Former Vipers Basara, Renz & Nowick Collect WCHA Postseason Awards:

Former Vernon Vipers forwards Marcus Basara & Darren Nowick along with former Vernon Vipers defenceman Ryan Renz have been named to the 2015-16 WCHA All-Academic Team. Nowick was also named to the 2015-16 All-WCHA Second Team.

Basara finished his third season with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, played parts of the two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded along with Connor Hartley & future considerations to the AJHL Okotoks Oilers on November, 28th 2011 for Ben Gamache.  In 80 games with the Vipers Basara collected (18-goals-27-assists-45-points).

Marcus Basara's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=65270

Renz finished his second season with Lake Superior State University, played parts of four seasons in Vernon (2011-2014) played in 160 games with the Vipers collecting (10-goals-52-assists-62-points). The Vipers traded Todd Skirving & Future Considerations to Prince George for Ryan Renz on January 10th 2011. Renz was Captain of the Vipers in his final year of Junior Hockey in 2014.

Ryan Renz Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=48845

Darren Nowick finished his fourth and final year at Northern Michigan University after spending two years in Vernon (2010-2012) played in 109 games with the Vipers collected (36-goals-50-assists-86-points).

Darren Nowick's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=93823

This is posted on the WCHA website:

WCHA Announces 2015-16 Postseason Awards

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Individual award winners, All-WCHA teams and All-Academic teams honored

EDINA, Minn. – March 10, 2016 – Led by seven and five selections, apiece, by MacNaughton Cup co-winners and nationally ranked Michigan Tech and Minnesota State, the league's top five regular season finishers account for a majority of the men's Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) 2015-16 all-league teams and individual award winners, as announced today by Commissioner Bill Robertson.

Michigan Tech senior co-captain Alex Petan, who led the league in scoring during conference play, was named WCHA Player of Year. Minnesota State junior Casey Nelson was tabbed the Defensive Player of the Year, while Ferris State freshman forward Corey Mackin – the coaches' preseason nod – fulfilled expectations by earning Rookie of the Year honors. Michigan Tech senior goaltender Jamie Phillips, a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award, was named Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year. After leading the Huskies to a share of the league championship for the first time in 40 years, Michigan Tech bench boss Mel Pearson was recognized as Coach of the Year for the second time.

WCHA Player of the Year – Alex Petan, Sr., F, Michigan Tech (Delta, British Columbia)

Petan was a driving force behind Michigan Tech's run to a share of its first conference championship since 1976, pacing the WCHA in league play with 16 goals and 29 points (13 assists). The senior from Delta, British Columbia recorded a point in 19 of his 27 conference games, including seven multi-point efforts. The Huskies' co-captain was terrific during Tech's 10-1-3 WCHA binge after Dec. 11, tallying 15 points and netting four game-winning goals among his 10 overall markers. Petan enters the 2016 postseason with 30 points overall, including a league-high 17 goals.

WCHA Defensive Player of the Year – Casey Nelson, Jr., D, Minnesota State (Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin)

Nelson has been the backbone of a Minnesota State defense that has allowed the fewest shots on goal per game and ranked eighth nationally by yielding just 2.03 goals per game, while also contributing mightily on the offensive end. The junior from Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. led all WCHA defensemen (second among all players) with a +16 rating in his 27 league games, while also pacing blue-liners with 71 shots on goal and tying for fourth with 15 points (4g-11a). Nelson enters the 2016 playoffs tied for second among league d-men with 20 points overall (four goals), while his 16 assists are tied for seventh among all players and his +14 rating is tied for fourth.

WCHA Rookie of the Year – Corey Mackin, Fr., F, Ferris State (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Mackin lived up to his preseason prognostication as the league's top rookie, leading WCHA freshmen with 21 points (9g-12) in league play and 23 points (9g-14a) overall. The Philadelphia, Pa. native also paced league rookies with his nine goals, while finishing his first regular season with a +6 rating (+8 in WCHA games). Mackin found his name on the scoresheet in half (14) of his inaugural 28 league contests, while he factored in the game-winning goal (scoring or assisting) in six of Ferris State's 13 WCHA victories.

WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year – Jamie Phillips, Sr., G, Michigan Tech (Caledonia, Ontario)

Phillips, who backstopped Michigan Tech to a share of the league championship, was honored for his stellar work in the crease and in the classroom. The senior has a an overall 3.52 grade-point average, will graduate in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and has plans to attend medical school in his native Canada. A finalist for the 2015-16 Senior CLASS Award, Phillips has been involved with numerous community programs, including volunteer work with Houghton-area youth gymnastics and hockey teams. On the ice, the Winnipeg Jets' draftee ranks 11th nationally with a .712 winning percentage (21-7-5) and 13th with a 2.00 goals-against average. Phillips, among the nominees for the 2016 Mike Richter Award, also has a .921 save percentage in over 2,000 minutes in net.

WCHA Coach of the Year – Mel Pearson, Michigan Tech

Pearson and Michigan Tech are bringing the MacNaughton Cup back to its ancestral home in Copper County for the first time in 40 years, as the fifth-year bench boss guided the Huskies to a share of their first WCHA regular season championship since the 1975-76 season. He also became the first Tech coach to record consecutive 20-win seasons since the legendary John MacInnes. This is Pearson's second Coach of the Year accolade, as he also was recognized following his first season in 2011-12.

All-WCHA First Team

Petan headlines an all-senior 2015-16 All-WCHA First Team forward line, where he is joined by Minnesota State's Teddy Blueger (Riga, Lativa) and Alaska's Tyler Morley (Burnaby, British Columbia). Blueger, who finished second in the league scoring race, posted 28 points on seven goals (including a WCHA-best five game-winning strikes) and a conference-high 21 assists in WCHA play. The Pittsburgh Penguins' draftee enters the postseason as the WCHA's overall leading scorer with 10 goals and 23 assists for 33 points, while tying for second nationally with seven game-winners. Despite missing six games due to injury, Morley remained among the circuit's top scorers with 22 points in WCHA games (11g-11a) and 28 points overall (16g-12a), while his overall 0.59 goals-per-game average ranks 13th nationally.

Nelson and Bowling Green sophomore Mark Friedman (Toronto, Ontario) are the All First-Team defensemen. Friedman, a Philadelphia Flyers' draftee, was the top offensive blue-liner during WCHA play with four goals, 15 assists and 19 points in 28 league games. He also tied for seventh with 52 blocked shots while patrolling the blue line for the nation's 13th-ranked defense.

Bowling Green sophomore Chris Nell was selected as the first-team goaltender after finishing the regular season ranked eighth nationally with a 1.90 goals-against average, 10th with four shutouts and 13th with a WCHA-best .930 save percentage. The Green Bay, Wis. native posted a 15-6-5 mark with a 1.91 GAA, .927 save percentage (646 saves) and three blank sheets in 27 WCHA contests.

2015-16 All-WCHA First Team

Forward Alex Petan Sr., Michigan Tech

Forward Teddy Blueger Sr., Minnesota State

Forward Tyler Morley Sr., Alaska

Defense Casey Nelson Jr., Minnesota State

Defense Mark Friedman So., Bowling Green

Goalie Chris Nell So., Bowling Green

All-WCHA Second Team

The 2015-16 All-WCHA Second Team forwards are Ferris State's Gerald Mayhew and Northern Michigan linemates Darren Nowick and Dominik Shine. Mayhew, a junior from Wyandotte, Mich., led the Bulldogs and tied for third in the league with 25 points (9g-16a) in 28 league games, while his team-high 31 points (11g-20a) are second heading into the playoffs. Nowick, a senior from Long Beach, Calif. crested the 30-point plateau overall (13g-17a), while adding 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points in conference contests. Shine, a junior from Pickney, Mich., matched Mayhew with 25 WCHA points (12g-13a) in just 25 games, including four game-winning goals (29 points on 14 goals and 15 assists overall).

The second-team defensemen are Michigan Tech sophomore Matt Roy (Canton, Mich.) and Bowling Green junior Sean Walker (Keswick, Ontario). Roy, a 2015 draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings, led all WCHA players with a +19 overall rating (third in league play at +15). He also added 54 blocked shots in 28 league games, along with seven goals and nine assists for 16 points. Walker enters the postseason with a WCHA defensemen-high 21 overall points (4g-17a), while he was second with 18 points (3g-15a) in conference outings (along with a +11 rating).

Phillips was voted as the second-team goaltender.

