BCHL News & Trades:

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-Swan Valley Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have added a big piece to their backend.  Today the Bulldogs acquired Defenceman Mattias Dal Monte from the Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for future considerations. The 6’4″ 220 pound Nanaimo product is tied for the scoring lead amongst Defenceman in the MJHL.  Dal Monte has collected 42 points (12G,30A) in 39 games and was recently named the Defenceman of the Month for December.  The 19 year old is no stranger to the BCHL, he played 79 games over the previous two seasons with the Merritt Centennials before being dealt to the Stampeders last August.  Bulldogs Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin, coached Dal Monte during his time in Merritt. “Adding a right handed Defenceman with over 100 games experience is a great step for our group. And by adding our second right shot, it will really helps us strategically in many situations” said Martin. Dal Monte is expected to make his Bulldogs debut this weekend and add some experience and leadership.  “Putting the cherry on top it’s Mattias, he’s an outstanding team guy who wants to win” added Martin.

Ghostriders Sign Balas:

The Fernie Ghostriders are beating the clock on the KIJHL’s trade deadline, just in time for a busy weekend with three games in as many days. Fernie has added a new goalie, Brett Balas. Head coach Jeff Wagner says Balas boasts a wealth of junior hockey experience. “We wanted to bring in a goalie with junior experience and we did that in Brett Balas,” Wagner says. “He was with the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL last year and spent time in the WHL this year. We’re really excited to bring him into the mix.” Balas’ junior career includes stints in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders and most recently with the Spokane Chiefs. He’s also suited up for the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The Ghostriders have moved goaltender Chance Griffith to make room for Balas on the roster.

Vees, Trail Pay Homage To World Championship Teams:

The Penticton Vees and Trail Smoke Eaters will pay homage to their storied hockey histories this weekend. The Interior Division arch-rivals will clash Friday at Trail’s Cominco Arena and Saturday at 6 p.m. at the South Okanagan Events Centre in the much-anticipated “World Championship Weekend”, presented by Canadian Tire. Vintage jerseys will be donned for the games between the Interior’s top teams, with Penticton wearing the white with blue and red trim jerseys from the Vees team that represented Canada and won the world championship in Germany in 1955. The Vees went undefeated in the competition, stunning the favoured Soviet Union 5-0 in the championship game. Trail will wear the orange jerseys that the Smoke Eaters wore when they represented Canada and won the world title in Switzerland in 1961, beating Czechoslovakia in the decisive game. Vees president, GM and head coach Fred Harbinson originally came up with the championship weekend idea in the off-season. “I think I just had too long of an off-season last year so you start thinking of different things to create a buzz,” said Harbinson. He bounced the idea off a receptive Trail GM and head coach Jeff Tambellini, whose grandfather, Addie, was a member of Trail’s 1961 world-championship team. Little did the coaches know at the time how important the two games would be in the standings. “It’s great that it worked out the way it did,” said Harbinson. “Two top teams in the division with a lot at stake and two storied hockey franchises that are known all over the world. I’m sure the players on both teams are going to be pretty excited and honoured to wear those jerseys.” The Vees will be auctioning the 1955 jerseys off on a live auction on their website starting Monday (Jan. 13) at 10 a.m. Both teams will be planning events to honour the world-championship teams at their respective venues. Legendary Vees world championship goaltender Ivan McLelland, who still lives in Penticton, will be on hand Saturday for the ceremonial puck drop. Harbinson is anticipating big crowds for both games, especially given how important the games are to both teams. “I’ve had a few people come up to me and told me they were at those games in the (early 1950s), and are looking forward to being here on Saturday,” said Harbinson. Harbinson said he is thrilled to be a part of it. “The history and tradition of Penticton and the Vees is what drew me here in the first place,” said Harbinson, now in his 12th season of a wildly successful tenure. “Our organization is so proud of the storied past and the culture that has been created here.”

