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:

Marsella Commits To Penticton Vees:

The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce defenseman Jason Marsella (’02) has committed to the team for the upcoming 2020/21 season. Marsella, 17, comes to Penticton after playing three seasons for the North Jersey Avalanche program, completing the 2019/20 season with the U-18 team, amassing 7 goals and 7 assists for 14 points in 16 games played. After his season with the Avalanche came to an end, the 5’11”, 179-pound defender made his way to Avon Old Farms in the United States Prep circuit, suiting up for 27 games while registering 3 goals and 13 assists for 16 points on the campaign. The Greenwich, Connecticut native has secured his playing future beyond junior hockey, committing to play at Yale University in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) for the 2021-22 season. Marsella will know a familiar face when he joins the Vees, having played with Penticton recruit Quinn Hutson with the North Jersey program last season. “Jason has the fundamental tools and compete level that is required to be a part of our program,” stated Vees President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson, “We are fortunate he has chosen Penticton as his next step in his development process.” “Committing to play for the Vees is a wonderful opportunity to allow me to play the game I love at such a high level,” commented Marsella, “I am fortunate and blessed to be given the opportunity from the Vees organization to wear the Blue, Black and White and I am excited to see what the future holds.” “If there is one thing I would like Vees fans to know about me,” Marsella continued, “It is that I am ready to work my hardest and do everything in my power to ensure success for such an astute organization.” The Vees would like to welcome Jason and his family to the organization as well as the South Okanagan.

NHL Offspring Becoming More And More Prevalent In BCHL:

Tom Chorske’s hockey resumé can now include unofficial BCHL promoter. “I think hockey people in general feel like it’s a great development league,” said Chorske, the 11-year NHL veteran from Minnesota whose 18-year-old son Brett is a first-year forward in the loop with the Wenatchee Wild.“There has always been those prevailing thoughts that it’s a more offensive, puck-possession, playmaking league than some of the other Junior A leagues. I’m absolutely telling people about it. I’ve already started a little bit here when people ask. It’s a really good option for players.” Chorske was a first-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 1985. He won a Stanley Cup in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils. He represented the Americans four times at the world championships. His backing is quality advertising for the BCHL. And you’d think he’s not alone in that regard with the league these days. The BCHL office lists 20 players with NHL bloodlines this season.Playoffs in the 17-team circuit began this week. “We use it in recruiting,” said Trail Smoke Eaters general manager and coach Jeff Tambellini, who’s a former NHLer himself, including a stint with the Vancouver Canucks. “When you have a father like a Marty Lapointe and his son has chosen your team, it says something. That’s a family that knows what it’s looking for. You can’t bluff a family like that. It’s good for the league overall. It brings profile to the league, having so many recognizable names.”Philippe Lapointe, a forward whose father played 16 years in the NHL and featured Cup wins in 1997 and 1998 with the Detroit Red Wings, is one of four Smoke Eaters with NHL fathers, along with 19-year-old forward Connor Sweeney (son of Bob Sweeney), 18-year-old forward Chase Dafoe (son of Byron Dafoe) and 20-year-old forward Carson Briere (son of Daniel Briere).Lapointe, who celebrates his 20th birthday on Saturday and is committed to the University of Michigan, says the NHL connection isn’t something that comes up often among the Smoke Eaters. “Briere’s dad was in town and he was telling us some stories one time but that’s really about it,” he said. Lapointe was born in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale and split last season between the Lincoln Stars and Central Illinois Flying Aces, a pair of USHL teams. With the Smoke Eaters, he gets to play with fellow University of Michigan commit Kent Johnson, who was the BCHL’s leading scorer during the regular season. As well, he gets to play for a former Michigan player and assistant coach in Tambellini.HIs father was also a teammate of Dafoe’s dad with the Bruins. Tambellini says that Dafoe has been good about talking up the BCHL. Chase Dafoe is an Okanagan Hockey Academy product and played in the B.C. Major Midget League before joining the Smoke Eaters. He played a few games with Trail last season and this is his first full season with the club. Philippe Lapointe explained: “Every year I feel like people are starting to realize more and more what a great league the BCHL is. You are starting to see an even greater trend where families who know the game and dads who know the game want to send their kids there.”Tom Chorske has former teammates with sons in the league like Mike Richter (Tom Richter is a 19-year-old centre with the Prince George Spruce Kings); and Scott Niedermayer (Jackson Niedermayer is an 18-year-old winger with the Penticton Vees). He has yet to speak to them about the circuit but was “familiar with the BCHL from different guys that I played with.” Chorske wrapped up his playing career in 2000-01 with the AHL’s Houston Aeros and one of his teammates there was defenceman Jeff Tory, who had starred in the BCHL with the old Penticton Panthers. As well, the Penticton Vees have recruited heavily in Minnesota in recent years, and Chorske was familiar with those players.All that certainly had to help when Brett Chorske, who measures 6-6 and 185 pounds, was recruited to the Wild by assistant coach Leigh Mendelson after watching him at a camp over the summer. “I like how the league has been forward-thinking. I think they’re trying to promote a style of play that the game is evolving to,” Tom Chorske said.