2015-16 All-WCHA Second Team

Forward Gerald Mayhew Jr., Ferris State

Forward Darren Nowick Sr., Northern Michigan

Forward Dominik Shine Jr., Northern Michigan

Defense Matt Roy So., Michigan Tech

Defense Sean Walker Jr., Bowling Green

Goalie Jamie Phillips Sr., Michigan Tech

All-WCHA Third Team 

The forwards on the 2015-16 All-WCHA Third Team include Bowling Green's Mark Cooper, a senior from Toronto, Ontario, who ranked sixth in league play with 23 points on 10 goals and 13 assists; and Minnesota State's Bryce Gervais, a senior from Battleford, Saskatchewan, who finished second with 13 goals in 28 conference contests (along with seven assists and a league-high three short-handed strikes). Michigan Tech teammates Malcolm Gould and Tyler Heinonen tied in the voting to give the third team a quartet of forwards. Gould, a senior from North Vancouver, British Columbia, led the WCHA with a +18 rating in league games, while adding 22 points (7g-15a). Heinonen, a junior from Delano, Minn., tied for third with 12 goals in WCHA games, including a league-best seven power-play strikes.

The third-team blue line is manned by Ferris State senior Brandon Anselmini (Guelph, Ontario) and Michigan Tech junior Shane Hanna (Salmon Arm, British Columbia). Anselmini tallied 13 points (1g-12a) to tie for eighth among defensemen in WCHA games, while adding a +7 rating. Hanna, an assistant captain for the Huskies, recorded 15 points (2g-13a) and a +10 rating in league outings.

Lake Superior State's Gordon Defiel (Stillwater, Minn.) is the All-WCHA Third Team goaltender. The sophomore standout led the WCHA with a .934 save percentage in 20 league games, while posting a 9-7-2 record, two shutouts and a 2.16 goals-against average for a Lakers team that improved its league point total by 10 over the previous season.

2015-16 All-WCHA Third Team

Forward Mark Cooper Sr., Bowling Green

Forward Bryce Gervais Sr., Minnesota State

Forward Malcolm Gould Sr., Michigan Tech 

Forward Tyler Heinonen Jr., Michigan Tech 

Defense Brandon Anselmini Sr., Ferris State

Defense Shane Hanna Jr., Michigan Tech

Goalie Gordon Defiel So., Lake Superior State

WCHA All-Rookie Team

Mackin headlines the 2015-16 WCHA All-Rookie team forwards, along with Minnesota State's Max Coatta (Minnetonka, Minn.) and Michigan Tech's Jake Lucchini (Trail, British Columbia). Coatta (5g-6a) and Lucchini (4g-7a) each tied for fourth among league freshmen with 11 points in WCHA play, with the Maverick rookie also tying for fourth with a +7 rating and the Husky posting a +1 mark.

Alaska Anchorage's Wyatt Ege and Minnesota State's Daniel Brickley make up the All-Rookie Team blue line. Ege, a native of Elk River, Minn., tied for the scoring lead among WCHA freshmen defensemen with nine points (1g-8a) in league games, while ranking second with 35 blocked shots. Brickley, from Sandy, Utah, complemented a +7 rating with seven points (1g-6a) and 33 blocks during his inaugural 26 WCHA contests.

Northern Michigan's Atte Tolvanen, who used a stellar first half to cement his place among the national leaders, is the All-Rookie Team goaltender. The freshman from Vihti, Finland finished his first collegiate regular season with an NCAA freshman-best .929 save percentage in 24 games (21 starts), a mark good for 14th among all netminders.

2015-16 WCHA All-Rookie Team

Forward Corey Mackin Ferris State

Forward Max Coatta Minnesota State

Forward Jake Lucchini Michigan Tech

Defense Wyatt Ege Alaska Anchorage

Defense Daniel Brickley Minnesota State 

Goalie Atte Tolvanen, Northern Michigan

About the 2015-16 WCHA Awards

Conference member team head coaches vote for the WCHA individual award winners and all-league selections, while the WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year is selected by the institutional faculty representatives. Points for awards and all-league teams are awarded on a five-point (First Team vote), three-point (Second Team vote), and one-point (Third Team vote) basis.

