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:
Winters Commits To Rivermen:
The Langley Rivermen made their second recruitment announcement in as many days on Sunday as 18-year-old Floridian Morgan Winters heads north to continue his hockey career. Winters, who’s committed to attend the University of New Hampshire in fall 2021, had eight goals and 20 assists in 23 games playing US high school prep hockey with Tabor Academy in Massachusetts. He also served as an alternate captain for Tabor in what was his third season at the school.
Bottini Commits To Vees:
The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce forward Stefano Bottini (’02) has committed to the team for the 2020/21 season. Bottini, 17, comes to the Vees with a vast amount of experience playing in his native country of Switzerland. The 6’0”, 176-pound forward is coming off of his first full season with the HC Lugano under-20 team in the U20-Elit league, the highest level of junior-aged hockey in the country. Bottini was the second leading scorer on his team, scoring 12 goals and 28 assists for 40 points in 43 games played. The Lugano, Switzerland native has played all of his hockey with the HC Lugano club at differing levels, beginning with the U15 squad and working through the U17 ranks, where he captained his team a year ago and completing the 2019/20 season with the U20 team. Bottini, a dual citizen of each Canada and Switzerland, has represented the Swiss on a national stage many times, including this past season at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, playing in the Czech Republic and Slovakia while getting into 33 career games of International play in representing his home country. Bottini’s ties to Canada include his mother being born in the country. “I can’t wait to start my new journey in Penticton,” mentioned Bottini, “I will give everything I’ve got to help the team.” The Vees would like to welcome Stefano and his family to the organization as well as the City of Penticton and South Okanagan.
Virus Pandemic Hits Victoria Grizzlies, BCHL Hard:
The Victoria Grizzlies strongly support the B.C. Hockey League’s move to seek federal government assistance to help get the league through the COVID-19 pandemic. BCHL commissioner Chris Hebb said individual teams are in peril and the Junior A league will ask for aid. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday announced $500 million of relief through Heritage Canada will be targeted specifically for the sports, arts and culture sectors. “We definitely need to get that help,” said Grizzlies president Lance Black. “Chris Hebb has been doing a marvellous job,” he said of the commissioner, a former Canadian champion basketball player with the University of Victoria Vikes. Black said it’s no secret BCHL teams are suffering in the pandemic. “We are hurting because our sponsors are hurting,” said Black. “This is the time of year we would be out selling advertising. We need the money but no one is buying advertising.” The league produces many players who move on to the U.S. college ranks, such as former Grizzlies captain, first-round NHL draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche and NCAA rookie-of-the-year Alex Newhook. The league this season passed its previous best number of players committed to NCAA Div. 1 programs with 166, compared to last year’s 151. These are hockey clubs, to be sure, but they are also small businesses with bottom lines that are being straddled at the best of times. Now, in the worst of times, it’s an economic freefall. The BCHL playoffs were cancelled last month after the first round had been completed. The Cowichan Valley Capitals and Nanaimo Clippers were readying for a much-anticipated Island Division championship series that never took place. “You feel for a team like the Coquitlam Express, which after so many [losing] seasons, was probably the best Junior A team in Canada,” said Black. Next season may even be in jeopardy. Speaking on the radio to Vancouver News 1130, Hebb said he has his fingers crossed but there is no guarantee at this point the 2020-21 BCHL season can take place. The NHL, NBA and MLS are discussing returns but those scenarios are predicated on no fans being in the stands. That would not work in gate-driven junior hockey. “We don’t have TV revenue,” said Black. “Without fans, we would have to shut it down.” Gatherings of more than 50 people are currently banned in B.C. Also lost as a revenue stream are the fees paid for the spring hockey camps that BCHL teams host for young up-and-coming talent. Those camps have been postponed. “The spring leagues are on hold. There are no revenue opportunities, whether advertising or camps, right now,” said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon. Didmon, of course, must prepare as if next season is a go. “We are still recruiting,” he said. “But it’s by phone. And with no prospects’ camps, scouting is being done by video. Hopefully, down the road, things return to normal.” AROUND THE LEAGUE: The Trail Smoke Eaters are in search of a new GM/coach after Jeff Tambellini accepted an offer from the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning to become a free-agent recruiter/pro scout. . . . The regular-season champion Express have a new head coach. Dan Cioffi takes over from Jason Fortier, who chose to move on after being named BCHL coach of the year. Cioffi was an assistant coach in Coquitlam between 2007 and 2010 and coached the Junior B Delta Ice Hawks.
