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:
McGuire Commits To Penticton:
The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce forward Ryan McGuire (’02) has committed to the team for the 2020/21 season. McGuire, 17, comes into his first season of junior hockey after playing three seasons with Belmont Hill High School in the United States High School Hockey League (USHS). The 6’1”, 185-pound forward played in a total of 90 games through three seasons, compiling 36 goals and 41 assists for 77 points while having a very strong 2019/20 campaign, amassing 22 goals and 16 assists for 38 points in just 30 games played. The New Canaan, Connecticut native has experience at the junior hockey level, getting into 8 total games over two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Madison Capitols as an affiliate player and scored his first junior hockey goal in 2019. McGuire has also secured his collegiate future as he is committed to attend Colgate University in the fall of 2021. The McGuire name is a household on in hockey circles as Ryan’s father, Pierre, spent 6 seasons within National Hockey League organizations. Pierre was a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992 as a team scout and assistant coach before spending two seasons with the Hartford Whalers as an assistant coach, assistant general manager and finishing as the head coach before two seasons with the Ottawa Senators. Pierre transitioned to the booth shortly after that and is now a broadcaster with NBC Sports, where he has been since 2006. “I’m extremely excited to be a part of such an amazing organization,” commented McGuire, “I can’t wait for next season and I’m excited to get out to Penticton.”
Getz Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are proud to announce they have received a commitment from 2002-born defenseman Lachlan Getz. Getz, a 6’3, 185 lb rearguard from Northfield, Illinois comes to the Chiefs after captaining his Lawrenceville squad last season. A former teammate of Nikita Nesterenko at Lawrenceville, Getz comes to the Chiefs with a college commitment in hand, he will become a member of Union College Dutchmen when his time in the BCHL comes to a close. A highly sought after recruit (drafted in the USHL/OHL), the Chiefs are thrilled to be able to add Getz to their blue line. With 31 points in 31 games played at Lawrenceville this past season, Getz was recently named the Times of Trenton New Jersey High School Sports Player of the Year. “Lachlan is a player who’s game is very conducive to the way that we play here in Chilliwack. An elite puck mover, with a high offensive ceiling and the ability to play against the oppositions top players, he will complement our D-core extremely well next season.” Said Chiefs Associate Coach Brad Rihela. When asked about adding Lachlan to the list of new recruits for next season, Chiefs Bench Boss Brian Maloney spoke to the character and competitiveness of all of the newest Chiefs. “ We are thrilled to add a character individual like Lachlan to our program next season. Lachlan, Kienan Draper, Sasha Teleguine, and Dawson Good all have those intangibles that are going to allow them to fit right in with the culture we are creating here in Chilliwack.” “I am excited to announce my commitment to play with the Chilliwack Chiefs next season. I spent a lot of time evaluating my options but felt that Chilliwack would be the best fit for me. I’m eager to work with Coach Maloney and Coach Rihela because I believe they will help me become a more well-rounded, impactful player. My mind is now focused on how to best prepare for when I first step up on the ice at the Chilliwack Coliseum. I would also like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who’ve helped me along this journey.” Said Getz. Welcome to Chilliwack, Lachlan!
Players, Teams Launch NHL 20 Simulation Of Shaw BCHL Playoffs:
Due to the disappointment felt across the league after the Shaw BCHL Playoffs were cancelled, the BCHL has partnered with its players and its teams to create a simulation of the remainder of the postseason using EA Sports NHL 20.
After the eight remaining BCHL playoff teams were created in the game, each team selected a player rep to go head-to-head in an online contest which decided the winner of their would-be second round series.
The Round 2 matchups and their player reps are:
- Coquitlam Express (Joe Howe) vs. Surrey Eagles (Hassan Akl)
- Nanaimo Clippers (Josh Kagan) vs. Cowichan Valley Capitals (Nolan Barrett)
- Penticton Vees (Conner Hutchison) vs. Vernon Vipers (Trey Taylor)
- Trail Smoke Eaters (Kent Johnson) vs. Salmon Arm Silverbacks (Ethan Langenegger)
Rather than live-streaming a full series, the league has compiled highlights of the games using calls from the BCHL broadcasters as well as videos submitted by the player reps.
“We were looking for a way to keep our fans engaged during this unfortunate downtime and we think this initiative accomplishes just that,” said BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb. “By involving our players and our broadcasters in the project and creating our teams in the NHL 20 video game, we’ve tried to make it a fun and unique BCHL experience for everyone to enjoy.”
The remaining three second-round games will be published in the coming days and Round 3 will commence next week.
