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:
Wiebe Commits To Chiefs:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are excited to announce that former affiliate player Abram Wiebe has committed to the team for the 2020-21 BCHL season. Wiebe is a 6’1 left shot defender who played the previous two seasons with the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds program. Last season Wiebe put up an impressive 5 goals, 29 assists in just 34 games played. As an affiliate player for the Chiefs this past season, Wiebe suited up in 3 BCHL games and impressed the coaching staff with his poise and confidence despite playing against some tough competition late in the season. “We are really happy that Abram and his family have made the decision to continue his development within the Chiefs organization. Abram is a hard-working young man that comes from a great family and will be sure to fit in seamlessly with the culture we are creating here in Chilliwack.” Said Chiefs Associate Coach Brad Rihela. Welcome to the Chilliwack Chiefs Abram!
Ochitwa Commits To Merritt Centennials:
The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce that they’ve committed to forward Alex Ochitwa (02) for the 2020-21 season. A native of Prince George, BC, the 5’6, 160 pound, left shot forward may be small in stature, but he’s high in skill. Playing the past two seasons in the BC Major Midget League with the Cariboo Cougars the Ochitwa is over a point-per-game producer. In his inaugural BCMML campaign he was able to contribute 17 goals and 18 assists in 40 games during the regular season and added 5 points as the Cougars took home the Championship Banner and the Cromie Memorial Trophy. This past season despite being shortened with injury to just 30 games, Ochitwa was able to continue his upwards trajectory and net 23 goals and 31 assists in just 30 games. Ochitwa says he is looking forward to what the Cents are building. “I’m most excited about the atmosphere being built in Merritt. The culture the team is creating looks like it could build towards something very special. Being a part of a team-first program is very promising and I’m excited to contribute to that. Also, very excited to join such a long standing organization.” The new recruit says that he brings a number of things to his game, but he knows and is ready to play Cents hockey. “Hard work is always a key value for the Cents and that is something I’m committed to bring. I think the creative aspect of my game is something I can contribute to the team and hope to help bring some offence.” Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter says he’s excited to add a player that checks not only the offensive boxes, but the overall character boxes as well. “Alex is a dynamic and creative offensive player who has great East/West ability. More importantly he is a person of tremendous character and will be a big part of our team first culture moving forward. He understands that with team success first, personal success will follow. He is a positive leader and a determined individual that wants to get better every day. We are extremely excited to add this talented player and great person to our organization. We have done extensive research on Alex and we have no doubt he will fit our new culture and represent the Cents core values on and off the ice.” Ochitwa says he’s ready to train hard to make sure he’s ready for the season ahead. “My summer is geared towards working on my speed and strength. Becoming faster and stronger will help open up ice for myself and teammates.” The Centennials would like to welcome Alex and his family to the Nicola Valley and the community, and look forward to seeing him in action during the upcoming season.