NHL bloodlines

• Tristan Amonte (son of Tony Amonte), Penticton Vees

• Jack Barnes (son of Stu Barnes), Penticton Vees

• Carson Briere (son of Danny Briere), Trail Smoke Eaters

• Brett Chorske (son of Tom Chorske), Wenatchee Wild

• Chase Dafoe (son of Byron Dafoe), Trail Smoke Eaters

• Haydn Delorme (grandson of Ron Delorme), Prince George Spruce Kings

• Akito Hirose (brother of Taro Hirose), Salmon Arm Silverbacks

• Philippe Lapointe (son of Martin Lapointe), Trail Smoke Eaters

• Chase McInnis (son of Marty McInnis), Victoria Grizzlies

• Dawson McKay (son of Randy McKay), Powell River Kings

• Jackson Niedermayer (son of Scott Niedermayer), Penticton Vees

• Tom Richter (son of Mike Richter), Prince George Spruce Kings

• Brett Roloson (son of Dwayne Roloson), Powell River Kings

• Ben Sanderson (son of Geoff Sanderson), Vernon Vipers

• Lukas Sillinger (son of Mike Sillinger), Penticton Vees

• Levi Stauber (nephew of Robb Stauber), West Kelowna Warriors

• Connor Sweeney (son of Bob Sweeney), Trail Smoke Eaters

• Garrett Valk (son of Gary Valk), Chilliwack Chiefs

• Danny Weight (son of Doug Weight), Penticton Vees

• Tyler Young (son of Scott Young), Wenatchee Wild

Cronin Commits To West Kelowna Warriors:

The West Kelowna Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of forward Jack Cronin (‘01) for the 2020-21 season. The Hamilton, Massachusetts native tallied 22 goals and 14 assists in  27 games played with Noble & Greenough (USHS Prep). Including his Junior season, Cronin has scored 48 goals in 56 games, making him one of the top goal scorers in New England Prep over the last two seasons. “We are very excited for Jack to join the Warriors family”, said Warriors Head Coach Simon Ferguson. “Jack brings a great work ethic and an exceptional shot.” Cronin is committed to Princeton University (NCAA). The 5’11, 185 pound forward had plenty of options on where to play next year, but decided to commit to the Warriors. “I chose the Warriors after several conversations with Mr. Murphy and Coach Simon Ferguson,” stated Cronin. “I also did some research and heard nothing but great things about the direction of the team under the new ownership, the community of West Kelowna and the fan base. The league as a whole is more offensive and I feel that fits my game really well.” Cronin has a handful of friends from the New England area that recommended playing in the BCHL. “More and more kids from New England Prep seem to be going to the BCHL. Tyler Young( WEN), Chase MacInnis (VIC) and Nick Caferelli (WEN) are a few friends of mine who played in the league last year.”   The Warriors would like to welcome Jack and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization. The Warriors are accepting more positions for their Spring Camp. For more information visit the West Kelowna Warriors website.

Alberni Valley Bulldogs: Graduating Players & Eligible Returnees:

Due to the cancelation of the 2020 BCHL playoffs because of the coronavirus pandemic, rather than focus on each BCHL team as they were eliminated, I decided to cover each team’s graduating players and eligible returnees alphabetically. The Bulldogs have three 20-year-olds on their roster in forwards Ryan Doolin, Jackson Doucet, and Matthew Grouchy who have aged out of junior. Defencemen Tim Gould, Jackson Munro, Jimmy Rayhill and Moe Acee, and forward Mitch Deelstra are each off to NCAA hockey for next season and won’t be back in the BCHL. Forward Tyler Kostelecky was injured for most of the season and only got into 15 games, but is still slated to attend Arizona State this fall. Forward Austin Spiridakis is committed to Quinnipiac University, but not set to start attending until September 2021. A reminder that all NCAA commitment years are as posted on the BCHL website. Bulldogs GM and head coach Joe Martin has ten players eligible to return up front, three on the blueline and both goaltenders from the 2019-20 season. Alberni Valley also has four players eligible to return who will count as 20-year-olds, which means the Bulldogs could potentially add two 2000-born veterans before reaching the BCHL limit of six. Alberni Valley also has an extremely strong group of 19-year-olds eligible to come back, with seven forwards and both goaltenders falling into that age group. The depth chart is based on coaches going with a 23-man roster of 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goaltenders.