2015-16 WCHA INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Player of the Year: Alex Petan, Sr., F, Michigan Tech
Defensive Player of the Year: Casey Nelson, Jr., D, Minnesota State
Rookie of the Year: Corey Mackin, F, Ferris State
Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year: Jamie Phillips, Sr., G, Michigan Tech
Coach of the Year: Mel Pearson, Michigan Tech
Scoring Champion: Alex Petan, Sr., F, Michigan Tech
Goaltending Champion: Cole Huggins, Jr., G, Minnesota State

All-WCHA First Team

Forwards: Alex Petan, Sr., Michigan Tech; Teddy Blueger, Sr., Minnesota State; Tyler Morley, Sr., Alaska

Defensemen: Casey Nelson, Jr., Minnesota State; Mark Friedman, So., Bowling Green

Goaltender: Chris Nell, So., Bowling Green

2015-16 All-WCHA Second Team

Forwards: Gerald Mayhew, Jr., Ferris State; Darren Nowick, Sr., Northern Michigan; Dominik Shine, Jr., Northern Michigan

Defensemen: Matt Roy, So., Michigan Tech; Sean Walker, Jr., Bowling Green

Goaltender: Jamie Phillips, Sr., Michigan Tech

2015-16 All-WCHA Third Team

Forwards: Mark Cooper, Sr., Bowling Green; Bryce Gervais, Sr., Minnesota State; Malcolm Gould, Sr., Michigan Tech and Tyler Heinonen, Jr., Michigan Tech
Defensemen: Brandon Anselmini, Sr., Ferris State; Shane Hanna, Jr., Michigan Tech
Goaltender: Gordon Defiel, So., Lake Superior State

 2015-16 WCHA All-Rookie Team

Forwards: Corey Mackin, Ferris State; Max Coatta, Minnesota State; Jake Lucchini, Michigan Tech

Defensemen: Wyatt Ege, Alaska Anchorage; Daniel Brickley, Minnesota State

Goaltender: Atte Tolvanen, Northern Michigan

2015-16 WCHA All-Academic Team

To qualify for the WCHA All-Academic Team, student-athletes must have completed one year of eligibility at present institution, prior to the current academic year and have a GPA of at least 3.0 for the previous two semesters or three quarters.

Following, by team, are the one hundred, forty (140) 2015-16 WCHA All-Academic Team honorees: (*indicates repeat honoree)

University of Alabama in Huntsville

James Block (So., F, Wrightstown, Wis.); Chad Brears* (Sr., F, Cold Lake, Alberta); Richard Buri (So., D, Nitra, Slovakia); Brandon Carlson* (Jr., D, Huntington Beach, Calif.); Cody Champagne (So., D, Brookfield, Conn.); Brent Fletcher* (Jr., F, New Westminster, British Columbia); Josh Kestner (So., F, Huntsville, Ala.); Matt Larose* (Jr., G, Nanaimo, British Columbia); Max McHugh (So., F, Seattle, Wash.); Frank Misuraca* (Sr., D, Clinton Township, Mich.); Brandon Parker (So., D, Faribault, Minn.); Jack Prince* (Sr., F, Leicester, England); Regan Soquila* (Jr., F, Maple Ridge, British Columbia); Jordan Uhelski (So., G, Flint, Mich.); Anderson White* (Sr., D, Caledon, Ontario)

University of Alaska Anchorage

Austin Azurdia (So., F, Wenatchee, Wash.); Jarrett Brown (So., D, Beaumont, Alberta); Anthony Conti (So., F, North Vancouver, British Columbia); Jared D'Amico (So., G, Chestermere, Alberta); Tanner Dusyk* (Jr., F, Montmarte, Saskatchewan); Brad Duwe (Jr., F, Soldotna, Alaska); Dylan Hubbs (Jr., F, Beaumont, Alberta); Tad Kozun (So., F, Nipawin, Saskatchewan); Blake Leask* (Sr., D, Edmonton, Alberta); Olivier Mantha (So., G, La Tuque, Québec); Austin Sevalrud* (Sr., D, Calgary, Alberta); Blake Tatchell* (Sr., F, North Battleford, Saskatchewan); Chase Van Allen (Jr., D, Anchorage, Alaska)

