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:
Crusberg-Roseen Commits To Coquitlam Express:
The Coquitlam Express added 18-year-old defenseman Cole Crusberg-Roseen for the 2020-21 season. Crusberg-Roseen played 53 games for the Mount St. Charles Academy U18 team in 2019-20 and posted nine goals and 18 assists. He also played seven games with the Rhode Island U18 Saints, scoring a goal and an assist. The native of Stratham, New Hampshire is committed to the University of Massachusettes (Amherst) for September 2021.
Top 10 Penticton Vees Goals of 2019-20
The Penticton Vees had a dominant offence that led the Interior Division in scoring, which included some of the top highlight-reel goals of the season.
Michaud Named BCHL's Marketer Of The Year:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs President and Governor David Michaud has been named the BCHL’s Marketer of the Year for 2019-20. Michaud joined the Bulldogs front office last summer after his group Keycorp Sports & Entertainment purchased a majority share of the team. Prior to that, Michaud was the Director of Corporate Partnerships & Player Development for the Penticton Vees from 2015 to 2018. “I was surprised and very honoured to win this award,” said Michaud. “Like most of these awards, it’s really a team effort, especially in a community like Port Alberni. The people associated with the Bulldogs are what makes us go and I couldn’t run the Bulldogs without them. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the BCHL and I’m looking forward to welcoming our fans back into the Dawg Pound.” On the ice, the Bulldogs enjoyed an 11-point improvement from the 2018-19 season including five more wins. Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin, who also joined Alberni Valley in the offseason, knows first-hand how important Michaud and the new ownership group have been to the team. “Working with David this season has been my pleasure,” said Martin. “I’ve enjoyed the professionalism and dedication he has brought to our team and our city. We’re all looking forward to our growth as a club and he’s a big reason for that.” Michaud was selected after a poll was conducted with marketers from around the league. The award is based on professionalism, marketing impact on their team and the league, creativity, willingness to work as a team and overall representation of the BCHL. “David boasts an unwavering passion for the BCHL and his wealth of experience, along with his marketing knowledge, is such a valuable asset to our league,” said Barry Douglas, Vice President, Business Operations and Governor for the Chilliwack Chiefs as well as the Chairman of the BCHL’s Marketing Committee. “David is always one of the first to provide valuable feedback with league marketing initiatives and has recently volunteered his time with the league’s Marketing Committee. There are many award-worthy marketers across the BCHL and I know they join me in congratulating David who is a prime example of what a Marketer of the Year should be.”
Powell River Kings: Graduating Players And Eligible Returnees:
Following the departure of general manager and head coach Tyler Kuntz, the Powell River Kings promoted assistant coach Brock Sawyer and brought in Chad Van Diemen as GM. The two are tasked with improving a team that finished third in the Island Division and lost to Cowichan Valley in five games in the first round of the playoffs. The Kings lose leading scorer Levi Glasman to college, but Brett Roloson, who was just seven points behind Glasman, returns for his 20-year-old season. Roloson scored 20 goals and 22 assists in 2019-20. Rookie Michael Abgrall impressed in his first full season of junior hockey and put up 13 goals and 24 assists. 13-goal scorer Ethan Schmunk will also chip in on the Kings’ offensive attack in his final season of junior. There is a big void to fill on the blueline, with all due respect to returnees Ian Kern and Dylan Hewlitt. Both are sophomores and while Kern played a regular shift in 2019-20, Hewlitt only got into 32 games. Gone are college-bound blueliners Davis Pennington, Ben Wozney, PJ Garrett, and Dylan Finlay, while Jack Long has aged out. In goal, Thomas Wardle is the returnee as Derek Krall just wrapped up his overage season. Wardle, who turns 18 in October, was 5-6-0 with a 2.51 goals-against-average, a .917 save percentage, and two shutouts in 13 games since coming over from Coquitlam in early November. The depth chart is based on coaches going with a 23-man roster of 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goaltenders.
*All college commitment years are collated from each player’s profile on the Kings roster on the BCHL website.
