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:
Kushniryk Returns To Prince George:
The Prince George Spruce Kings will have Wil Kushniryk back in their line-up after he was taken off the Hitmen’s active roster. The 19-year-old has no points in six games with Calgary and four games with Tri-City this season. He has two goals and two assists in 19 BCHL games with PG
Warriors Fire West:
The West Kelowna Warriors Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club announce that Brandon West has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach and General Manager. The organization is pleased to announce that Simon Ferguson will take over as Interim Head Coach. Ferguson takes over after being at the helm of the Okanagan Rockets Major Midget team for the last two years. Owners John Murphy and Rod Hume issue the following statement: “We want to thank Brandon West for his efforts as our Coach and GM. He is a true professional and we wish him the very best in the future. This decision is about becoming a better hockey club now and in the future. We are charting a new course and building a new culture. Simon Ferguson has impressed us with his ability to lead, his hockey acumen, and his energy. We expect our players to respond well to his leadership and we look forward to supporting him in every way.” Ferguson brings a wealth of experience to the Warriors. During his playing career, Ferguson was able to hoist a Memorial Cup with the Kelowna Rockets(WHL) and Calder Cup with the Portland Pirates(AHL). Fergsuon then spent the next ten years playing for a variety of pro teams throughout North America and Europe. President Chris Laurie adds: “With more than a third of the season left, we owe it to our players and fans to make a push to turn this season around. Our players understand the challenge ahead and embrace the opportunity to compete for a playoff spot. We are excited to give Simon Ferguson the opportunity to lead this hockey team and see if he can spark the group.”
No Facial Injuries, But More Head Contact ‘The Norm’ With Full Facial Protection For Jr. “B” Hockey In BC
In 2018, a new rule came into effect for three junior hockey leagues in B.C. The Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL), and the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) now require that 16-20 year old players wear full face cages instead of visors. They’ve played a full season with the cages but whether the change has made the game safer overall is being contested. One coach pushed for the cage rule and made his team comply a full season before it’s official implementation. Head Coach Brad Tippett says it was an easy decision to make. “As we moved along the process the question moved from why would we do this to why wouldn’t we do this?” Brad Tippett is the brother of current Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Dave Tippett, and a former pro hockey player himself. Tippett says he reached out to his colleagues and teammates about the potential for full facial shields. “We polled a lot of people we talked to a lot of people from minor hockey people to a former NHL General Manager and connections that I had, and it’s funny because he was the one that was all for it.” The injury reports are now in after the first full season with the rule change. Facial injuries are down. But some involved with the game believe there is more head contact overall and question whether players are overly confident and are taking more risks. However, according to Dawson Campbell who plays for the Mission City Outlaws (PJHL), head contact has drastically increased raising concerns for his own safety on the ice. Before a game was played under the new rules, BC Hockey was forced into a legal battle about the change which some clubs labelled as “oppressive” at the time. The lawsuit was started because 40 of 41 member clubs wanted the power to choose whether or not they wore visors or full facial protection. The petition claims: “Forty of the forty-one teams in the three leagues were of the view that the actions taken by BC Hockey with respect to implementation of mandatory full face shields only for Junior B was discriminatory, would affect their recruiting and ultimately affect their business,” The case was thrown out by the Supreme Court of B.C. with the plaintiffs having to cover legal costs for BC Hockey along with their own. The rationale behind the change was based on the desire to reduce facial and dental injuries. It worked. A full season into the change, nearly all facial and dental injuries have been eliminated. BC Hockey statistics show that dental claims have gone down from 42 in 2017-18 to only four claims made in 2018-19. BC Hockey says all four claims were from accidents, not game play. Full facial cages also greatly reduced insurance cost. They dropped 71%. For a level of hockey which players still pay to play, the governing body made it cheaper and more accessible for teams to balance the books. With the introduction of full facial protection, injuries like those seen on the left were taken out of the game. But there has been a dramatic jump in the number of head contact penalties. BC Hockey says the new face cage rules had no relation to the jump in head contact issues. Sean Raphel BC Hockey Referee-In-Chief says the main driver behind the surge of head contact penalties at the Junior “B” level is an elevated emphasis on the rules, and not an actual increase in injuries. “We changed our emphasis on head contact that year (2018-19), at the Junior B level particularly, to attempt to eliminate calls like high sticking, and roughing. Other than accidental contact, anytime there was principal point of contact with the head, that it would be called as head contact, where there had been less of an emphasis on that” The statistics show there has been a large decrease in fighting, high sticking, and a small drop in roughing/elbowing. The largest drop-off is for fighting. BC Hockey reports had a 65% drop for 2018-19 from the three previous seasons. Despite a drop in fighting, some players say the game now has a different kind of violence. A report obtained from BC Hockey states that throughout all three Junior leagues in the province there were only four combined reported concussion injuries last season with insurance claims, with total concussion numbers not officially tracked. This both confuses and shocks team managers. Aldo Bruno from the Grandview Steelers (PJHL) says his team has already had two players with concussions at the end of November. “Why just us, why not them?” asks Aldo Bruno the President, General Manager and Governor of the Grandview Steelers (PJHL). He questions why Junior “A” players aren’t also required to wear full facial cages. Bruno says “at first there was major push back, but it’s been a pretty smooth transition since then, the only thing I keep hearing is why just Junior “B”, why not Junior “A”? The BCHL says there is ongoing discussion about changing the rules for Junior “A” as well. “There is definitely discussion going on about the face shield issue at the CJHL level and the BCHL is very much a part of these talks.” .Right now only BC, Ontario, and Nova Scotia are mandating full facial protection for the Junior “B” level. BC Hockey says they expect an announcement in the near future from Hockey Canada to make it uniform across every Junior “B” league in the country to swap their visors for full facial protection. Hockey Canada did not respond for further comment.