University of Alaska

Josh Atkinson* (Sr., D, Spruce Grove, Alberta); Marcus Basara* (Jr., F, Port Moody, British Columbia); Josh Erickson* (Jr., F, Roseau, Minn.); Zach Frye (So., D, Spokane, Wash.); Alec Hajdukovich* (Sr., F, Fairbanks, Alaska); Nick Hinz (So., F, Oakdale, Minn.); Nolan Huysmans* (Sr., F, Alberta); Davis Jones (Jr., G, St. Albert, Alberta); John Keeney* (Sr., G, Twin Peaks, Calif.); Peter Krieger (So., F, Oakdale, Minn.) Brandon Morley* (Jr., F, Burnaby, British Columbia); Tyler Morley* (Sr., F, Burnaby, British Columbia); Tayler Munson (So., F, Fairbanks, Alaska); J.D. Peterson* (Sr., D, Orange, Calif.); Justin Woods (So., D, Fairbanks, Alaska)

Bemidji State University

Nate Arentz* (Jr., F, Lakeville, Minn.); Kyle Bauman (So., F, Apopka, Fla.); Brett Beauvais (So., D, Prince Edward Island); Michael Bitzer (So., G, Moorhead, Minn.); Myles Fitzgerald (So., F, Port Alberni, British Columbia); Markus Gerbrandt* (Sr., F, Edmonton, Alberta); Brendan Harms* (Jr., F, Steinbach, Manitoba); Jordan Heller (So., F, Bemidji, Minn.) Graeme McCormack* (Sr., D, Thunder Bay, Ontario); Reid Mimmack* (Jr., G, Brainerd, Minn.); Charlie O'Connor* (Jr., F, Elk Grove Village, Ill.); John Parker (Sr., F, Lake Geneva, Wash.); Ruslan Pedan* (Jr., D, Moscow, Russia); Carter Struthers* (Jr., D, Weyburn, Saskatchewan); Jesse Wilkins* (Jr., G, Calgary, Alberta)

Bowling Green State University

Tommy Burke* (Sr., G, Chaska, Minn.); Mark Cooper* (Sr., F, Toronto, Ontario); Brett D'Andrea (So., F, Marysville, Mich.); Jose Delgadillo* (Sr., D, Milwaukee, Wis.); Kevin Dufour* (Jr., F, Québec City, Québec); Ben Greiner (So., F, Newport Beach, Calif.); Mitch McLain (So., F, Baxter, Minn.); Pierre Luc Mercier (Jr., F, Montréal, Québec); Chris Nell (So., G, Green Bay, Wis.); Matt Pohlkamp* (Jr., F, Baxter, Minn.); Jakob Reichert (So., F, Langley, British Columbia); Tomas Sholl* (Jr., G, Hermosa Beach, Calif.); Tyler Spezia (So., F, Clinton Township, Mich.); Sean Walker (Jr., D, Keswick, Ontario)

Ferris State University

Tyler Andrew (So., F, Bethel Park, Pa.); Brandon Anselmini* (Sr., D, Guelph, Ontario); Kenny Babinski* (Sr., F, Midland, Mich.); Simon Denis* (Sr., D, Burnaby, British Columbia); Andrew Dorantes (So., F, Waterford, Mich.); Tyler Dorantes (So., D, Waterford, Mich.); Zach Dorer* (Sr., D, Holt, Mich.); Ryan Lowney* (Jr., D, Redford, Mich.); Andrew Mayer (So., F, Troy, Mich.); Chad McDonald* (Jr., F, Battle Creek, Mich.); Ruben Medrano* (Sr., G, Holt, Mich.); Sean O'Rourke* (Sr., D, Alta Loma, Calif.); Trace Pennock* (Jr., G, Big Rapids, Mich.); Matt Robertson* (Sr., F, Rohnert Park, Calif.); Kyle Schempp* (Jr., F, Saginaw, Mich.); Zach Szajner (So., F, White Lake, Mich.); Jared VanWormer* (Jr., F, Traverse City, Mich.); Charles Williams* (Sr., G, Canton, Mich.)

