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-Fort McMurray Trade:
The Bulldogs announced on Wednesday that Forward Ethan Jones has been traded to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the AJHL for future considerations. Over parts of two seasons, Ethan played 54 games with the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs would like to thank Ethan for his time with the Hockey Club and wish him all the best in the future. The Bulldogs will play two games at the Dawg Pound this week. Friday against Coquitlam and Saturday against West Kelowna.
West Kelowna Warriors Sold:
The West Kelowna Warriors have been purchased and will immediately begin to operate under new ownership. The new owners are principal owner, John Murphy, and local resident, Rod Hume. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hume plan to be very involved in the day to day running of the team and will assume the roles of Governor and Managing Partner, respectively. “It is with great excitement that Rod Hume and I take over the West Kelowna Warriors,” said Murphy. “We share a passion for hockey, for developing student athletes, and for the great community of West Kelowna and the greater Okanagan region. The Warriors have been a successful franchise in the best college track Junior A league in the country and we intend to continue this tradition. The past few years have been a period of instability for the franchise and today that changes. Our mission is to consistently compete for Cups, to provide an environment where young men can develop into college hockey players, and to be a positive force in the community. We have a plan and can’t wait to get started.” The new owners will continue to operate the team out of its home, Royal LePage Place. The Warriors have over half of the 2019-2020 BCHL season still to play. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hume envision creating a development model that benefits the Warriors and the community. “We want to create a program that is second to none in terms of development,” Hume said. “This can start even before players reach the Junior age, and we want to be supporters of youth hockey in the region. Once here, our players will receive first class training both on and off ice and will be put in an environment that prepares them for the next step in hockey and education.” The deal to purchase the team was reached with the BCHL, completing the ownership transition. “The ownership of Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hume is going to provide the city of West Kelowna’s BCHL team with the resources it needs and ensure it continues as a pillar of the community,” said BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb. “We look forward to seeing the plan they have shown the League for growing their team come to fruition.” Mr. Murphy commented further, “I want to thank previous owner Kim Dobranski and his staff for their efforts operating the team during challenging times. I also want to thank former owner, Mark Cheyne, who built the tradition that we intend to live up to. Our number one goal is to bring a Cup back to West Kelowna. We want this entire community to feel a part of this effort and look forward to a great partnership with our fans.”
Salmon Arm-Green Bay Trade:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are thrilled to announce they have acquired 2001-born forward Luke Mylymok from the United State Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers. The 18-year-old had six points (3G, 3A), 27 shots on goal and 38 penalty minutes in 14 games for Green Bay this season, including a two-goal performance last weekend against the Muskegon Lumberjacks. All six of his points have come in the last nine games. Last year, the 5-foot-10 forward recorded 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 62 games with the Gamblers, finishing second on the team in rookie scoring. “We feel like we’re adding some offensive power into our lineup that we can inject into our top-six. He’s a gritty player — he plays the game the right way,” Silverbacks assistant coach and assistant general manager Tanner Cochrane said. “He checks all the boxes that we want for a Silverback.” As a 16-year-old, Mylymok led the Notre Dame Hounds of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League in scoring with 61 points in the 2017-18 season, where he was teammates with current Silverback Coalson Wolford. The Hounds won the midget AAA national championship that season — the Telus Cup — where he tallied 13 points in seven games. “Obviously some familiarity — he was a Telus Cup champion with Coalson Wolford,” Cochrane said. “He comes from a hockey background, a hockey family.” A native of Boise, Idaho — where his dad Jeremy played professional hockey and won an ECHL championship — Mylymok has a commitment to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for the 2020-21 season, who are currently the two-time defending NCAA champions. The Silverbacks would like to welcome Mylymok to the Salmon Arm community and the Silverbacks organization.