Prince George-Brooks Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired forward Mason Reeves from the Brooks Bandits in exchange for forward Ryan McAllister. The 6’4 forward from Waterdown, ON had 8 points so far this season as well as 78 penalty minutes with the Bandits before heading to the Spruce Kings. “We’re excited to add Mason. He’s a big body with skill who also skates well. He can play either the wing or up the middle” says GM Mike Hawes. “To add a big body that can play center was a big selling feature for me in this trade. I like the idea of adding some more size and strength to our forward group. Mason is also a young player who will be a great addition this year but also for the future.” McAllister finished with 5 goals and 9 assists in 37 games with the Spruce Kings before being traded to Brooks. “Ryan decided that playing here wasn’t working for him and he requested a change. We agreed that a change was best at this time. We wish Ryan good luck in Brooks.”
Salmon Arm Acquires Adams:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are pleased to announce they have acquired 2000-born goaltender Grant Adams from the United State Hockey League’s Sioux Falls Stampede. The 19-year-old played in 14 games for the Stampede this season, recording a 3-7-3 record and .897 SV%. The 6-foot-1 netminder attended Culver Military Academy prior to his time in the USHL, playing for the school’s prep team in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons. The South Bend, IN native had a .920 SV% in 24 games as a junior and a .918 SV% in 25 games in his senior year. “We are thrilled to add Grant added to our Roster and have him come in and compete right away this weekend,” Silverbacks general manager Brooks Christensen said. “Adding a goalie like Grant with his experience will help our team down the stretch in the second half of the season.” Adams currently has a commitment to St. Lawrence University in the NCAA. He will back up Ethan Langenegger in tonight’s game against the Penticton Vees. The Silverbacks would like to welcome Adams to the Salmon Arm community and the Silverbacks organization.
Coquitlam-Weyburn Trade:
The Coquitlam Express have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Kabir Gill(00)(D) to the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations
Ferguson Up To Challenge:
This time two weeks ago, Simon Ferguson was preparing to take his BCMML Okanagan Rockets to the prestigious Macs tournament in Calgary. He never made the trip. Instead, on Christmas Eve, Ferguson and the West Kelowna Warriors finalized a contract installing him as the club's fourth head coach in 16 months. While the Warriors sit in the basement of the 17-team BC Hockey League with just seven wins in 37 games, Ferguson says he has no qualms leaving the first-place Rockets for this challenge. "It's the next step in where I wanted to go and where I want to be," said Ferguson earlier this week. "I'm excited for the opportunity. There's a lot of work ahead of us, so boots to the ground." Some of that work will include earning the trust and confidence of the 23 players in the locker room. Ferguson says over the course of his 10-year professional career, he went through coaching changes where some players were happy with the move while some others were not. He says earning that trust is all about a buy-in from the leadership group. "When I come in, there will be some happy kids and some unhappy kids. "My job is to communicate and get everyone on the same page so we can all move forward in our careers the right way." While he hadn't talked with the entire roster, Ferguson says those he did speak with seemed to be excited about what they could do as a group over the final 21 games of the regular season. They won two of their last three heading into the Christmas break, and have generally played better since making several roster changes over the past six weeks. Ferguson has been behind the bench the past six years after ending a 10-year professional career that included a Calder Cup title with the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League. His coaching career to this point has been at the youth level, ascending to the major midget level before taking on the Warriors job. He feels everything he did the last two seasons with the Rockets is exactly what he would have wanted to do at a junior level. Ferguson says there will be some learning curves, but expects that to be eased somewhat by the fact he has coached a number of current Warrior players at different levels. He will also be aided along the way by current assistant coach Ayrton Nikkel and former Kelowna Rocket teammate Josh Gorges, who will lend a hand. As for style of play... "I just want us to be a team that controls the puck, has pressure all over the place and to score more goals than we are now," said Ferguson. "We want to be a team that's hard to play against and is consistent in the way we play." Things won't be easy for Ferguson and the Warriors out of the gate. They'll get two practices in before hosting league-leading Coquitlam Friday. The Warriors enter the stretch run three points behind Merritt with a game in hand.