Graduating Players
Reilly Moran (St. Lawrence University)
Levi Glasman (Colgate University)
Jacob Badal (Western Michigan University)
Jack Brackett (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)
Ben Wozney (Bowling Green University)
PJ Garrett (Colgate University)
Dylan Finlay (University of Vermont)
Davis Pennington (University of Nebraska-Omaha)
Devin Leduc (aged out)
Jack Long (aged out)
Derek Krall (aged out)
Eligible Returnees
(* indicates an open spot – assuming the team goes with 13 forwards and eight defencemen)
Forwards
Dawson McKay (00)
Brett Roloson (00)
Ethan Schmunk (00)
Nolan Krogfoss (01)
Rowan Miller (01)
Jacob Slipec (01)
Brett Pfoh (02)
Nic Porchetta (02)
Michael Abgrall (03)
*
*
*
*
Defencemen
Ian Kern (02)
Dylan Hewlitt (02)
*
*
*
*
*
*
Goaltenders
Thomas Wardle (02)
*
Smoke Eaters Name Fragle New Head Coach/GM:
The Trail Smoke Eaters are pleased to announce Tim Fragle as the team’s next General Manager and Head Coach. Fragle, a native of Edmonton, Alberta and former Smoke Eater comes to Trail with a strong coaching resume as the team’s new General Manager and Head Coach. During the past four years, Fragle has been head coach of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Ooks College Hockey Team. During his stint, the Ooks have finished first in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) for four consecutive seasons, going 95-21-9-2 in 127 games. Fragle has also earned the Coach of the Year award in three of his four seasons at NAIT (2016-17, 18-19, 19-20). “Annie and I are extremely excited to announce Tim Fragle as the new Head Coach/General Manager of the Trail Smoke Eaters. Tim brings extensive experience and knowledge to the Trail Smoke Eater program. The hiring committee spent substantial time and effort going through many applications and we feel that Tim and his background brings all the right pieces to continue to carry on the Trail legacy and grow what we have built over the last four years. We feel Tim is the perfect fit to come in and pick right up where Jeff Tambellini left off and we could not feel more secure in our decision. We are incredibly grateful and thrilled to welcome Tim, his wife Terra, and their two children, Ben and Madison to not only the Trail Smoke Eater hockey club, but to the Trail community and Smoke Eater family as well.” – Owner Rich Murphy Prior to coaching at NAIT, Fragle was the General Manager and Head Coach of the Sherwood Park Crusaders from 2009 to 2016. With a winning record in all six regular seasons, Fragle finished his AJHL stint with a 39-19-2 record and advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs in five of his six seasons before making his move to NAIT. During the 2015/16 season he was named the head coach of Team Canada West for the World Junior A Challenge, leading the team to a gold medal. He was also the assistant coach the year prior. Fragle also coached at various levels of minor hockey in Edmonton. “I am excited for our players and staff to be able to work with Tim. Having played alongside Tim and knowing his character, he is going to be a great mentor for our players off the ice, as well as a great coach on the ice and behind the bench. Tim has always been someone I had hoped to be able to work with and I’m excited that now is the time Tim can come to our organization and continue to grow this program, which has been left in a great position by Jeff Tambellini. Having a background of playing in Trail and knowing the community, he embraces the opportunity to come back and strive for a BCHL Championship. The community of Trail is adding a great coach, person and family to its community today.” – Director of Hockey & Business Operations, Craig Clare As mentioned, Fragle is no stranger to Trail having played for the Smoke Eaters from 1997-2000 putting up 50 points in 98 games for the Smoke Eaters, while being named captain during the 99/00 season. Fragle finished his junior career in the AJHL with the Crusaders where he was also named captain. He then attended NAIT as a student athlete between 2001-2004 where again he was named captain for two seasons. Since his playing days have ended and he transitioned into coaching, Fragle has helped 22 players to the NHL, seen 68 players commit to NCAA/U Sports/ACAC programs as well as 38 players make the WHL. The Trail Smoke Eaters are excited to welcome Tim and his family back to Trail and are looking forward to the season ahead.
Myers Commits To Merritt Centennials:
The Merritt Centennials are announcing they’ve committed to forward Jacob ‘Cubby’ Myers (’02) of the Vancouver North East Chiefs in the BCMML for next season. The Port Moody, BC native is a power forward who stands at 6′ and weighs 185 pounds and brings a right handed shot to the group. Myers goes by the nickname of Cubby, a moniker he’s had since he was two years old. Playing with the Chiefs last season he was able to compile 11 goals and 7 assists through 38 games while also adding 132 penalty minutes. Head Coach and General Manager Derek Sweet-Coulter says Myers is a team first player that’s willing to use everything in his arsenal to help the team win. “Cubby has a high compete level and plays with tremendous heart and goes to the hard areas of the ice. He embraces battling for the good ice and is physical when he needs to be especially in open ice. He skates well and has a very good skill set that we will look to continue to develop this season. He understands sacrificing himself for the better of the team is extremely important to our group. I believe he will fit in well with what we are building for this season.” Myers says that the team mentality the Centennials are building is what has him excited to join the club. “I am super excited to join a program that has such a great structure, culture and community supporting the organization. A team that is dedicated to battling for eachother.” He adds that the biggest thing he will bring to the club is that he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to help the team win. “I believe that I bring a team first mentality, I am prepared to do whatever it takes on and off the ice.” While this seasons off-season is like no other, Myers says he’s training in some unique ways to be prepared for next season. “I have been constantly striving to stay prepared during these trying times by training with whatever I can get my hands on , the neighbours are starting to get tired of the banging.” The Centennials would like to welcome Cubby and the Myers family to the organization and the Nicola Valley.