Centennials Sign Johnston:

The Merritt Centennials are pleased to announce the signing of defender Brody Johnston (03) from the Kamloops Storm of the KIJHL. Johnston hails from Vanderhoof, BC and had 7 assists in 29 games with the Storm this season, his first in the KIJHL. Last season he spent time with the Cariboo Cougars, getting into games with the major and minor midget programs in the BCMML where he tallied 3 goals and 11 asssists in 34 games played. Head Coach and GM Derek Sweet Coulter says the Cents wanted to get ahead of the curve and get Johnston now. “For a younger player Brody knows his identity. He moves the puck quick, skates well, hits hard and has a high hockey IQ. He plays an aggressive style that will fit our small ice surface well. He has a high energy level and will do whatever it takes for the team to have success and he is extremely excited to be a Centennial. We identified Brody early on this season and have been keeping a close eye on him, and he will fit the culture we are trying to build in the locker room.” The Cents would like to welcome Brody to the team

Prince George-Grande Prairie Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired Defenceman and Prince George native Jarin Sutton from the Grand Prairie Strom in exchange for Future Considerations. “It’s always nice to add another local player to our lineup. Jarin is a great young man who plays the game hard and will provide some size, experience and physical play to our backend. He’s excited to be coming home and we’re excited to have him”. – GM Mike Hawes. Sutton had 19 points which included 6 goals and 13 assists with Grand Prairie. The ’99 born has 43 games of BCHL experience with the Victoria Grizzlies a couple of seasons ago.

Penticton-Alberni Valley Trade:

The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce the acquisition of defenseman Carson Hemenway (’02) from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in exchange for future considerations. Hemenway, 17, comes to the Vees after playing in 28 games with the Bulldogs, scoring a goal and 7 assists for 8 points on the season while adding some ruggedness with 22 penalty minutes. The Ladner, BC native suited up for the North Island Silvertips of the BC Major Midget League before coming to the BCHL, posting 3 goals and 16 assists for 19 points in 39 games played, along with 48 penalty minutes, during the 2018/19 campaign. The Vees would like to welcome Carson and his family to the organization and the South Okanagan.

Salmon Arm-Bonnyville Trade:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are excited to announce the acquisition of 1999-born defenceman Jeremy Gervais from the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Bonnyville Pontiacs, in exchange for future considerations. The Prince George native provides a mix of offence and sandpaper, tallying 35 points (7G, 28A) in 36 games this season for the Pontiacs, while leading the team in penalty minutes with 113 and serving as an assistant captain. Before the trade, Gervais had 21 points (2G, 19) in his last 15 games for Bonnyville, including a nine-game and five-game point streak. Last season, the 5-foot-11 rearguard recorded 41 points (8G, 33A) and 125 penalty minutes in 56 games. “Anytime you can add a player with a track record like Jeremy’s, it’s tough to pass up on,” Silverbacks general manager Brooks Christensen said. “He plays a style that is conducive to winning in the playoffs. We are excited to add a defenceman that can play in all situations and add a different element to our blue line.” Prior to his two seasons in the AJHL, Gervais suited up for the Nanaimo Clippers, posting 16 points (2G, 14A) in 48 games as a rookie in the 2017-18 season.

Cullen & Hora Leave Warriors:

The West Kelowna Warriors got some bad news with Lucas Cullen and Spencer Hora leaving the Warriors due to personal reasons. “Lucas and Spencer will be missed,” stated Warriors President Chris Laurie. “But ultimately their personal well being takes precedence over hockey”.  “The objective of this trade deadline was to maintain a competitive group for a playoff push and build for next season,” stated Warriors new President Chris Laurie. “In the moves we made this week, we believe we accomplished that”.

Bulldogs Sign Fahey:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have signed forward River Fahey. The Campbell River product will bring speed and experience to the Bulldogs. Fahey has spent the past two and a half seasons in the WHL suiting up for 95 games with Red Deer, Kootenay and Victoria.  “I really like his game, adding a player with WHL experience is great for our lineup. River has been skating with us and he has fit in well both on and off the ice” added Martin.  The 2001-born Fahey had 8 points in 24 games this season with the Royals. He is expected to make his Bulldogs debut this weekend.

Galloway Leaves Centennials For Western Hockey League:

Merritt Centennials D Tyson Galloway (03) will join the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL for the remainder of the season. The Merritt Centennials lost the services of 16-year-old defenceman Tyson Galloway for the remainder of the season when he was added to the active roster of the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. He has one assist in eight games with the Hitmen this season and two goals and three assists in 27 games with the Centennials.