Silverbacks Fire Atkinson:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have announced that Scott Atkinson has been relieved of his head coaching duties, effective immediately. “We want to thank Scotty for his commitment to the Silverbacks organization. Scotty left a lasting impression on all of Salmon Arm Minor Hockey and helped grow our connection with the Salmon Arm community,” Silverbacks general manager Brooks Christensen said. “At this time, Tyler Shattock will assume the role of interim head coach. He has the organization’s full support in his new position.” Atkinson was hired by the Backs on June 1, 2017 and compiled a 72-69-8-2-1 record in his two and a half seasons behind the bench. This season, Salmon Arm began the year 19-6-1 before falling into a 1-8-1 slide leading into the winter break.
Merritt-Coquitlam Trade:
The Merritt Centennials announced a trade today that sends defender Joey Berkopec (99) to the Coquitlam Express in exchange for future considerations. Berkopec was in his 3rd year as a part of the Centennials and was arguably their top defenseman. To date he had tallied 3 goals and 14 assists for 17 points this season, and in his Cents career he compiled 12 goals and 45 assists in 144 games. Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter says the move gives Berkopec a chance to win, and will help build the team moving forward. “We thank Joey for all his hard work with the Centennials for the last 3 years and we wish him all the best as he moves on to his next chapter with Coquitlam.” With the move Berkopec goes to the first ranked team in the BCHL.
Ferguson Returns To Chiefs:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are pleased to welcome Hayley Ferguson back to the organization as a member of the sales and marketing team in the Chiefs front office. Ferguson, who was a communications intern and in-stand host at Chilliwack Chiefs games during the 2014-2016 seasons, was mostly recently a reporter and digital journalist for Chat News on Chat TV based in Medicine Hat, Alberta.“We are excited that Hayley has decided to come home as a member of the Chiefs family,” says Barry Douglas, Vice-President – Business Operations. “Her talent and skills, and enthusiastic personality, will make Hayley an exemplary addition to our sales and marketing staff. Corporate partners, season ticket holders, and fans will be well-served.” Ferguson will officially begin her new role with the Chilliwack Chiefs on January 6, 2020. Welcome Hayley!
Newberry Joins Clippers Wall Of Honour:
The Nanaimo Clippers are honoured and excited to be inducting the second player into the Clippers’ Wall of Honour, which was first unveiled in November of 2019. The second player being inducted into the Wall of Honour will be the Clippers’ all-time leading pointsmen, John Newberry. He will be inducted on Sunday, January 12th when the Nanaimo Clippers take on the Wenatchee Wild at home. “This Wall of Honour was created to recognize outstanding past players for the Clippers. John Newberry was a dominant force for the Clippers and so his name deserves to be on the Wall” mentioned Wes Mussio, Clippers Owner. “Although he only played one season here, many of our old-time fans can recall what a season that was and how exciting of a player he was to watch.” Newberry tallied a total of 185 points in 65 games played, 84 goals and 101 assists, during the 1979-80 season. He went on to play two seasons with the University of Wisconsin where he received his scholarship from and won a National Championship, before signing with the AHL’s Nova Scotia Voyageurs. He was drafted 45th overall in 1980 by the Montreal Canadiens, where he played a few games for the Canadiens and the Whalers before heading to the Swiss league to round out his Pro career. “It’s a true honour to receive this accolade”, smiled John Newberry. “Although I only played one season in a Clippers uniform, it’s a time I cherish a lot and have a lot of great memories from.”