Looking Back At Vees Forward Colton Kalezic:
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: forward Colton Kalezic. Five seasons of junior hockey creates a lifetime of memories, something that Colton Kalezic will have with him moving forward forever. The 20-year-old forward came to Penticton to conclude his career in junior hockey and it couldn’t have started in a better way with the Vees winning each of their first 11 games to begin the season, “We just had this swagger,” mentioned Kalezic, “As a team, we were all on the same page to play and we were so confident that we were going to win, we just felt like we weren’t going to lose.” Shortly after opening the season on an impressive note with a long winning streak, the Toronto, Ontario native received something he was not expecting: an ‘A’ on his sweater, “On a team with a lot of veterans, I wasn’t expecting Fred and his staff to pick me” said Kalezic, “When you look at past Vees who have worn a letter, it just shows you how much of a privilege it is and I knew that even when I didn’t have a letter at the beginning of the year, I still had to lead by example.” “I remember we had a game later that day and I couldn’t even nap pre-game because it was so exhilarating,” continued Kalezic, “I was really excited for a bigger role to fill and I was extremely honoured to be presented an assistant captain on this team.” The holiday break provided about 10 days for players to head back home and recharge the batteries in being with their families. Once the team came back to Penticton, it seemed as though the Vees play had been amped up, “I thought that after Christmas, this team had something really special going,” commented Kalezic, “We were strong defensively and, as the playoffs were coming around, I think we were peaking and even when facing some adversity, we stayed tight and kept it together.” “Our team chemistry really took off to another level,” Kalezic continued, “Obviously the playoffs didn’t go the way we expected but it was great to end with a win and I know we were ready to take on any team.” The bond was strong between each of the Vees, whether it was hanging out at the rink or going to grab a bite to eat, the team was always together, Kalezic recalls, “We spent as much time as we could with everyone, as a group, before they had to go home. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t play it out until the end with this team and always thinking what could have been but not many players get to finish off their junior career with a win.” Looking back can be tough, especially not being too far removed from his final season of junior hockey, but Kalezic has plenty of things he has taken away from each of his last five seasons, “I think the pace of junior hockey really prepared me for what to expect moving forward,” mentioned Kalezic, “My coaches from junior hockey taught me how to be coachable in the game, learning from them and I think that can really help you in other aspects in life.” “The culture that my teammates and coaches brought into the locker room makes for a great environment and to show up to the rink together and solve problems on the ice,” continued the Vees forward, “We got through things together and when days didn’t go so well, we were always there to pick each other up and I have a lot of friendships throughout the years that will follow me forever.” Spending his final season of junior hockey in the Peach City, Penticton is a place that Kalezic will hold close for some time, “I’m definitely going to miss the hockey the most,” said Kalezic, “Being in that room every day with all of the boys and having all the fans cheering as we came down the tunnel, game days were a lot of fun.” “Since it was my first time in BC, I’m going to miss the province as well,” Kalezic continued, “I can definitely see myself coming back here in the future.” After playing in the OJHL and USHL, Kalezic says the community support is like no other in Penticton, “The building is always packed and it feels like the community is more involved with the team than in some previous spots,” stated Kalezic, “We have such an unbelievable rink to play in and the chance to host these fans in incredible. Without the fan support, we wouldn’t be playing so to play in front of them is what really keeps us going.” After a successful career in playing over 250 career games with three different teams, the 6’1″, 177-pound forward will make his way to the collegiate hockey ranks and heading to the Northern Michigan Wildcats in the fall, “I feel like I’ve rested enough over the past few weeks so I’m ready to get my training started as soon as I get home,” stated Kalezic, “It’ll be nice to head back home and see my family again but I’m definitely going to miss this group of guys and keep in touch with them as much as I can and I’ll always remember how awesome of a year it was.” As for his best memory in junior hockey after five years? “It’s funny because it was actually one of my worst games of the season,” said Kalezic, “I had no points and I think I was a minus but when we beat Wenatchee at the end of the regular season but the best goal scoring feeling I had was against West Kelowna in Game #5 when I scored shorthanded in my last junior game.” The Vees would like to thank Colton for everything he did for the organization and City of Penticton and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours!
NHL 20 Playoff Simulation: Express vs. Eagles
Joe Howe from the Coquitlam Express takes on Hassan Akl from the Surrey Eagles in the first matchup of the Shaw BCHL Playoffs NHL 20 Simulation!
Gagno Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are excited to announce the commitment of 2003-born forward Ty Gagno from the Burnaby Winter Club U18 Prep Program. While at the Burnaby Winter Club, Gagno was coached by former Vancouver Canucks forward Mike Santorelli. Gagno, a 6’0 power forward, was heavily recruited this off-season by numerous teams in the BCHL. As an affiliate player with the Chiefs last season, Gagno attended many practices with the Chiefs and also made his BCHL debut on December 13th, 2019 vs the Langley Rivermen. Last season Gagno produced just under a point per game and was a force at the CSSHL Playoffs in Penticton prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. A gritty player with offensive upside, Chiefs coach Brian Maloney is happy to welcome Ty to the Chiefs family. “We are very happy to be able to add Ty Gagno to our roster. He plays a hard, gritty game and is always a thorn in the side of opponents. Having said that, he possesses an underrated ability to make plays under pressure, and we feel he has a lot of offensive potential.” Said the Chiefs Coach and GM. When asked about committing to the Chiefs, Ty Gagno spoke to his excitement about being able to join the organization his older brother has become a staple in. “I’m really excited to continue my development with the Chiefs next year and not only play for Brian and Brad, but to be able to play with my brother is amazing. Thank you to my coaches this past season and my family for all of their support.” Said Gagno.