Bucks Name Donald Head Coach/GM:
The Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) are excited to announce that Ryan Donald has been named as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Cranbrook Bucks. Donald and the Bucks have come to agreement on a 4-Year contract which will begin with the 2020-2021 season. Donald is currently the Assistant Coach of Yale University’s Men’s Hockey Team, where he has served since the 2015-2016 season. The Edmonton, Alberta native played 4 years at Yale including captaining his final season before embarking on a 3-year professional career. “Ryan is an incredible hire for our club and is absolutely the right person to build this franchise” said Owner and President Nathan Lieuwen. “Not only does he have quality experience coaching at high levels, but he also has great connections throughout the NCAA.” “I am thrilled to be able to lay the foundation for success here in Cranbrook. It is a rare opportunity to build a program from the ground up, and to do so in a place with a passion for hockey like Cranbrook is outstanding.” said Donald. “It was clear to me from the beginning that our ownership is passionate about this community and the success of our athletes both on and off the ice. As the Head Coach and General Manager, I will bring that same energy and passion as we build a culture of daily excellence.” Ryan and his family will be relocating to Cranbrook at the conclusion of his duties at Yale. Accompanying him will be his Wife Carly and their two daughters Georgia and Patricia.
Looking Back At Vees Defenceman Carson Kosobud:
With the 2019/20 season coming to a close, we will take a look at each of the six 20-year-olds on the Vees roster and look back on their junior hockey careers. Next up: defenseman Carson Kosobud. Coming into his final season of Junior hockey as one of the six players returning from the 2018/19 campaign, Carson Kosobud was excited as to what his 20-year-old year could hold. The Vees came together quickly to start the season, earning victories in each of their six preseason contests, including a pair of tilts against the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Brooks Bandits. Following a strong exhibition season, Penticton earned victories in each of their first eleven games to open the season. “It was like something I had never really been apart of before where we were consistently winning from the very start,” said the Vees blueliner, “For us to sweep Brooks, knowing how good of a season they had had the year before, and starting the season on an 11-game winning streak, it was something that not a lot of teams do and, looking back on it now, it was surreal how it happened and it was awesome to be apart of.” Coming from behind, late game heroics and overtime victories were all involved in a special season for the Vees, something in which Kosobud thinks really helped the team’s ability down the stretch, “I think we showed really good resilience,” Kosobud mentioned, “The attitude in the dressing room, after the holiday break, was just really emphasized that this was the group of guys we were going to have and we were happy with the team we had.” “We all looked around the room and knew this team was capable of something special,” Kosobud continued, “I think we put our nose to the grindstone, buckled up and bought into the process and went to work for the rest of the season and left it all out there.” Finishing the season with 44 wins and the franchise’s 9th straight Interior Division pennant, the Vees regular season was one to remember. “As a team, I thought we did unbelievable,” Kosobud recalls of the season, “I think we were the best team in the league and we played so hard, overcame plenty of different obstacles throughout the season and I wouldn’t have done it with any other group of guys.” “Obviously the season didn’t end the way we wanted it to and was cut short,” continued the Vees rearguard, “But I feel like if we had continued playing and with how good of a team we had, we would have won the whole thing. As disappointing as it is, I’m glad that I got to be apart of this team and be with the group of guys that we had.” Not many players get the opportunity to finish their career with a game winning goal in overtime to win a playoff series but, with the unfortunate state of events, it was the final goal of the Vees season and of Kosobud’s junior hockey career. The Moorhead, Minnesota native says it was something that is going to stick with him for the rest of his life. “That was the biggest point of my hockey career as of now,” Kosobud said, “It’s something I am going to carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve watched the video several times now and it pains me that that is the way it had to end but at least it was able to end on a good note. It was surreal, honestly, with the fans going nuts and the guys coming over to celebrate is something I’ve never had happen before.” Game #5 against West Kelowna was the last of a very strong junior hockey career for Kosobud, who played 39 games in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), 20 games in the United States Hockey League (USHL) before suiting up in 88 games with the Vees. After four seasons of playing throughout North America, Kosobud will remember the bonds with his teammates the most, “I’ve met guys from around the world on each of the teams I’ve been on, knowing players from Germany, Czech Republic and Finland, you just make a special bond with all of them.” “You don’t know how long you will be playing with a certain guy for, whether it be one or two or three seasons,” said Kosobud, “Moving on and playing on different teams or even lining up against those same guys in college hockey, that bond is still there and you will never forget it. It’s all of the experiences and memories that you make and stuff you used to do as a team that will stick with you forever.” Finishing off his junior career in the Peach City, Penticton has become a second home for Kosobud, “Penticton is really my home for junior hockey,” the blueliner mentioned, “This is the place that I played the most of my junior career and I’m going to miss all of the people I have met here. I’m grateful for the City of Penticton as well as our owners Graham and Sue (Fraser), Fred and the coaching staff for what they have taught me. I’ve learnt so much, not just as a hockey player, but as a person and be involved in a winning culture.” “The fanbase is amazing, getting 3000+ fans out to each of our games, including Wednesday nights and there’s not many places like that, if any. It’s unfortunate that I have to leave but it was the best place in my junior career and I can’t be more thankful to Penticton for that.” Kosobud will continue his hockey career in a familiar place, having spent much of his youth in the state of Arizona and now having the chance to play college hockey for the Arizona State Sun Devils in the fall of 2020. “I’m really excited for the next major part in my hockey career,” stated Kosobud, “The next couple of months will be a lot of hard work and I will be training extra hard. It’s a big summer for me to get into shape for my first season of college. I have to be at school for June 30th so it will be a bit of a short summer but I will be putting in my all getting ready for my freshman year of school.” The Vees would like to thank Carson for everything he contributed to the Vees organization and the City of Penticton over the last season and a half and wish him the best in his future endeavours!
