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:
Wasik Commits To Smoke Eaters:
The Trail Smoke Eaters are excited to announce the commitment of South Florida Hockey Academy product Dominik Wasik for the upcoming season. Wasik, from Superior, Colorado, has played his last two years with the academy, playing in 79 games. During his first season Wasik played in 40 games putting up a 2.21 GAA and a 0.914 SV%. He followed that up in his second year with a 2.42 GAA and a 0.906 SV% “Dominik comes to Trail with a great pedigree for the BCHL. He has been taught by former NHLer Tomas Vokoun and brings good size and quickness in the net. We’re excited to see Dominik develop into a top NCAA prospect. Dominik and Logan Terness will be a great pair next season and we’re excited to watch them work together. – GM Jeff Tambellini The 17-year-old netminder will make an exciting tandem with reigning rookie of the year Logan Terness as the the Smoke Eaters solidify things for 2020/21 season. The Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Dominik to Trail and we look forward to seeing him in the fall.
Spruce Kings Name Lomicky New Associate Coach:
The Spruce Kings are excited to announce the hiring of new Associate Coach Lukáš Lomicky. Lomicky spent last season as the Head Coach for the Revelstoke Grizzlies of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. Lomicky was also the Video Coach for Team Czech Republic at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge. “It is an honour to join a premier Junior A Franchise, the Prince George Spruce Kings. They have always run one of the best franchises in the BCHL and when I heard the opportunity, I knew I wanted the chance to join the organization” says Lomicky. “They have been able to move players and coaches to the next level time and time again, while also keeping a winning tradition. I want to thank Mike and Alex for the opportunity, and I am excited to get the season going and to be able to call Prince George my home.” Lomicky is from the Czech Republic and coached there for four years before coming to British Columbia. “We are excited to add Lukáš to our coaching staff. We had heard a lot of good things about Lukas from many people throughout the hockey world and after we had some discussions with him, we know he will be a great fit for the organization” says GM Mike Hawes. “He will fit well within our values and expectations as an organization and will compliment Alex well. I am very happy with the looks of our on-ice hockey staff moving forward and can’t wait to see where Alex, Lukas, Jason, and Nick can take our group.” Some coaching accolades for Lomicky include a KIJHL Championship in 2018-19 with the Grizzlies and a World U -17 Hockey Challenge Bronze Medal as the Video Coach for the Czech Republic in 2017-18. “Lukáš will undoubtedly be a strong contributor to our team. His work ethic and core values align well with our organization,” says Head Coach Alex Evin. “I am looking forward to working with all of our staff members next season.” The Spruce Kings would like to welcome Lukas to the organization and to the BC Northern Capital!
Campbell Commits To Coquitlam Express:
The Coquitlam Express received a commitment from 17-year-old defenceman Matthew Campbell for next season. Campbell, from North Vancouver, played 39 games last season with the Vancouver NW Hawks of the BC Major Midget League and put up seven goals and 32 assists. He also got into four games with the Express as an affiliate player.
Bucks Unveil Away/Road Jerseys:
The Cranbrook Bucks officially unveiled their away/road jerseys on Thursday. The Bucks have a colour scheme that is green, silver, and white.
Babic Commits To Grizzlies:
The Victoria Grizzlies have brought defenceman Aleksa Babic on board for the 2020-21 season. The 17-year-old had three goals and 21 assists in 49 junior B games for the Chatham Maroons of the GOJHL last season. He was drafted in the 14th round, 266th overall by the Windsor Spitfires in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection
Express Name Former NHLer Hollweg New Assistant Coach:
The Coquitlam Express are pleased to announce that former NHL player Ryan Hollweg will join the team’s coaching staff as assistant coach for the 2020/21 BCHL season. “We are excited to have Ryan join the Express family and bring his vast hockey experience and passion to guide and mentor our players on and off the ice. I look forward to working along side Ryan in building around the strong returning core of players” said head coach and assistant GM Dan Cioffi. “Ryan brings a great work ethic, energy and drive that will help continue the strong culture already established within the team”, added general manager Dave Mclellan. Ryan played in the BCHL as a 15 year old for the Langley Hornets where he was named the BCHL Rookie of the Year. In 1999, he was selected 1st overall in WHL draft by the Medicine Hat Tigers, where he eventually captained the team, leading them to a WHL title and birth in the Memorial Cup tournament. As a dual-citizen, Ryan was selected to represent both countries at the U17 (USA), U18 (Canada), and U20 World Junior (USA) tournaments. In the 2000 NHL draft, Ryan was selected 238th overall by the New York Rangers and enjoyed a distinguished NHL career playing with New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Arizona Coyotes for a total of 228 games. He also played 275 games with various AHL teams including the Hartford Wolfpack, Toronto Marlies, San Antonio Rampage, and Portland Pirates. Ryan later continued his professional career in Europe playing six seasons from 2012 to 2018 for the HC Skoda Plzen in the Czech Extraliga where the team captured an Extraliga Championship. After retiring from professional hockey, Ryan served as an associate coach with the BC Hockey North West (U 18) Major Midget Hawks. “I want to thank the Coquitlam Express for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to building on the winning culture that this great club has already established for itself. I look forward to getting to work right away.” Ryan said.