Alberni Valley Multiplex Closure Enters Third Week:
Bureaucratic red tape is keeping the Alberni Valley Multiplex closed for a third week, after Technical Safety BC refused to approve an inspection without more information. “We had the impression that this would be resolved quickly to the satisfaction of Technical Safety BC, but they have now raised additional questions,” City of Port Alberni CAO Tim Pley said in a statement released late Friday night (Nov. 15). “Therefore, for planning and safety purposes, the Multiplex will remain closed while the city continues to work with Technical Safety BC and the manufacturer to address the new requirements.” The Multiplex has been shut down since Nov. 3 when a low-pressure ammonia leak was detected in the compressor room of the facility. City officials discovered a small amount of ammonia vapour was leaking from a crack in a weld of the new ice refrigeration plant that had been installed in April. The original crack was repaired, and further testing revealed a total of nine cracks or fissures in the original weld. Geo Tech Industries repaired the cracks with the guidance of metallurgic engineers from Acuren Industrial Services and with the support and agreement of Accent Refrigeration, which originally installed the ice plant, and Isotherm Inc., the manufacturer. All parties concurred that the faulty weld was a manufacturing failure, according to the city. “City staff and elected officials are passionate about the programs and services the city provides and are disappointed that the closure continues to affect these programs and services,” Pley said. “We regret the impact this is having on our user groups.” Technical Safety BC now requires the city to prove the refrigeration plant has been shut down; provide a documented procedure for monitoring the plant while it’s not in operation; and requires the manufacturer to provide a “fit-for-service” assessment that takes into consideration the integrity of the entire ice plant unit. Technical Safety BC will not permit the city to turn on the ice plant and reopen the Multiplex until these conditions are met, Pley said. Laura McLeod, a spokesperson with Technical Safety BC, said in a prepared statement that TSBC wants to ensure the refrigeration unit is repaired in compliance with applicable industry codes and standards, “inspected by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and declared safe to be put back into service. “Technical Safety BC has reasonable cause to believe these cracks could be indicative of systemic manufacturing problems and have opted to take this vessel out of service until it can be recertified by a professional engineer.” The TSBC statement said the timeline for work to be completed “is dependent on the contractors and the manufacturer. “We understand the impact a rink closure like this can have on a small community and are sympathetic to those who have been affected, including sports teams that have had to reschedule tournaments. However, public safety is our top priority. “An ammonia leak from refrigeration systems has the potential to cause injury or even death to employees, emergency response personnel, members of the public using the facilities, and those living in the nearby area. We saw this with the fatal Fernie ammonia release that killed three people, and we feel it is essential to take all precautions to prevent a similar incident from happening again.” The closure has affected minor hockey, figure skating, adult hockey programs and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the BC Hockey League. The Bulldogs postponed a home game Nov. 15 that should have been family night with players’ families travelling into Port Alberni for the weekend. The Bulldogs will be playing their Sunday game against Trail Smoke Eaters in Campbell River at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena (starting at 2 p.m.). Bulldogs’ president David Michaud explained in a press release that due to Trail’s schedule, it would not be possible for them to return to Port Alberni later in the season. “We’re extremely disappointed to be in this position,” Michaud said. With no ice in the Multiplex, the status of the Bulldogs’ home game against Prince George Spruce Kings on Tuesday, Nov. 19 is up in the air.
Warriors Add Mofford To Roster:
The West Kelowna Warriors Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the addition of F Deegan Mofford (‘01) to the team’s roster after his release from the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Mofford, 18 is excited for the opportunity to get some quality ice time with the Warriors, “I’m very excited to meet the management, players and the fans in West Kelowna”, stated Mofford. “I cannot wait to see what the future brings with the Warriors organization.” Mofford was drafted 45th overall by the Rockets in the WHL Bantam Draft back in 2016. Prior to his Western League experience, the Rocky Mountain House, AB native scored 19 goals and added 17 assists for 36 points in only 29 games in the 2018-19 season with the Red Deer Chiefs of the Alberta Midget Hockey League(AMHL). “We look forward to adding Deegan to our lineup”, stated Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Brandon West. “Deegan is a big power forward that can create offence for our group and he is excited to get started here in West Kelowna” The Warriors would like to welcome Deegan and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization.