Daniells Commits To Nanaimo Clippers:
With off-season commitments in full swing, the Nanaimo Clippers are pleased to announce the commitment of 2003 born forward, Kai Daniells. Kai was born in Whistler, British Columbia to a snowboarding family. He ended up moving to the Delta Hockey Academy to start the 2016-2017 hockey season and has now played in that program for four seasons. In 130 overall games at the Delta Hockey Academy, Daniells has accumulated 66 goals and 67 assists for 133 points. He played one game with Chilliwack Chiefs as an AP in the 2019-2020 season as well. Daniells had multiple offers from other BCHL teams but chose to come to Nanaimo given the quality of the program and the attractive city next to the ocean. Darren Naylor, Head Coach and Vice-President of the Clippers stated: “Kai is a player we have been watching the past couple seasons. He came to our prospect camp last season impressing everyone. I had another chance to see him recently at a tournament and his development has been steadily improving. Kai is definitely somebody who can step right into the league and contribute. He is a gifted offensive player who creates opportunities other players do not. His willingness to go into the dirty areas to score goals sets him apart from a lot of players his age.” Wes Mussio, owner of the Clippers commented, “Darren Naylor and I have a certain type of player we like for the Clipper brand. Kai is exactly the type of player. He is a great skating playmaking forward with a great compete level. However, what sets them apart is his tenacity and effort level which is key to success in the BCHL. “
O'Brien Commits To Penticton Vees:
The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce the commitment of forward Devlin O’Brien (’02) to the team for the 2020/21 season. O’Brien, 17, has played each of the last two seasons with the renowned St. Andrew’s College program located in eastern Canada. The 5’10”, 174-pound forward found the back of the net with regularity in each of the past two seasons, totaling 72 goals and 63 assists for 135 points in just 111 games played at St. Andrew’s in the Canadian Athletic High School League (CAHS). O’Brien finished 4th in team scoring during the 2019/20 campaign, registering 42 goals and 27 assists for 69 points while suiting up in 56 games. The Toronto, Ontario native took a leadership role with his team this season, wearing an ‘A’ on his sweater as one of the team’s assistant captains and has also secured his future beyond junior hockey as he is set to attend Merrimack College in the fall of 2021. “I’m extremely excited to play for the Penticton Vees next season,” said O’Brien, “After visiting Penticton and meeting with the coaching staff, I knew that this was the perfect fit for me. I’m looking forward to contributing to the Vees and helping the team compete for a National Championship next year.” The Vees would like to welcome Devlin and his family to the organization as well as the City of Penticton and the South Okanagan.
Galata Commits To Eagles:
The Surrey Eagles have made their first move of the off-season after the season was prematurely cut short, and have committed highly skilled forward Cole Galata to the team for the 2020-21 B.C Hockey League Season. The ’02’ forward was a highly sought after commodity, and is a huge boost to an Eagles team which could lose their top 2 scorers next season. Galata is the first player committed this off-season, and fourth committed to next year’s team, following the commitments of Matt Connor, Holden Cardinal, and Alec Saretzky. Galata is 5’10’, 170 pounds and is a right handed shot. The Newmarket, Ontario native put up massive numbers last year in the CAHS, solidifying himself as one of the top recruits from the league. Galata played in 54 games for St. Andrews College, and scored 32 goals, 69 assists for 101 points. He was the 2nd leading scorer in the league, trailing only his teammate Mark Hillier. Galata also comes to the Eagles with a NCAA commitment, as he’ll be playing for Bentley University in the future. Galata is very excited to join the team for next season. “I’m really excited. I’ve gotten along really well with coach Cam [Keith] so far, and I really like the style of play the Eagles play with.” Galata also explained why he chose to come to Surrey next season. “I think the number 1 reason is the style of play the Eagles have. I think my style of play reflects perfectly with how they play. My connection with the coach right away was also huge. I really like how he communicated and was involved through the entire process.” Galata also gave a quick scouting report on himself for Eagles fans who haven’t seen him play. “Something fans can expect is a lot of offensive ability. Being able to score, make plays and feed my teammates. However, also doing whatever it takes to win. Whether that’s block a shot, get the puck out, just whatever it takes to get the win at the end of the night.” This is a huge win for Cam early in the off-season, and he was happy to share what he thinks Cole will bring to this Eagles team next year. “Cole’s game is very comparable to [Hudson] Schandor’s compete level and the creativity of [Cristophe] Tellier. He will need no time to adjust to Junior Hockey and will make an immediate impact for us offensively.” Welcome to the flock Cole!
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