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:

Spruce Kings Name Garneau New Assistant Coach:

The Spruce Kings are excited to announce the rehiring of Jason Garneau as Assistant Coach, while Colin Minardi has decided to step down from his role as Assistant Coach. “I am obviously very familiar with Jason and know exactly what he can bring to the coaching staff” says GM Mike Hawes. “We are all excited that he is rejoining the team and looking forward to the experience and expertise he will provide to the staff and players”. Garneau will resume his previous role that he had with the Spruce Kings. “ Jason will resume the same role with us that he previously had where he will be at all practices, all home games and will make some road trips. We will be hiring another full time assistant coach prior to next season” added Hawes. Colin Minardi will be stepping down from his role as assistant coach. Minardi joined the staff in mid October of 2019. “Colin was a huge asset for our team last season. He came into a tough situation because he joined us part way throughout the year but he was able to get up to speed quickly and really became a good support person for Alex and the players” says Hawes.

Chilliwack Chiefs Graduating Players & Eligible Returnees:

The Chilliwack Chiefs are one of the most prolific BCHL clubs when it comes to players committing to NCAA schools. On this year’s roster, no fewer than 17 are headed to play NCAA college hockey after their time in the BCHL is done. For seven of those players, their college career starts this fall. It means Chiefs head coach Brian Maloney will rely on the 15 eligible returnees in a big way during the 2020-21 season. According to our 23-man roster of 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goaltenders, it also means Chilliwack has one of the strongest group of returning players in the BC Hockey League. Hometown player Kolby Thornton is back between the pipes, but the Chiefs will need someone to share the crease with him. On the blueline, five players are eligible to return. Up front, the list is even deeper, with nine forwards set to be back in Chiefs colours in 2020-21. That includes super rookie Reynolds who had 14 goals and 33 assists to finish second on the team in scoring this past season as a 16-year-old.

Graduating Players

Brett Willits (Northern Michigan University)

Trevor Adams (Union College)

Jack Agnew (Boston College)

Mathieu Caron (Brown University)

Cooper Moore (University of North Dakota)

Nikita Nesterenko (Boston College)

Kyle Penney (Cornell University)

Davis Murray (aged out)

Eligible Returnees

(* indicates an open spot – assuming the team goes with 13 forwards and 8 defencemen)

Forwards

Clark Nelson (00)

Nicholas Cherkowski (00)

Tommy Lyons (00)

Joey Larson (01)

Connor Milburn (01)

Brett Rylance (01)

Arlo Merritt (01)

Ethan Bowen (02)

Peter Reynolds (03)

*

*

*

*

Defencemen

Nathan Kelly (00)

Xavier Henry (01)

Brody Gagno (02)

Garrett Valk (02)

Hudson Thornton (03)

*

*

*

Goaltenders

Kolby Thornton (01)

*

Bulldogs’ Coach Looks Back On The Team’s 2019-20 Season:

Alberni Valley Bulldogs’ coach Joe Martin’s first season in Port Alberni with the B.C. Hockey League can go into the books as one weird season. Martin, who came to the Bulldogs 11 months ago from Merritt Centennials with a “Coach of the Year” title, was behind the bench last week as the Nanaimo Clippers swept the Bulldogs in four straight games in the opening series of the BCHL Island Division playoffs. “I don’t know the answers of what you can do,” he said about the team’s strange season. The Bulldogs came out strong, but a three-week pause when the brand new ice plant at the AV Multiplex malfunctioned and the facility was closed for repairs interrupted their groove. The team was forced to practice in Parksville, rescheduled games, played one game in Campbell River and another in Parksville. They were still playing rescheduled games late into February. Martin acquired a few new players near the league trade deadline, such as 20-year-old Matthew Grouchy, River Fahey and Mattias Dal Monte, and traded young defenceman Carson Hemingway, who wasn’t getting a lot of ice time. He still wonders if the moves paid off, after watching the team leave the playoffs so early. “It’s a fair question,” he said. “We didn’t have to move anybody out to get them. We were carrying only 21 players at the time, so we were able to add Dal Monte, we were able to add Grouchy. “There weren’t players leaving our dressing room or leaving our group that had significant impact. It’s right around the time we started to lose both goalies, so I think the two are very closely linked on the reason when things started to go the other way.” The team’s final road trip to Trail, Penticton and Merritt was played with AP (affiliated player) goaltenders, as regulars Luke Pearson and Jackson Glassford were both sick. “On the injury front you can get affiliates, bring up guys you want to be part of your culture and part of your group going forward, and try and get them some experience. You need your other guys to rise to the occasion when players are out,” Martin said. “The hardest is in net.” The Bulldogs had a fairly young squad this year, and will only lose a handful of players, like their four 20-year-olds—team captain Mitch Deelstra, Jackson Doucet, Ryan Doolin and Grouchy, as well as Jackson Munro, who will play with Brown University next season. “Everyone else is eligible to come back,” Martin said. ”There’s always a little bit of change, players that believe they can do more and we don’t have the right opportunity for them, or players that we maybe disagree with on where they’re at and trying to find them the right opportunity.” That still leaves 18 players. Martin looks at the Clippers and where they were at in 2018-19, and sees some similarities. “They were exactly the same thing last year: a younger group that was gaining experience through winning and losing, and then a very solid group that just came back and beat us. It’s a lesson our guys will have to learn.” Martin still has two years left on his contract with the Bulldogs, and is eager to look ahead to next year. “I’m extremely happy that we did come (to Port Alberni). You don’t want it to end ever. At the same time, there’s such a good group of staff and such a good group of kids, the community support here is second to none. “You want to keep going so that everybody can enjoy it and everybody can keep this good thing going. It’s a great place to be, it’s a great place to play, it’s a great place to live.” Others involved with the team agree with him. “Though the year didn’t end great, it was a great season considering all the hurdles the team had,” colour commentator Bruce MacDonald wrote in a social media post the morning after the Bulldogs were eliminated. “Looking forward to next season. Thanks for putting a great product on the ice and on the bench.” Bulldogs, grads excelling at school Austin Spiridakis earned High School Player of the Month for the B.C. Hockey League in February. The award is for players 18 or younger who are attending high school full time; their selection is based on in-class and on-ice performance. Spiridakis, 17 and in his second BCHL season, earned six points in the final nine regular-season games for the Bulldogs, including a couple of multi-point games. Off the ice, he has been taking online courses from St. Gabriel High School in his hometown of St. Albert, Alta. and getting marks in the 90s in subjects such as Calculus, English and Physics.