Lake Superior State University

Jayson Angus* (Jr., F, Latrobe, Pa.); Kyle Chatham (So., D, Belleville, Ill.); Gus Correale* (Jr., F, Prince George, B.C.); Aaron Davis* (Jr., G, Mound, Minn.); Gordon Defiel (So., G, Stillwater, Minn.); Eric Drapluk* (Sr., D, Pembroke Pines, Fla.); Alex Globke* (Jr., F, Waterford, Mich.); Matt Johnson (Jr., F, Clinton Township, Mich.); Zach Loesch* (Sr., D, White Bear Lake, Minn.); Austin McKay* (Sr., F, Toronto, Ontario); Bryce Schmitt* (Sr., F, Minot, N.D.); Ryan Renz (So., D, Castlegar, British Columbia); James Roll (So., D, West Seneca, N.Y.); Peter Spratte* (Sr., D, Rochester, Minn.); Daniel Vernace* (Sr., F, Toronto, Ontario); Aidan Wright (So., D, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario)

Michigan Technological University

Patrick Anderson* (Jr., F, Bismark, N.D.); Brent Baltus* (Jr., F, Nanaimo, British Columbia); CJ Eick* (Sr., F, Appleton, Wis.); Shane Hanna (Jr., D, Salmon Arm, British Columbia); Devin Kero (So., G, Hancock, Mich.); Chris Leibinger* (Jr., D, Saginaw, Mich.); Mike Neville (Jr., F, Woodbridge, Ontario); Alex Petan* (Sr., F, Delta, British Columbia); Jamie Phillips* (Sr., G, Caledonia, Ontario); Dylan Steman (So., F, Hanover, Minn.); Reid Sturos* (Jr., F, Brighton, Mich.); Cliff Watson* (Jr., D, Appleton, Wis.); Matt Wintjes (Jr., G, Holland Landing, Ontario)

Minnesota State University

Sean Flanagan* (Jr., D, Kindersley, Saskatchewan); Carter Foguth (Jr., D, Fenton, Mich.); Cole Huggins* (Jr., G, Centennial, Ohio); Michael Huntebrinker* (Jr., F, Chesterfield, Mo,); Jon Jutzi* (Sr., D, Tavistock, Ontario); Dylan Margonari* (Sr., F, Greensburg, Pa.); Aaron Nelson (So., G, Bismark, N.D.); Casey Nelson* (Jr., D, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.); Jordan Nelson* (Jr., F, Williston, N.D)

Northern Michigan University

Cohen Adair* (Sr., F, Stratford, Ontario); Zach Diamantoni (So., F, Boca Raton, Fla.); Derek Dun* (Jr., G, Surrey, British Columbia); Jordan Klimek (So., D, Langley, British Columbia); Aaron Leach* (Sr., F, Marquette, Mich.); Brock Maschmeyer* (Jr., D, Bruederheim, Alberta); Darren Nowick* (Sr., F, Long Beach, Calif.); Robbie Payne (So., F, Gaylord, Mich.); Sami Salminen* (Jr., F, Helsinki, Finland); Filip Starzynski (So., F, Warsaw, Poland); Ryan Trenz* (Sr., D, St. Louis, Mo.); Easton Viitala (So., F, Marquette, Mich.)

26 Years Ago Today... Vernon Lakers Win 1990 Centennial Cup:

26 Year's ago today (May 12th 1990) the Vernon Lakers defeated the powerful New Westminster Royals in the 1990 Centennial Cup 6-5 in overtime in one of the greatest so called games in Junior hockey history. New West built up a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes, but couldnt hold onto the lead as Cam Sylven scored the game tying goal and the overtime winner in front of a packed Vernon Civic Arena.

1990 Centennial Cup Highlight's,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgTNsy19LuA&spfreload=10

The Lakers were only in the Centennial Cup because they were the hosts. New West, easily the best team in the country, went 52-3-4 in the BCHL regular season, beat the Interior Division champion Lakers (who were 33-20-5) 4-2 in the league final, then won 12 straight games (including a 5-3 decision over Vernon in the round robin) to reach the Centennial Cup final.

The Lakers, who had 28 days off before the tournament, went 3-1 in the round robin (the first year the tournament went to five teams), and eliminated the Nipiwin Hawks of Saskatchewan 11-5 in their semifinal, setting up a rematch with the Royals and a showdown of, arguably, Canada’s top-two junior A squads.

This was the Lakers second straight Centennial Cup as Vernon would make it to a record four straight Centennial Cups from 1989-1992 winning the National Championship in 1990 & again in 1991.

It has been 26 years since Cam Sylven's overtime winner over the New Westminster Royals in the 1990 Centennial Cup, gave the Vernon Lakers their first national championship and put Vernon on the Junior A map. After the city hosted the 2014 RBC Cup, Sylven returned to the Civic Arena in 2014 for a walk down memory lane.  Sylven was on hand for the Vipers first game of the 2014 Royal Bank Cup to drop the puck for the opening ceremonies.