Rogers Commits To Cranbrook:
The Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) are happy to announce that they have committed forward Brendan Rogers for the 2020-2021 season. Rogers, 18, played last season in his hometown of Nanaimo for the Buccaneers of the VIJHL tallying 16 goals and 37 points in 47 games. Rogers led his team in points and added 2 more points in the playoffs. “Brendan is a player that we targeted early on in the process and believe can contribute right away.” Said General Manager and Head Coach Ryan Donald. “He comes to us with significant experience at the Jr. B level, leading his team in both goals and points this past season. Brendan is a player that we will count on to provide leadership and experience to our team this fall and are excited to welcome to Cranbrook.”
Looking Back With Vees Defenceman Nico Somerville:
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 Nico Somerville. “First thing that comes to mind is that it was the fastest year of my life,” says Nico Somerville about his 20-year-old season as he concludes his junior hockey career with exactly 250 games played split between the regular season and playoffs, “I remember when I was 16, all of the 20-year-olds would say it goes by fast and to cherish every moment and I think that’s something that players overlook and brush it off but it’s true. It’s like you blink and it’s your last season of junior hockey and you feel like you’re a bit rushed to cherish those moments.” The Port Alberni, BC native played all of his junior hockey on Vancouver Island before a midseason trade to Penticton saw him change scenery for the first time in his career. Somerville started in Junior ‘B’ with the Victoria Cougars of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL), where the defender won a league championship as a 15-year-old and played in the Cyclone Taylor Cup, the provincial national championship in the Junior ‘B’ circuit. Following that, Somerville made the move to Junior ‘A’ to suit up for the Victoria Grizzlies, a team in which he played four seasons and over 180 games with. For the first time in his career, Somerville skated for a different BCHL team than the Grizzlies after the Vees acquired the defender in late November of this past season, “The decision to ask for a trade from Victoria was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” commented Somerville, “I was there for four years and that organization gave a lot for me and I gave a lot for them but my biggest goal in my final season was winning a championship.” “I wanted to go to a team that I felt had a really good chance of winning and making a good playoff push and the first team that came to mind was Penticton,” continued Somerville, “I found out the trade was official right after a game and once I got to Penticton about a day or two after that, it was everything I wanted. Everyone was so welcoming and it’s a such a special place to play and will be something I will hold in my heart.” The 5’10, 180-pound rearguard played in his first game with the Vees on November 29th in Merritt and remembers the drive up to the South Okanagan after being traded, “I still remember driving up on the Coquihalla and thinking to myself, ‘holy, I’m really going to Penticton’,” stated Somerville, “Growing up, seeing Penticton was like an NHL team to me so to finally be able to put that jersey on was pretty special. My first game in Merritt, I looked over to Darwin (Lakoduk) and said ‘this is actually happening’, I couldn’t believe it. The whole experience in Penticton, for me, is probably the highlight of my junior career.” Soon after Somerville arrived, the Vees started to pick up steam and with a good month of December followed by a terrific January, dropping just one game before concluding the regular season on a hot stretch of play, “As soon as I got here, I could tell the vibe in the locker room was a winning one,” mentioned Somerville,”I felt that was something that would carry us far and it did for the most part. I truly believe that if the season wasn’t cut short, we would have made a good run for a Fred Page Cup and National Championship.” Somerville has had the privilege of being part of some special teams in his junior career while playing for the Grizzlies and this year’s Vees squad ranked high up there in his career, “A couple of my years in Victoria, we made it to the second and third round and I felt we had that with this group as well,” Somerville said, “This team was, by far, the most skilled team I have ever played on. There was different ways we would win with our defense scoring goals and coming from behind to win games.” “There must have been three or four games where we were down going into the last minute and came back to tie it up and win in overtime,” Somerville continued, “There was no worry whatsoever in the locker room and on the bench. To me, that really sticks out in my mind and is something I hadn’t really experienced before with other teams and this Penticton team is the best one I have played on in the BCHL.” Those late comebacks were a big part of the Vees success this season and having a veteran team that had seen it all played a factor into not panicking late in hockey games, “That’s something that Fred preached to us this season is to come into the locker room after a period and reset and refocus,” commented Somerville, “Even if we had a good period, we would come back into the room and know we had what it takes to come from behind or hold a lead. Us having an older group with our 20-year-olds and 19-year-olds really showed in our play.” Something Somerville worked very hard for in his junior was to secure a collegiate future and he did so while in Victoria, committing to American International College (AIC) and now has a chance to look ahead to starting a new chapter in his life and hockey future, “It took a little bit of time, about two or three weeks to comprehend what just happened with our season,” said Somerville, “But I’ve got my sights set on AIC and being a factor and contributor in that lineup.” “I couldn’t be more excited to get out there and they have a really good track record these past couple of years,” Somerville continued, “I’m excited to bring the things that Fred taught us and what I learned in Penticton and incorporate that into the college level.” The Vees would like to thank Nico for everything he did in a Vees jersey and for his contributions to the City of Penticton and South Okanagan!