Tait Commits To Spruce Kings:
The Prince George Spruce Kings are thrilled to announce the commitment of forward Connor Tait (’01) for the 2020-21 season. “We are excited to add Connor Tait for the 2020-21 season. He is a big, strong, and intelligent player with a great work ethic that plays hard at both ends of the rink,” says Head Coach Alex Evin. The 19-year-old Tait spent last season with the New Jersey Hitmen in the National Collegiate Development Conference. Tait finished the 2019-20 campaign with 17 goals and 17 assists, good for 34 points in 35 games. The 6’1 198-pound forward is also committed to play NCAA Division 1 Hockey at Quinnipiac University. “Connor has proven to contribute offensively over the past few years and we hope he can add to our offense next season,” says Evin. The Spruce Kings would like to welcome Connor and his family to the organization and to the BC Northern Capital.
Storm Name Vandekamp Head Coach/GM:
The Grande Prairie Storm are pleased to announce that Mike Vandekamp will be returning to the organization as General Manager and Head Coach. The 3 year term takes effect immediately. Storm President Murray Toews says, "Mike Vandekamp knows how to create winners! He has a proven track record of bringing the most out of his players. Mike has won championships and has moved hundreds of players onto NCAA scholarships. Our fans, stakeholders and players need this change and we are happy to welcome Mike back home to the Grande Prairie Storm." A veteran junior hockey bench boss, Vandekamp enters his 26th season of coaching (WHL, AJHL, BCHL). He returns to the AJHL after spending the last 9 seasons in the BCHL with the Nanaimo Clippers and most recently the Cowichan Valley Capitals. In his 4 seasons with the Storm (2007-2011) Vandekamp amassed a regular season record of 154-72-19. In the playoffs, Vandekamp's Grande Prairie Storm teams posted a 27-18 record and won the AJHL Championship in 2009. "Helping bring an AJHL Championship to the Storm fans and organization is one of the highlights of my coaching career", says Vandekamp. "We had a talented group that was committed and proud to represent the Storm and the community of Grande Prairie. We found success in that formula. I look forward to being a part of revitalizing that culture of confidence. I'm excited to get back up north and getting to work!" Vandekamp is available for media requests at mikevandekamp72@gmail.com. Chris Millsap is available for media requests at millsap@libertylaw.ca and/or 780.933.8786. The Grande Prairie Storm Hockey Club exists to develop a quality junior hockey team made up of dedicated and talented hockey players who want to work together with the community, volunteers and administration. We constantly look for ways to improve our organization and are proud to be an integral part of the Grande Prairie region. We encourage educational advancement and strive to achieve the highest possible results in pursuit of a National Championship.
Trail Smoke Eaters: Graduating Players And Eligible Returnees:
The Trail Smoke Eaters are one of the teams the cancelation of the 2019-20 season due to COVID-19 hurt the most. After a regular season where they finished second to Penticton in the Interior Division, the Smokies swept Prince George in the first round of the playoffs and was set to face Salmon Arm in the second round. Most of Trail’s core players are moving on to school this fall, including Canadian Junior Hockey League top forward and BCHL most valuable player Kent Johnson, who’s off to the University of Michigan. All told, six of the Smoke Eaters top scorers won’t be back. Trail gets a major boost with the return of Owen Ozar, who’s been named captain for 2020-21. He was third in scoring with 26 goals and 40 assists in 54 games. Max Kryski is the next highest scoring forward eligible to return, he had 26 points in 57 games. The blueline is a source of strength for Trail, with half of the Smokies regular defensemen able to come back in 2020-21. While Kyle Pow, Trevor Isaksson, and Kyle Budvarson won’t entirely make up for the loss of Diarmad DiMurro, Cody Schiavon, and Powell Connor, they represent a very solid foundation. In goal, the Smoke Eaters boast a huge piece returning to the squad next season in Logan Terness. The 17-year-old was named BCHL rookie of the year along with being named to the league’s all-rookie team as well as the second all-star team. He had a stellar record of 27-10-0 to go along with a 2.36 goals-against-average, a .932 save percentage, and one shutout. The depth chart is based on coaches going with a 23-man roster of 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders. All college commitment years are collated from each player’s profile on the Smoke Eaters roster on the BCHL website.
