the Kings to the BCHL Semi-Finals in 2017/18, posting a 2.43 GAA and a 0.925 SV%. “Moving Matteo (Paler-Chow) is great as Trail has a great program,” said Kings Head Coach Tyler Kuntz. “He’s going to get the opportunity to mentor a good young goalie, while also coming in as a guy who can be reliable for them down the stretch.” The Powell River Kings would like to thank Matteo Paler-Chow for all of his hard work and dedication to the Kings organization. “I like Matteo (Paler-Chow) and I love the Paler-Chow family,” added Kuntz. “He’s a great young man, and he did a great job for the Powell River Kings while he was here.”
Penticton-Nanaimo Trade:
The Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the acquisition of defenseman Colton Kitchen (’01) from the Nanaimo Clippers in exchange for future considerations. Kitchen, 18, has 44 games of BCHL experience split between the Clippers and Chilliwack Chiefs, posting 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points in that span from the back end. The Prince George, BC native spent a season with the Cariboo Cougars of the BC Major Midget League ahead of his time in Junior ‘A’. “With the injury that Ethan Martini sustained last weekend that has now placed him on IR, we were left with 5 defensemen,” commented Vees Head Coach, General Manager and President Fred Harbinson, “Colton has BCHL experience to round out our defense core.” The Vees would like to welcome Colton and his family to the organization and South Okanagan.
Prince George-Powell River Trade:
The Powell River Kings have acquired ’99 born goaltender Derek Krall from the Penticton Vees to complete an earlier trade, and ’02 born forward Brett Pfoh from the Prince George Spruce Kings for future considerations. Krall, 20, made six starts for the Vees this season, going 5-1 while posting a 2.86 GAA and .896 SV%. The Nanaimo, BC native affiliated for the Kings during the 2017-18 season (3-1, 2.08 GAA / .947 SV%) before signing with the Vees for the 2018-19 season. “That position (goaltending) has been a big concern,” said Kings Head Coach Tyler Kuntz. “It’s something I’ve been working hard to fix, and hopefully Derek (Krall) is that answer for us. Giving Derek Krall an opportunity to come in and play more minutes is huge as he’s earned this opportunity. We think it’s a good fit as he oozes confidence out of his shoes, and that’s something we really need.” Pfoh, 17, joins the Kings after playing 15 games (2G/3A) with the Spruce Kings this season. The Port Moody, BC native is a Bowling Green University commit and played for the Burnaby Winter Club Prep last season, scoring 19 goals and 37 points in 34 games. “He can skate, he can think the game and he has a great shot,” added Kuntz on his new forward. “He’s a good young talented player that will have to come in and earn his ice time. He also comes from a great program (BWC) that’s turned out good hockey players. I’ve worked with him at a lot of camps so we’re both familiar with each other.” The Powell River Kings organization would like to welcome both Krall and Pfoh to the roster.
Surrey-Trail Trade:
The Surrey Eagles have made one of the largest trades in the B.C. Hockey League, and have traded captain and 00 born defenseman Cody Schiavon to the Trail Smoke Eaters for 99 born forward Liam Freeborn and 00 born defender Kieran O’Hearn. In a corresponding move, the Eagles also traded Juliano Santalucia to the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Grande Prairie Storm for future considerations. Starting with what the Eagles received, the package for Schiavon was significant. Freeborn is a 20 year old forward who played on Trail’s top line with the BCHL’s top 2 leading scorers in Kent Johnson and Michael Colella. Freeborn started the year off slowly, but has found his game of late has 7 points in his last 8 games. For the season, Freeborn has 4 goals and 4 assists in 16 games played. Kieran O’Hearn is the other player coming in the deal, and is another experienced BCHL defender who’ll look to shore up the blueline with Schiavon’s absence. The 19 year old blue liner from North Delta has played in 17 games this season, and while he only has 1 goal and 3 assists, his defensive presence has been key for the Smoke Eaters in their resurgence back up the standings. However, these 2 potential impact players came at a large cost. Cody Schiavon has been one of the faces of the team for the past 2+ years, and his impact around the team and in the community was tremendous. Cody has been a standout citizen off the ice, and a true leader on it this season, with 4 goals, 6 assists at 38 penalty minutes in his 17 games played this year. For his Surrey Eagles career, Schiavon finishes with 113 games played, 10 goals, 32 assists, and 94 penalty minutes. Schiavon also earned a commitment to Yale University for the 2020-21 campaign during his tenure with Surrey. A trade like this is never easy to make, and Cam Keith told us so in a quick interview with Surreyeagles.ca. “This was a difficult decision, but I felt it was in the best interest of Cody moving forward. He was an excellent leader, and a true representation of what it means to be a Surrey Eagle. He always played with his heart and soul, and gave a lot back to his community. He’ll truly be missed by everyone in the organization.” In a corresponding move, the Eagles sent Juliano Santalucia back to the AJHL. Santalucia was one of the last pieces acquired in the Ty Westgard trade, but his Eagles career didn’t go as planned. Santalucia was injured to start the season, and couldn’t find himself regular playing time with the 7 other defensemen on the roster who had learned the new system the Eagles coaches put in place. He played in 4 games this season, with no points and 6 penalty minutes. We’re extremely excited to welcome Liam and Kieran to the Surrey Eagles. We’re also thankful for all of the hard work Cody Schiavon and Juliano Santalucia gave to this organization, and wish them the best moving forward.
Ex-Warriors Owner Claims He Was Forced To Sign Former Coach:
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