Warriors Sign Morgan:

The West Kelowna Warriors Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club were busy the week of the BCHL’s January 10th Trade Deadline. The week started with veteran goaltender Brock Baier being dealt to the London Nationals(GOJHL) in exchange for future considerations. The Warriors then signed Scottsdale Arizona native Riley Morgan to fill in the open spot between the pipes. Morgan, 19, spent last season with the Winkler Flyers of the MJHL and took the first half of the 2019-2020 season off to deal with a family personal matter.

Championship Weekend For Trail Smoke Eaters:

The Trail Smoke Eaters will pay homage to their rich history on Friday when they host the Penticton Vees. Trail will don the replica jersey of the Smoke Eaters team that won the 1962 Allan Cup and played in the 1963 World Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. “It (the ‘63 team) celebrates the Canadian jersey and the Trail heritage because they were orange,” said Director of hockey and business operations, Craig Clare. “But it’s for everyone, we’re paying homage to all the world championship teams.” The Smoke Eaters won their first Allan Cup in 1938, and secured a 1939 and 1961 World Championship. Penticton will also be wearing replica jerseys from their 1955 World Championship team on Friday in Trail and Saturday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The tribute strikes close to the heart of Smokies head coach and GM Jeff Tambellini as his grandfather Addie Tambellini played for both the ‘61 and ‘63 Smoke Eaters. “It’s a pretty special one for myself and my family,” said Tambellini. “To have our guys wearing a jersey that Addie Tambellini wore and all those great players, this one is pretty special to me. I’m looking forward to watching those jerseys on the ice and I know there will be lots of friends and family in the building for both games.” A silent auction for the Team Canada Smoke Eaters jerseys opens at 6 p.m. Friday at the Smoke Eaters home game (table next to Spud Shack) and closes at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13. Jerseys will be sold with a starting bid of $250, with option of increasing bid by $25. Bids after Friday’s game can be emailed to smokiesmarketing@outlook.com. Updates on bids will be posted on Facebook periodically Saturday through Monday. Friday’s game will begin with a ceremonial puck drop by members from the Trail Smoke Eaters historic 1961 World Championship team.

Elser Returns To Penticton:

The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce the return and addition of forward Drew Elser (’00) for the remainder of 2019/20 season. Elser, 19, played in 14 games with the Vees a season ago, posting 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points during his tenure in Penticton before suffering an injury that would end his 2018/19 campaign. The Hopewell Junction, New York native suited up for 36 games in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Central Illinois Flying Aces before his time in Penticton, registering 8 goals and 8 assists for 16 points during that time. In a corresponding move, the Vees have placed defenseman Cade Webber (’01) on season-ending injury reserve. The 18-year-old played in 23 games with the Vees this season, posting 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points. The Vees would like to welcome Drew and his family back to the organization and the Southern Okanagan.

Prince George-Calgary Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired forward Jackson Zloty from the Calgary Canucks in exchange for future considerations. “Jackson is a good skating skilled forward who adds another good veteran piece to our lineup. Depth and experience are always important especially as we head down the back stretch of the season. “ – GM Mike Hawes. Zloty finished with 15 points which included 4 goals and 11 assists with Calgary before coming to the Spruce Kings.

Bulldogs Name Roth New Office Coordinator:

The Bulldogs are excited to welcome Jane Roth to the organization in the position of Office Coordinator.  Jane will be responsible for maintaining the Bulldogs office and team store as well as working in ticket sales and sponsor fulfilment. “Adding Jane to our front office is a tremendous move for the business of the Bulldogs,”  said Bulldogs president David Michaud.  “Having regular hours for our fans and sponsors to be able to interact with us is crucial and it’s something I’ve wanted to have in place since we acquired the club in the summer.  I wanted to be patient and wait for the right fit. Both Joe Martin and I feel strongly that Jane will a great layer of service to our supporters.” “I’m very excited about the opportunity to be working with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” said Roth. “The team has such a positive impact on our community. When the players aren’t on the ice, you can find them volunteering at events around town. I believe in the saying “If you support your community they will support you back” and I know the Alberni Valley Bulldogs take pride in that.” The Bulldogs office will now be open Monday to Friday and 3 hours before weekend games. “We’re fortunate to have some tremendously dedicated volunteers who give a large amount of time to us.  It would be unfair to ask them to do more,” said Michaud. “Adding Jane to Dewayne, John & others will add great value to our fans.” Roth officially joins the front office on Monday, January 13th.