Graduating Players
Kent Johnson (University of Michigan)
Philippe Lapointe (University of Michigan)
Braden Costello (University of North Dakota)
Michael Colella (Colorado College)
Tyler Ghirardosi (Quinnipiac University)
Matt Osadick (University of Maine)
Connor Sweeney (University of New Hampshire)
Diarmad DiMurro (Rochester Institute of Technology)
Powell Connor (Michigan State University)
Cody Schiavon (Yale University)
Carson Briere (Mercyhurst University)
Jameson Murray (aged out)
Matteo Paler-Chow (aged out)
Eligible Returnees
(* indicates an open spot – assuming the team goes with 13 forwards and eight defencemen)
Forwards
Max Kryski (00)
Owen Ozar (00)
Jaden Senkoe (01)
Chase Dafoe (02)
Walker Erickson (02)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Defensemen
Trevor Isaksson (00)
Kyle Budvarson (00)
Kyle Pow (00)
Jackson Murphy-Johnson (02)
*
*
*
*
Goaltenders
Logan Terness (02)
*
Top 10 Cowichan Valley Capitals Goals of 2019-20
The Cowichan Valley Capitals utilized a balanced lineup to lead the Island Division in goals with 194. With so many offensive weapons, they could make scoring look easy! Check out their top 10 goals of the season, presented by Chevrolet.
Spruce Kings Name Walkey New Trainer:
The Spruce Kings are excited to announce the hiring of new Trainer and Prince George product Joel Walkey. Walkey has completed his 4 years at Camosun College in Victoria, where he got his bachelor’s degree in the Athletic Therapy Program. “I am beyond excited to return to Prince George and to help contribute to a team that means so much to the community” says Walkey. “Mike and Alex have already done a great amount to make me feel like a welcomed addition to this organization. I am thrilled that the stars aligned and allowed me to begin my career in my hometown. I am looking forward to doing my part in helping this team continue with the success of recent years,” added Walkey. The Prince George born Walkey was also the trainer for the Saanich Braves of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League for the past 3 seasons. “Joel is a great fit for the organization. Not only is he from Prince George but he is young, energetic, and understands what the Spruce Kings mean to the community,” says GM Mike Hawes. “He is a great addition to our staff, and we are looking forward to having him start with us later this summer,” added Hawes The Spruce Kings would like to welcome Joel to the organization and back home to Prince George!
Smoke Eaters Name Ozar Captain:
The Trail Smoke Eaters are thrilled to announce Owen Ozar as the team’s captain for the upcoming season. Ozar, who enters his third year as a Smoke Eater, will wear the ‘C’ for his 20-year-old season. If it wasn’t Kent Johnson or Philippe Lapointe leading the charge offensively this season, it was Ozar. In 52 games this year Ozar put up 66 points, good enough for 4th in the BCHL. The University of Denver commit also joined 3 of his teammates at the World Junior A Challenge in December. “We are very proud to announce Owen Ozar as the next Captain of the Trail Smoke Eaters. Owen exemplifies everything that you want in a leader. His work ethic is infectious and his desire to execute and preform every time he steps on the ice is unmatched. Owen has been able to learn from two outstanding Captains in Braeden Tuck and Philippe Lapointe over the past two seasons, and is fully prepared for the responsibilities that come along with being the Captain in Trail, BC. Owen Ozar has worked for everything he has got over the past two seasons and there is no better player to lead the Trail Smoke Eaters in the 2020-21 season.” – GM Jeff Tambellini. While he didn’t have a letter during the past season, Ozar lead by example for all his teammates providing energy and encouragement during every shift. “I’m very honoured and excited to be the Captain next year. We are going to have a very good team again and I can’t wait to be back in Trail in the fall.” – #9 Owen Ozar
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