Penticton-Victoria Trade:
The Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the acquisition of forward Darwin Lakoduk (’00) from the Victoria Grizzlies in exchange for forward Vincent Nardone (’00). Lakoduk, 19, comes to Penticton while in his second season in the BCHL, amassing 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points in 25 games with the Grizzlies this season. The 5’10”, 167-pound forward has played in a total of 79 games in the league, totaling 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points. The Edmonton, Alberta native also played a role in the leadership group of the Grizzlies as he was named an assistant captain at the beginning of the season. Prior to his time in Junior ‘A’, Lakoduk played a season with the Victoria Cougars of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) and led the team in scoring with 20 goals and 28 assists for 48 points in 48 games, including adding 3 goals and 12 points in 7 playoff games. Nardone, 19, was in his first season with the Vees, registering 4 goals and 4 assist for 8 points in 22 games. Penticton acquired the Rosemere, Quebec native in the summer from the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). The Vees would like to welcome Darwin and his family to the Vees organization and the South Okanagan while thanking Vincent for his time and contributions with the club.
Salmon Arm-Fort McMurray Trade:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have traded 2001-born forward Josh Zinger to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. The 5-foot-11 forward played in 13 games this season for the Backs, recording two goals and one assist. “He’s a great kid and hard worker, so this was a tough decision for us, but we feel like he’s going to get a good opportunity in Fort McMurray,” Silverbacks assistant coach and assistant general manager Tanner Cochrane said. “Just didn’t think he’d get the opportunity to develop as well here as he will there. We hope for all the best for him and hope he does well in Fort McMurray.” The Silverbacks would like to thank Zinger for his dedication to the Silverbacks and wish him well with his new organization.
Warriors Name Laurie New President:
The West Kelowna Warriors have named Chris Laurie their new President. Laurie will take over immediately and will oversee all elements of the hockey club and business operation. Chris was raised in West Kelowna and was the initial Marketing Director for the Warriors during their first 2 seasons from 2006 to 2008 under founding ownership Vision Sports Group. Chris went on to work in the AHL, followed by a 3-year stint as General Manager of the Amarillo Bulls of the North American Hockey League, which included a League Championship in his final year. In 2013, Chris moved back to the Central Okanagan to be closer to family and pursue other business interests. Chris Laurie commented, “I’m very excited to re-join my hometown franchise. I have many fond memories of my time with the Warriors and all the wonderful supporters I met along the way. I’ve always had an affinity for this organization and I look forward to helping turn it around. It is a privilege to work in hockey and I thank new team owners Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hume for entrusting me with this opportunity. This has become a storied franchise that has seen several peaks and valleys over its 13-year tenure and we need to do our part in providing a stable, competitive, entertaining product that will make our community proud. We will be active members of our community and will work in partnership with local organizations, starting in our own back yard with West Kelowna Minor Hockey. Our ownership is committed long term and we will invest the necessary efforts and resources to become a flagship BCHL franchise.” Principal owner, John Murphy stated, “Rod Hume and I feel very fortunate to bring Chris on as President. He is not only a proven executive with experience in all elements of the hockey business, but a true professional in every sense of the word. It is our commitment to the players, our employees, and the fans, that we intend to raise the professionalism of this organization. Hiring Chris is an important step in that direction.” Owner and Managing Partner, Rod Hume commented, “I have known Chris for several years and we have attended many Warriors games together. His passion for the game of hockey and for making game night a fun experience for all is palpable, and being from West Kelowna, he cares deeply about this community. We welcome Chris to the team and look forward to building a winning culture.”