West Kelowna-Trail Trade:

The West Kelowna Warriors have  acquired Okanagan native and blue liner Corey McCann from the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for future considerations.  West Kelowna head coach Simon Ferguson is reunited with one of his former players. McCann was coached by Ferguson last season as a member of the Okanagan Rockets in the BC Major Midget League. The 18-year-old had one goal in 26 games with the Smoke Eaters this season after putting up four goals and 26 assists in 40 games with the Rockets last season. 

Viggars Leaves West Kelowna Warriors For Western Hockey League:

The Calgary Hitmen(WHL) have also signed defender Andrew Viggars sending Viggars back to his hometown.

Langley-Battlefords Trade:

The Langley Rivermen have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Kristian Lyon(00)(G) to the Battlefords North Stars of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations. After signing Jonathan Mor from the NAHL, Langley alleviated its glut of goalies by sending Kristian Lyon to the Battlefords North Stars of the SJHL for futures. Lyon, 19, was in his first BCHL season and had a record of 2-4-1 with a 3.30 GAA and an .886 SV%.

Salmon Arm-La Ronge Trade:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have transferred the CJHL playing rights to Holden Knights(01)(F) to the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations. Salmon Arm freed up some roster space by trading forward Holden Knights to the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the SJHL for future considerations. The 18-year-old had one goal and five assists in 30 games with the Silverbacks this season, his first in the BCHL.

McLelland "Honoured" To Represent World Champs:

When you’re hosting a “World Championship Weekend”, it’s nice to have a world champion in the house. Penticton has one of the greatest in legendary goaltender Ivan McLelland, who will be front-and-centre in the festivities when the Penticton Vees take on the Trail Smoke Eaters in the back end of a BCHL home-and-home series Saturday at 6 p.m. at the South Okanagan Events Centre. The Vees and Smoke Eaters are paying homage to their storied hockey histories this weekend, with the teams opening the important two-game set for Friday at 7 p.m. at the Cominco Arena. McLelland, who still resides in Penticton and turns 89 on March 15, led the Penticton Vees to the world hockey championship in Germany in 1955, while Trail captured its world title in Switzerland in 1961. “It’s an amazing honour … almost surreal to be out there on the ice and representing all the boys I was so close to 65 years ago,” said McLelland. “Mine is a very small part of a wonderful occasion. I have such deep and tremendous respect for what the current organization does in the community. When Fred (Vees president, GM and head coach Harbinson) asks me to do something, I can’t be more pleased to do it.” McLelland said he is still amazed with the recognition the 1955 team gets across Canada and around the world after their unlikely triumph over the vaunted Soviet Union March 6, 1955 in Krefeld, Germany. McLelland and Doug Kilburn – who resides in Spokane – are the only surviving members of the team. “I don’t go looking for the recognition but people are genuinely interested and want to know the history of how it happened,” said McLelland. “With the tremendous success of the current team, the name ‘Vees’ carries a lot of weight in the hockey world.” McLelland said there are a lot of similarities between the Vees of yesteryear and the players on the Trail and Penticton teams that will do battle this weekend. “We came here at roughly the same age back in 1951, striving to achieve what these young men are trying to do now,” said McLelland. And, he noted, the Vees and Smokies ran into the same issues in their respective bids to represent Canada on the world stage. “Both teams had a lot of doubters, a lot of detractors who didn’t want them there,” said McLelland. “We were two small-town teams with lesser-known players who had to prove they were worthy. And in the end, we both did.” McLelland said the game has changed dramatically over the many years. “The game is a lot faster, the players are better trained and these is so much more at stake with the opportunities to play at the highest level and make a career out of it,” said McLelland. “The athlete in my day maybe had a bit more fun – most of us were playing for $75 a week in Penticton. You played solely for the love of the game. There were only six teams in the NHL back then and your chances of making it weren’t very good.” McLelland will be on the ice to drop the puck in the ceremonial faceoff. Prior to that, there will be a special video introduction on the world championship team entitled “I’ll Remember You”. Vintage jerseys will be donned for the games between the Interior’s top teams, with Penticton wearing the white with blue and red trim jerseys of the 1955 champs, and Trail wearing the orange jerseys that the Smoke Eaters wore when they triumphed in 1961.