Fortems Commits To Centennials:

The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce that they’ve committed to Forward Chris Fortems (02) from the White Rock Whalers of the PJHL from the 2020-21 season. Hailing from Delta, British Columbia, Fortems finished the season leading the Whalers in scoring as a rookie, and tied for the league lead in scoring by a rookie with 48 points in 43 games played. The creative forward did most of his damage at even strength as of his 15 goals and 33 assists only 8 points came on the power play. Fortems says that he’s happy to be playing in a town that has been appreciating Canada’s game for a long time. “I’m excited that I have been given an opportunity to play for a Hockey town and a team with a long history in the BCHL.” He adds that he feels he has a great mix of determination and skill. “I feel that my best strengths are my speed and creativity, and I know that I will bring a high compete level to practice and games every day.” Director of Hockey Operations John Stuart says that Fortems will be a great piece up front for the Centennials and he’s earned the right for the opportunity. “Chris is someone I am familiar with from my time at Delta Hockey Academy. He progresses each year and has really come into his own this past season with the White Rock Whalers. Any time a 17 year old can dominate the next level league playing against older competition it’s something you really have to take notice of. Chris put up very impressive numbers as a rookie and is deserving of the chance to move up to the Jr ‘A’ level. We made a point to watch Chris live this season as well as speak to him about the culture and values we are trying to create as an organization. We feel Chris is going to be a big part of our team both on and off the ice, and are very excited to have him as a part of the Merritt Centennials.” Fortems says that he wants to do everything he can this summer to make sure he’s ready to make strides when the puck drops for 2020-21. “My goals for the summer are to train hard and come into camp in the best shape possible to be an impact player for the team.” The Centennials would like to welcome Chris and his family to the Nicola Valley, and can’t wait to see him in action on the ice and in the community.

McGregor-Bennett & Elliott Commit To Spruce Kings:

The Spruce Kings are excited to announce the commitments of Forward Kilian McGregor-Bennett and Defenceman Connor Elliott for the 2020-21 season. McGregor-Bennett (’03) is from Surrey, BC and played for the Delta Hockey Academy this past season where he finished with 8 goals and 10 assists in 34 games. McGregor-Bennett also suited up for the Spruce Kings 4 times this past season as an affiliate player. “We are thrilled to add Kilian to our roster next season. We identified Kilian throughout the past year as an affiliate player” says Spruce Kings Head Coach Alex Evin. “During his time with our team, he impressed our staff as an exceptional teammate and an intelligent player who plays with a high compete level and strong work ethic”. Connor Elliott (’03) is from Coldstream, BC and played for the Okanagan Rockets this past season where he had 9 goals and 18 assists in 40 games.“We are also excited to add Connor to our roster next season. Watching Connor throughout this past year, we are impressed with how much his game has evolved” added Evin. “He is a big, mobile defender who can hopefully continue his progression within our program for years to come”.