Trail-Merritt Trade:
The Merritt Centennials have sent F Matt Osadick (00) to the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for future considerations. Osadick was acquired by Barry Wolff in the off-season in exchange for goaltender Vincent Duplessis, forward Frazer Dodd and future considerations and came in with a lot of hype. Scoring 63 points in 45 regular season games and adding 18 more in 17 post season contests hopes were high that he’d be a scoring threat with the Centennials. Unfortunately, Osadick has had trouble getting his footing in the BCHL, tallying 3 goals and 5 assists in 36 games with Merritt. Head Coach and GM Derek Sweet-Coulter says that Osadick will get a chance to provide some secondary scoring in Trail. “Matt is a great person who was a tremendous citizen in the community of Merritt. I want to thank him for all his hard work on and off the ice this season.” The Merritt Centennials would like to thank Matt and his family for their contributions to the club and community during his time here and wish him well in Trail with the Smoke Eaters.
Prince George-Coquitlam Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired forward Haydn Delorme from the Coquitlam Express in exchange for future considerations. The 2000 born forward from Port Moody has played 64 games for the Express where he had 6 goals and 9 assists. Delorme also played 31 games last season in the Western Hockey League for the Portland Winterhawks. “We are excited to acquire Haydn,” says GM Mike Hawes. “I remember watching him a couple of years ago as a young player in Coquitlam and being impressed by his offensive abilities and solid overall game. He will bring experience, skill, and hard work to our lineup,” added Hawes.
Christensen Talks Coaching Change:
The BCHL Salmon Arm Silverbacks released Scott Atkinson from his head coaching and Assistant GM duties this week. The team has promoted assistant coach Tyler Shattock for the remainder of the season.
Centennials Sign Cooke:
The Merritt Centennials announced today that they have signed defenseman Chase Cooke (03) of the KIJHL’s Princeton Posse for the remainder of the season. A Merritt local, Cooke is no stranger to the team and fans. He’s suited up for 5 games this year as an affiliate, and has been a part of Cents training camps for the last two seasons. As a rookie with the Posse this season, Cooke has put up 6 goals and 15 assists in 29 games. He registered his first BCHL point, an assist, against the Trail Smoke Eaters last Friday. Head Coach and GM Derek Sweet-Coulter says that Cooke is the kind of player they want in this organization. “Chase is a great character who is committed to getting better every day and serving his community off the ice as well. He will be a big part of the culture we are building here in Merrit. We are extremely happy to add him and are excited to see his development this season and beyond.” The Centennials would like to welcome Cooke and his family officially to the team fold.
Grizzlies To Retire Bozak's Jersey #11
The Victoria Grizzlies announced Yesterday that the club will retire former Grizzlies Captain Tyler Bozak’s number 11 jersey on Friday, January 10th When the Grizzlies host the Cowichan Capitals at the Q Centre. Game time is 7:00 p.m. The night will include a video tribute, a special ceremony, as well as videos sent in from Tyler Bozak. Bozak spent three seasons with the Grizzlies/Salsa franchise and put up a whopping 228 points (91 goals,137 assists) in 170 BCHL games, good enough for 3rd all time in franchise points. Prior to signing a PTO with the Toronto Mapleleafs, Tyler played 2 seasons for the University of Denver. In the 2009-10 NHL season, the Regina native played his first NHL game with the Toronto Mapleleafs. Bozak then went on to play 8 more seasons in Toronto before signing a three-year contract with the St-louis Blues in the 2018 offseason, a move that proved to pay off. After his first season with the Blues, he can now call himself a Stanley cup champion, and one of the greatest Victoria Grizzlie’s of all time.
Prince George-Hawksbury Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have traded defenceman Cole Leal to the Hawksbury Hawks of the CCHL, in exchange for future considerations. “Cole requested a trade as he was not happy with his playing time. We were able to accommodate this for Cole and we wish him luck with his new team” – GM Mike Hawes.
Coquitlam-Victoria Trade:
We have made another trade ahead of the January 10th deadline. We have acquired goaltender Joe Howe from the Victoria Grizzlies in exchange for future considerations. Howe was born in 2001 and hails from Barrie, Ontario. The 6’2″ netminder spent the past 2 seasons with Upper Canada College in Ontario. Earlier this season, he committed to Cornell University for 2021-22. With the Grizzlies, Howe is 8-14-0 in 26 games played. He picked up a 45 save shutout in October and has a 3.91 GAA with a .898 SV%. Welcome to Coquitlam Joe!
Galloway Returns To Merritt:
No comments:
Post a Comment