NHL 20 Playoff Simulation: Caps vs. Clippers
Nolan Barrett from the Cowichan Valley Capitals goes head to head with Josh Kagan from the Nanaimo Clippers for the Island Division crown in the latest NHL 20 BCHL Playoffs simulation, powered by Shaw!
Pearson Commits To Chilliwack:
The Chilliwack Chiefs have solidified their goaltending for the 2020-21 BCHL season with the recent commitment of 2002 born goaltender Ethan Pearson. The 6’2, 185 pound goaltender suited up last season for the prestigious Mount St. Charles Academy Program where he registered a 1.64 GAA, and a .921 save percentage. The Chiefs have been watching Pearson’s progression as a goaltender for quite some time, and were sold on his abilities during a recruiting trip to Merrimack College for the True Prep Showcase this past season. “Ethan is a goaltender we have had our eye on over the course of the past season. Obviously his size is a huge advantage, but we are very happy with his athletic ability, and the calm nature with which he plays his position.” Said Chiefs Head Coach and GM Brian Maloney before adding, “Ethan is a big part of the future of the Chilliwack Chiefs, we were really excited to have the opportunity to commit to him for next season.” “I’m really excited to join such a prestigious organization to further my development as a goalie and as a person. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way for all the sacrifices they have made!” Said the Quebec City native when asked about his commitment to the Chiefs. Welcome to Chilliwack, Ethan and family!
Express And Coaching Staff Part Ways:
The reigning BCHL coach of the year won’t be back with the Coquitlam Express. Jason Fortier, who was general manager and head coach, couldn’t come to terms with the Express on a new contract. Fortier took over when Barry Wolff was fired in November 2017 and signed a three-year contract through the end of the 2019-20 season. He had an 87-51-11 record with the Express. “I’m thankful for Express owner Fayaz Manji’s support to chase a championship this past season after he bought the team last fall. He allowed us to go for it and was really supportive, we just couldn’t come together on a new contract,” explained Fortier from the road on Monday as he drove back to Ontario. As for Fortier’s replacement, Express President Dave McLellan mentioned that the team is working on it. “Look for the announcement soon,” he said. Assistant coaches Sam Waterfield and Jamie Jackson also had their contracts run out with the Express and won’t return to the team. Jackson was brought on board in November 2017 while Waterfield was with Coquitlam since June 2019.
Milberg Commits To Langley Rivermen:
The Langley Rivermen solidified their goaltending on Saturday with the commitment of 19-year-old Brandon Milberg. He’s slated to attend Sacred Heart University in September 2021. The native of Thornhill, Ontario spent this past season playing US high school hockey with Lawrence Academy in Massachusettes. Despite playing in the US since 2018, Milberg isn’t considered an import for the Rivermen because he is Canadian. In eight games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in January, he had a 1.12 goals-against-average and a .954 save percentage.
Vasko & Zacharewicz Commit To Cranbrook Bucks:
The Cranbrook Bucks (BCHL) are happy to announce that they have committed Forward AJ Vasko and Goaltender Jacob Zacharewicz for the 2020-2021 season. Vasko played for the RINK Academy of the CSSHL last season collecting 15 goals and 41 assists for 56 points in 31 games. The 2002 born Manitoba native played 3 season at the RINK Academy including captaining this past season. “Our staff is excited to add a player and person of AJ’s calibre to our hockey team for this season.” Remarked Head Coach and GM Ryan Donald. “AJ represents a lot of the qualities that we look for in our players, enthusiastic, hard working and extremely competitive. This past season AJ was the captain of his team and it was obvious the more that we spoke with him that he would be a great fit for our team culture and the Cranbrook community.” Jacob Zacharewicz played for Islanders Hockey Club of the NCDC this past season posting a .930 save percentage and 2.43 goals against average in 22 games. The 19-year-old from Riverhead, NY is also committed to Brown University in Division 1 NCAA for the 2022-2023 season. “Early in the roster building process it was important for us to identify a goaltender that was driven, highly competitive, and self motivated.” Said Head Coach and GM Ryan Donald. “Jacob represents all of these things and more. With Jacob we are getting a goaltender that can step in and immediately give us a chance to win every night, while continuing to grow and evolve individually. He comes highly recommended from the coaching staff at Brown University where he is slated to enroll in the fall of 2022.“ The Bucks wish to welcome both AJ and Jacob to the organization and the City of Cranbrook.
Spruce Kings Name Carter New Assistant General Manager And Director Of Player Personnel:
No comments:
Post a Comment