Graduating Players

Moe Acee (St. Lawrence University)

Mitch Deelstra (Ferris State University)

Tim Gould (University of Maine)

Tyler Kostelecky (Arizona State University)

Jackson Munro (Brown University)

Jimmy Rayhill (Cornell University)

Jackson Doucet (aged out)

Ryan Doolin (aged out)

Matthew Grouchy (aged out)

Eligible Returnees

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

Forwards

Dawson Tritt (00)

Caige Sterzer (00)

Josh Zary (01)

Tommy Bannister (01)

Stephen Castagna (01)

Isaac Pascoal (01)

River Fahey (01)

Olivier Fizet (01)

Jacob Bosse (01)

Austin Spiridakis (02)

*

*

*

Defencemen

Grayson Valente (00)

Mattias Dal Monte (00)

Cameron Newson (02)

*

*

*

*

*

Goaltenders

Luke Pearson (01)

Jackson Glassford (01)

Looking Back At Vees Defenceman Steve Holtz:

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. First up: defenseman Steve Holtz. After playing in two seasons with the Youngstown Phantoms in the United States Hockey League, Steve Holtz made his way to Penticton for his 20-year-old season. “I wasn’t really planning on playing another season of junior hockey,” said the Vees rearguard, “Things didn’t work out the way I had wanted them to but Fred (Harbinson) reached out to me in the summer about coming to play in Penticton and I wanted to take the chance to move out west and play in British Columbia.” The White Lake, Michigan native led all blue liners with 8 goals on the season while collecting 27 points from the back end during his time with Penticton. Holtz credits Vees assistant coach Patrick Sexton for helping in his development. “I thought I had a really good year,” Holtz mentioned, “I thought I developed through the year with Paddy as the D coach. He’s a younger guy that just came out of school and I feel like we just kind of connected like friends more than a coach and player relationship. I felt like I could kind of joke around with him and it was almost like he was a brother to me. It added a different level of development to my game and I just trusted him back there and made this a really good year and I really enjoyed my time in Penticton.” Going through the regular season with 44 wins and earning a five-game first round series victory over the West Kelowna Warriors, the Vees were on a strong path heading into the second round of the playoffs before the season came to an abrupt halt with the COVID-19 outbreak. When did Holtz feel this team was special? “I had that feeling after the preseason,” Holtz said, “We were on a pretty good roll through the preseason and then got hot at the beginning of  the year, winning our first 11 games in a row and I knew we had something special from the start. It all started with the guys, we all bonded so quick and got along right away, whether it be away from the rink or at practice.” Practices during the season are not normally looked to as a highlight that players will remember but for this year’s Vees, the practices had just as much meaning as game play did, “We had so much tempo and energy in our practices, Fred mentioned it in our team meeting at the end of the year, calling us the ‘One More’ team,” stated Holtz, “Guys always wanted one more rep in practice and to stay out a little longer, it’s things like that that go a mile and made a difference with our team and I genuinely think we had a shot at going a long way down the road.” The closeness of the bond on the ice stems from how tight knit the team was in the dressing room and away from the rink, “To me, it was the best group of guys I’ve ever played with,” mentioned Holtz, “We all got along really well and it was like a brotherhood. There were times that guys would get on each others nerves but we’d always come to the rink the next day and hit the reset button and get back to being brothers again. It will be hard to find a better group of guys to play with down the road.” “We had a lot veteran guys on this team that led in different ways,” continued Holtz, “I was more of a player that led by example on the ice. I’m not a huge talker, I like to have my actions lead the way but we had a little bit of everything with guys doing the right things whether the coaches were in the room or not.” The White Lake, Michigan native, like each of the players who he went to battle with every night, would never have expected his junior hockey career to end in the fashion it did and will always be remembered, “It’s a very strange and unknown feeling that no one has really gone through before,” said Holtz, “For me, it just shows that you can’t take anything for granted. The season just flies by, it feels like yesterday I was just walking through the door and meeting my teammates so you really have to soak in every moment and enjoy your time in junior hockey.” Holtz will begin his new hockey journey close to home as  he is set to suit up with the University of Michigan for the fall of 2020. Hitting the ice with his new squad, or even on his own, is still an uncertainty given the current state of affairs in the world, “It still stings,” mentioned Holtz, “I think that hurt feeling is going to stay with me for a bit and not knowing what could have been for our season but once the situation settles down with the virus, I can get back on the ice and look ahead to college.” “I can kind of start with some offseason training with lifting some weights and getting back to work,” commented Holtz, “It will be a lot of work to prepare myself for school and hockey and it’s going to be a big transition going from my junior hockey life.” “I was taking online classes in Penticton but it’s definitely going to be an adjust, being a full-time engineering student at Michigan,” continued Holtz, “Doing that and playing hockey will be a difficult balance but I will do both to the best of my ability and it’s really excited to have that ahead and get that going.” The Vees would like to thank Steve for his contributions to the team and the city of Penticton and wish him the best in his future endeavours!