Forever A Cent: Rylan Van Unen
The Merritt Centennials are coming off their 47th season in franchise history, and while the season didn’t go as anyone would’ve anticipated it still had its share of bright spots including the play of the Cents graduating players. In the coming weeks, we will pay tribute to the young men who are departing the program. It’s been a couple seasons since the Cents have seen a player like Rylan Van Unen pass through it’s ranks. Like his former Captain Tyrell Buckley, Van Unen played his entire junior career in a Centennials uniform. Van Unen grew from a straight lined agitator who would hit anything that moved, to a level headed Captain that could beat someone with all the weapons in the arsenal: speed, skill, determination, grit, craftiness, or just a plain old wicked shot. Growing up in the Merritt Minor Hockey system, Van Unen, along with his family, transported to Kamloops where he played a year in the Thompson Blazers Major Midget program putting up 16 points in 15 games. He then moved to Junior B with the nearby Chase Heat where he continued to put up point per game numbers. The play of Rylan and his twin brother Mike caught the eye of then Coach Joe Martin and he brought them on board. Former Governor Brian Barett says that Van Unen was a player that embodied Cents hockey, but had some work to do. “Rylan came in as a young, hard working, raw boned player, but has a ton of potential. A diamond in the rough that needed to be polished.” Van Unen says the fans seemed to welcome him with open arms. “My first impression of the Cents was just how welcome the community was to new players, you notice it right away when the season starts how much people care.” In his first year, Van Unen proved himself to become a regular in the lineup getting into 53 games and netting 18 points. He also pitched in 3 points on the Cents run to a second round game 7 against the Penticton Vees. Unfortunately, that would be as deep as the Cents would ever go in Van Unen’s tenure. In his second year, he was a little banged up with injury but found his way into 43 games putting up 16 points before adding a pair of helpers in a sweep to the eventual Champion Wenatchee Wild in round 1 of the playoffs. Van Unen proved to be a mainstay in year 3 suiting up for all 58 regular season games and providing supplemental offense for the high flying Cents. He was able to add 14 goals and 13 assists over the year, most of which came with little powerplay time. Rylan culminated his Cents career in a year of turmoil, but through it all was a rock as the Captain of the team. Once again, he was an Iron Man getting into all 58 games, and snapped home a career high 17 goals to go with 11 assists. Head Coach Derek Sweet Coulter says that Rylan was integral to the Cents this season. “Simply Rylan was our heart and soul this season. It was an honour to work with him and get to know him as a person. Being my first year in the league he helped me a lot and was a pleasure to coach. A great player, and a better person.” Van Unen says throughout the years he’s developed a number of skills, but one stands out. “I think over the years the thing that’s developed the most is my strength. Being strong on the puck, being strong in puck pursuit, and not giving up the puck is something I’ve worked hard on to prepare for the next level.” Next season Van Unen will suit up for the Northern Michigan Wildcats after earning a late commitment, and Coach Sweet-Coulter says NMU will be getting the full package. “He’s a player who has matured enough at the Junior level. He’s got a ton of upside, and he will be ready for the next step.” Rylan says like many others it’s the bond you create with team mates that he will carry with him after leaving Merritt. “The thing I’ll remember most is probably the friendships I made and the good times I had with my team mates.” As a member of the WCHA, Rylan will be reunited with twin brother Mike as he suits up for the Wildcats. He will also suit up against former team mates and friends Nick Wicks, Zach Court, Tyrell Buckley, and Jacob Berger. The Cents would like to wish Rylan and his family all the best as Rylan takes the next step in his hockey career. Thank you for your outstanding contributions to the team and to the community.