Connors Commits To Trail Smoke Eaters:

Smoke Eaters add dynamic Boston University commit Liam Connors for next season. The Trail Smoke Eaters are happy to announce the signing of future Boston University Terriers forward Liam Connors for the 2020/21 season. Connors, from Southborough, Massachusetts has spent the last four seasons with the St. Sebastian’s Arrows of the United States High School Prep league (USHS-Prep). In his fourth and most recent season, Connors captained the Arrows, tallying 16 goals and 25 assists in 28 games. He’s been a consistent point producer every season with the Arrows with 137 points in 116 games. The 5’8″, 150lbs, 19-year-old forward has also featured in 13 games for the Boston Junior Eagles of the Eastern Federation League where he added 10 points. When asked about the decision to come to Trail, Connors said he wanted to come to a hockey market and hockey town and he felt Trail is just that. “I really connected with the coaching staff” said Connors. “I feel this is a great next step in my career and a great place to develop, I look forward to making my way to Trail in the fall”. The Trail Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Liam to our team and community, we look forward to seeing him in Smoke Eaters orange in the fall.

Teleguine Commits To Chilliwack:

The Chilliwack Chiefs are thrilled to announce the commitment of 2002-born forward Sasha Teleguine. A native of North Attleboro, MA, Teleguine comes to the Chiefs from the prestigious Thayer Academy. Thayer has been home to notable NHL’ers like Jeremy Roenick, Tony Amonte (currently a coach at the program), and Ryan Whitney. Teleguine is a 5’10 185 pound power forward that possesses elite speed and skill. He has the ability to beat defenders 1 on 1 and is a handful for opposing teams trying to contain his speed and explosiveness. Sasha will arrive in Chilliwack with an NCAA scholarship to Northeastern University already secured. “This is a big day for the Chilliwack Chiefs. Sasha is a player that we have been scouting heavily over the course of the past two seasons. The pace that he plays the game at will complement our team dynamic nicely, he drives possession and can make plays at top speed. We are very confident he will become a quick fan-favourite here in Chilliwack.” Said Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Brian Maloney. When asked about committing to the Chiefs, Sasha mentioned the player development as a main component in making his decision to come to Chilliwack. “Chilliwack is a great organization with an unbelievable coaching staff that has a lot to offer as far as development goes with their players. They’re one of the top teams in the league for a reason and I am very excited to get started.” Said Teleguine. Welcome to Chilliwack, Sasha and family!

Klassen Commits To Alberni Valley Bulldogs:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to announce that Forward Chase Klassen (02) has committed to the Hockey Club for the 2020-21 season. Klassen collected 54 points (33 goals, 21 assists) in 54 games with the Westshore Wolves in the VIJHL this past season. He led all rookies in scoring and was named the VIJHL’s Rookie of the Year. “I’m very excited to be a Bulldog. It’s been a goal of mine to join the hockey club ever since my Grandma and Grandpa took me to a game when I was 6 years old” said Klassen who is a product of Victoria. The Bulldogs head coach and general manager Joe Martin was thrilled to add Klassen to the Bulldogs line-up for next season.  “Chase is a player we got to know well during the season as an AP.  Chase plays the game with energy and physicality,  He’s an honest player who we are excited to welcome back full-time next season.” Klassen suited up for six games with the Bulldogs during the 2019-20 season and he notched his first BCHL goal on February 16th against Merritt. He’s pretty excited to play at the Dawg Pound in the near future. “I’m looking forward to playing in Port Alberni because the atmosphere is electric with all the fans.” “Chase had a tremendous season in the VIJHL winning rookie of the year. We know he will grow to become a big part of our club in the seasons ahead” said Martin. Welcome to the Bulldogs Chase !

Clippers Name Kovich Captain:

With the departure of Ethan Scardina to the NCAA Division I for the 2020-2021 season, the Nanaimo Clippers have named Kyler Kovich as the new team captain. Kovich came to the Nanaimo Clippers for the beginning of the 2018-2019, as one of the few 16-year-olds in the league. He instantly took on third line role as a defensive specialist while accumulating seven goals and seven assists for 14 points in 48 games. As expected, during the 2019-2020 season, Kovich  became a top three forward accumulating 39 points in 51 games including 18 goals. In the playoffs, he had six points in only four games, dominating the Alberni Valley Bulldog series. Kovich has also seen significant accolades in Hockey Canada. He made the Team Canada West team for the Junior A challenge in Dawson Creek this season. He went to the CJHL prospect game where he was scouted by all the NHL teams. He is ranked to be a 3-4 round draft pick in the June 2020 NHL entry draft. As Darren Naylor noted, “Kyler is a natural leader whom will lead by example every time he touches the ice. He is an extremely hard worker on and off the ice and a player who takes the game seriously while always looking to improve his game. It was an easy decision naming Kyler captain for next season. Being an 02 birth year player and already entering his 3rd full season, Kyler has been a huge part of the Clippers successful transition over that time frame.”