Bulldogs Forced To Play Next Home Game In Parksville:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announced Saturday that Tuesday’s scheduled BCHL game against the Prince George Spruce Kings has been moved to Oceanside Place in Parksville BC due to on-going ice issues at the Port Alberni Multiplex. “We find ourselves in the same position we did with the Trail Smoke Eaters. We need to get this game in so we don’t have to force Prince George to return to the Island for a single game in the middle of winter when travel conditions are much less favourable for the Spruce Kings.” said Bulldogs president David Michaud. “While our frustrations are growing daily with Technical Safety BC and they’re unwillingness to approve the repairs and getting the Multiplex back up and running, we’re appreciative of the work the City of Port Alberni officials and the team at Accent Refrigeration are putting in trying to rectify this scenario for all user groups. It’s an unfortunate situation for all of us to be in and we’re anxious for life to get back to normal as soon as possible.” The same policy for ticketing will apply to Tuesday’s game as Campbell River. Fans holding a paid ticket for the game can simply swap the ticket at the Bulldogs office on Monday, or at the gate in Parksville. Tickets holders who are unable to attend can swap Tuesday’s ticket for a voucher good for any other 2019-2020 regular season game. Michaud finished by saying “I’d like to thank our fans and our sponsors for their support, and we’re especially thankful to the communities of Parksville and Campbell River for being so accommodating and welcoming of our hockey club.
Chilliwack-West Kelowna Trade:
The West Kelowna Warriors Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club have acquired forward Tyler Cristall from the Chilliwack Chiefs in exchange for future considerations. Cristall, 17, comes to the Warriors after spending this season with the Chilliwack Chiefs. The North Vancouver native has recorded 3 goals and 6 assists in 20 games played with the Chiefs. “We look forward to adding Tyler to our lineup”, stated Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Brandon West. “He is a smart, skilled player with good offensive instincts and will compliment our forward group now and the future”. Cristall spent last season with the Vancouver North West Hawks of the BC Major Midget League(BCMML) where he registered 32 goals and 31 assists in only 39 games played. The Warriors would like to welcome Tyler and his family to the Warriors organization and the City of West Kelowna.
Clippers Add Irwin To Wall Of Honour:
The Nanaimo Clippers are excited to welcome back to Frank Crane Arena former Clippers Captain and current Nashville Predator Matt Irwin. Irwin will be joined on-ice prior to the start of the game with his family, former billets, former coach Bill Bestwick and Clippers Owner Wes Mussio as he gets inducted into the Wall of Honour. Fans are asked to be in their seats early for the special ceremony.
Warriors Enter New Era:
New owners of the West Kelowna Warriors say they'll have to earn the trust of the community all over again as they look to brighter days ahead. Majority owner John Murphy and new team president Chris Laurie spoke to the media for the first time since Murphy and Kelowna resident Rod Hume officially took over ownership of the team over the weekend. Murphy says the new group prefers to look ahead, not back but acknowledges there will be some challenges. "I think we need to raise the level of professionalism of how the organization is run," said Murphy, who added hiring Laurie who has successfully run franchises in the U.S. was a logical first step in that process. "We can learn from the past, but we have to look forward. It's about building relationships, and that's what we're going to do." One of the big challenges facing the new group will be to get fans and corporate sponsors back in the building. According to hockeydb.com, the Warriors are 15th in the 17-team BCHL in attendance, average 589 fans per game over their first 10 home dates. However, since the initial ownership change was announced nearly a month ago, the average for the following three games jumped to 700. "We have to earn their patronage and we have to earn their loyalty," said Laurie. "We have to put a competitive product on the ice and give them good entertainment value for their dollar." He adds the group looks at this as an opportunity and a clean slate to built on. "If we have one ask of the community, that gives us a clean slate as well. "We are going to do everything we can to do this the right way, and bring back a championship calibre team on the ice. We're not going to win every game, but we want a competitive group out there, and that's where it starts." Laurie said he's excited to get started and implement a number of off-ice and marketing ideas. One of those is 'hockey happy hour,' where beer, cider and wine are two-for-one for the hour leading up to the national anthem. As for the future of the team in West Kelowna, Murphy says his group has no intention of going anywhere. "I think West Kelowna deserves, and can support a junior hockey franchise. We want to grow a fan base, and we're going to earn it every day. "It's our complete intention to be here. We have a long-term plan, we have the resources to invest in the business. "I think that's one thing that hasn't been done in the past."
Merritt-Estevan Trade:
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