Kings Part Ways With Kuntz/Name Sawyer New Head Coach:
General Manager and Head Coach Tyler Kuntz has decided to part ways with the Powell River Kings at the end of this season. Tyler has been in this role for the past two seasons and brought a new teaching mindset to the organization. His focus was on the growth and development of each individual player as well as the team. He wanted to fill the dressing room with players who wanted to take that next step and play NCAA, and he succeeded. Tyler made a huge commitment to the organization by moving away from his young family to fulfill his role with the Kings. “I have decided I need to do what is best for my family. These past couple of years have taken a toll and as much as I love the organization, the players and the city of Powell River, it just isn’t feasible to continue to commute to see my young family. I would like to thank the players, the staff, the amazing fans and sponsors as well as the organization for an amazing two years and I want to wish everyone much success moving forward,” said Kuntz. The Powell River Kings organization would like to thank Tyler for all of his dedication and contributions to the team and we wish him and his family all the best in the future. With the departure of Kuntz, the Kings are excited to announce that Brock Sawyer has accepted the role of Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. Brock is an active member of our community and has been with the Kings for the past 6 seasons starting off as a volunteer Assistant Coach, Assistant Coach, Interim Head Coach where he coached the team to an Island Division Championship and took the team to round 3 of the BCHL playoffs in 2018. Brock has been the Associate General Manager and Associate Coach for the past two seasons. Prior to getting into coaching, Brock played for the Powell River Kings for one and a half seasons from 2006 – 2008, and then he went on to play NCAA Division III hockey at Elmira College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating, he went on to play professional hockey for the Fayetteville Fireants and the Hunstville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Brock’s knowledge of the game along with his many years of experience will bring continuity moving forward. “I am excited for the Board’s trust in appointing me Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. I look forward to building a successful team for our community. When we get though the pandemic, I look forward to meeting our sponsors, our season ticket holders and fans who are loyal and supportive of our efforts. Stay Safe and take care of each other.” Rob Villani, Powell River Kings President, had this to say about the hire, “In the up and coming challenging times it was our decision not to make any drastic changes and keep the continuity of our organization by building from within. Brock knows what the organization expects from him, as the head coach, and we have full confidence that Brock can take us to the next level with his knowledge he has gained from working with Tyler over the past two seasons.” Please join the Powell River Kings organization in welcoming Brock Sawyer to his new role.
Dore Commits To Silverbacks:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are thrilled to announce the commitment of 2002-born forward Paul Doré for the 2020-21 BCHL season. The 17-year-old has spent the past three seasons at Kimball Union Academy in the United States High School Prep League, where he compiled 39 goals and 38 assists for 77 points in 104 games. The past two years, he posted 68 points (36 goals, 32 assists) in 67 games for the Wildcats. “Paul’s skill and work ethic will have a major impact on our on-ice product next season,” Silverbacks General Manager Brooks Christensen said. “We know our fans will enjoy getting to know Paul off the ice and watching him play on it.” The Gatineau, Que. native finished second on the Wildcats in goals each of the past two seasons (19 and 18, respectively). In the 2018-19 playoffs, Doré scored the game-winning-goal with under one minute remaining in the third period of the New England Prep School Athletic Council Championship game against Salisbury School. The goal delivered a third-straight New England championship for Kimball Union. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward was also listed inside the top-200 on NHL Central Scouting’s List of North American skaters for the 2020 NHL Draft. “I’m proud to be a Silverback and am really excited to join the organization,” Doré said. “It’s an honour to be part of this team. I can’t wait to be in Salmon Arm.” Current Silverbacks Drew Bennett and Devan Newhook were teammates with Doré at Kimball Union for two seasons before they joined the Backs last year. Doré’s father Daniel was a first-round draft pick of the Quebec Nordiques in 1988 and has been an NHL amateur scout for over two decades, first with the Boston Bruins (1996-2007) and then the New York Rangers (2007-2020).
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