Grizzlies Name Chambers Assistant General Manager & Director Of Scouting:
The Victoria Grizzlies continue to show that the BCHL doesn’t just develop players for the next level, they also develop executives for the next level of hockey. The Grizzlies announced today that Auzzie Chambers has been named Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting. Chambers has 3 years of scouting experience in the BCHL and spent last season working with the Powell River Kings. He has been working as a scout for the Grizzlies since January of this year.In 2017 Chambers was the youngest person to ever take the General Manager & Scouting Course at Sports Management Worldwide, where he just completed his hockey Analytics course. Head coach Craig Didmon spoke today on what the new assistant executive is expected to bring to the organization. “Auzzie is a young man that is very motivated to embark on a successful career in hockey, and we are extremely happy to have him on board. He brings a fresh approach to our Hockey Operations staff, and I look forward to him continuing to make a positive impact on our club” said Didmon “During this irregular off-season, he has spent countless hours scouring game archives and sharing information with his network of scouts throughout Canada and the U.S to bring forward some solid prospects for our hockey club.” The 17-year old spoke of his excitement that comes from joining the organization. “It’s a huge honour to get to work with the Grizzlies. I look forward to working alongside GM/HC Craig Didmon to bring a Canadian Championship to Victoria” “The Grizzlies have looked beyond my age and allowed me to prove myself. No one will outwork our staff as we pursue the right talent to bring the Grizzlies a championship.” -Auzzie Chambers.
Caron Returning To Chilliwack:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are proud to announce that 2000-born goaltender Mathieu Caron will be returning to the team for the 2020-21 BCHL season. Although it was originally thought that Caron would potentially be moving on to the NCAA ranks to fulfill his commitment to Brown University, Caron along with Chiefs management have agreed that one more season in Chilliwack is the right move for his development prior to joining the NCAA for the 2021-22 season. Caron will be the longest-serving Chiefs player next season, and will look to build on his career totals in the BCHL while working with an elite 2002-born goaltender in Chiefs recruit Ethan Pearson. “I am excited to be back in Chilliwack for my last year of Juniors. Coach Maloney has put together an excellent team including bringing in an excellent goalie partner in Ethan to which I look forward to working with. I look forward to being apart of a team in a position to make a run for another Championship.” Said the Chiefs veteran netminder. Chiefs Head Coach and General Manager Brian Maloney is excited about the strength of the Chiefs between the pipes next season. “We are obviously really excited to have Mathieu back in the fold next season. He is a person with a great work ethic and drive. Coupled with his experience in the league, we feel that we will have one of the strongest tandems in the league along with Ethan Pearson, who we are extremely excited about.” Said Maloney before adding “Mathieu has been through a lot these past couple of seasons, it has been an opportunity for him to grow as a person and teammate. We are really excited to have him back working with our group and leading by example.”
Berretoni Commits To Express:
The Coquitlam Express have added forward Dante Berretoni from the Vancouver NE Chiefs of the BC Major Midget League for the upcoming season. Berretoni, a 17-year-old from Burnaby, BC, had 28 goals and 24 assists in 40 games for the Chiefs in 2019-20. His 28 goals was tops in the BCMML. He also played a game with the Surrey Eagles as an affiliate last season, going pointless in a game against the Express on February 19.
Storm Name Former Express Assistant Coach Waterfield New Assistant Coach:
Grande Prairie Storm General Manager and Head Coach Mike Vandekamp announced Tuesday that the team has hired Sam Waterfield as their new Assistant Coach for the upcoming 2020-2021 season. The 28-year-old is from Victoria, B.C. and spent last season as an Assistant Coach for the Coquitlam Express in the BCHL (British Colombia Hockey League), where he helped the Express earn a league-best record of 47-9-2. Prior to his time in Coquitlam, Waterfield spent two seasons as the Head Coach for the Saanich Braves of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL). As a player, Waterfield played as a defenceman and spent his time bouncing around different junior hockey leagues throughout Canada including the BCHL, VIJHL, SJHL (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League) and MJHL (Manitoba Junior Hockey League). He also spent three seasons playing college hockey for the NAIT Ooks of the ACAC from 2013-2016. He finished his playing career in 2016-17 where he spent 15 games with the Stony Plain Eagles where he was teammates with Oilers legend Ryan Smyth. “The Storm are excited to have Sam join our team and look forward to seeing him at training camp this fall,” said Storm Head Coach/General Manager Mike Vandekamp. “I am excited to come back to Northern Alberta and work in such a strong community,” said Waterfield. “The Storm have been a top team in the AJHL before and I look forward to being a part of bringing them back to a top contender.”
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