Former Vernon Lakers Hero Sylven Returned To Vernon,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFgDNk_4HFM

Here’s a rundown on how the Lakers did through out the BCJHL Playoffs to advance to the teams second straight Centennial Cup.

Preliminary Roundrobin Series:

Vernon finished off with a record of 5-2.

BCJHL League Finals: New Westminster defeated Vernon 4-2

Vernon would advance to its second straight Centennial Cup as the host team.

The Centennial Cup 1990 is the Tier II Junior "A" 1990 ice hockey National Championship for the Canadian Junior A Hockey League.

The Centennial Cup was competed for by the winners of the Doyle Cup, Anavet Cup, Dudley Hewitt Cup, the Callaghan Cup, and a host city.

The tournament was hosted by the Vernon Lakers and Vernon, British Columbia.

The Playoffs: Round Robin

Rank Team League Ticket W-L GF GA

1 x-New Westminster Royals BCJHL Doyle Cup 4-0 28 8
2 x-Vernon Lakers BCJHL Host 3-1 19 9
3 x-Nipawin Hawks MJHL Anavet Cup 2-2 12 10
4 x-Longueuil College Francais QJAAAHL Dudley Hewitt Cup 1-3 12 24
5 Amherst Ramblers MJAHL Callaghan Cup 0-4 7 27

Note: x- denotes teams who have advanced to the semi-final.

Results

Vernon Lakers defeated Longueuil Sieurs 6-1
Nipawin Hawks defeated Amherst Ramblers 4-3 in overtime
New Westminster Royals defeated Longueuil Sieurs 11-3
New Westminster Royals defeated Amherst Ramblers 9-0
Vernon Lakers defeated Nipawin Hawks 2-1 in overtime
Nipawin Hawks defeated Longueuil Sieurs 5-2
New Westminster Royals defeated Vernon Lakers 5-3
Vernon Lakers defeated Amherst Ramblers 8-2
Longueuil Sieurs defeated Amherst Ramblers 6-2
New Westminster Royals defeated Nipawin Hawks 3-2 for the Abbott Cup

Semifinals:

New Westminster Royals 10
Longueuil Sieurs 4

Vernon Lakers 11
Nipawin Hawks 5

Cetennial Cup Final:

Vernon Lakers 6
New Westminster Royals 5

Please note: Final was won in overtime.

Awards

Most Valuable Player: Marc Alain Duchaine (Longueuil Sieurs)

Top Scorer: Kelly Jones (New Westminster Royals)

Most Sportsmanlike Player: Kelly Jones (New Westminster Royals)

All-Star Team

Forward

Mark Karpen (New Westminster Royals)
David Oliver (Vernon Lakers)
Al Monitowy (Nipawin Hawks)

Defence

Andrew Wolf (New Westminster Royals)
Dean Zayonce (Vernon Lakers)

Goal

Lauren Belland (Nipawin Hawks)

Role of League Champions:

AJHL: Calgary Canucks
BCJHL: New Westminster Royals
CJHL: Hawkesbury Hawks
IJHL:
MJHL: Portage Terriers
MVJHL: Amherst Ramblers
NOJHL: Sudbury Cubs
PCJHL: Prince George Spruce Kings
QPJHL: Longueuil College Francais
SJHL: Nipawin Hawks

Vernon Lakers Playoff Roster:

Dave Oliver
Brad Neumeier
Troy Ewanchyna
Shane Morson
Rob Atkinson
Paul MacLEAN
Duane Dennis
Darren Naylor
Dean Zayonce
Don Monteith
Bruce Ramsay
Lorne Kanigan
Mike Knapton
Chad Schraeder
Garth Geddes
Cam Sylven
Jason Elders
Mike Dennis
Marcel Aubin
Rylan Ferster
Barry MacLeod
Stacy Paulson
John Hancock
Murray Caton
Dean Kutz

Owner-GM Mel Lis
Head Coach Ed Johnstone
Assistant Coach Keith Chase

Pedersen & The Penguins Capture 2016 U15 Provincial Tournament:

Vernon Vipers Head Scout & Assistant Coach Kevin
Pedersen helped guide the U15 Penguins to the 2016 Male U15 Provincial Tournament with a 4 - 1 victory over the Wild in the championship game on Sunday.

This is posted on the BC Hockey.net website:

Penguins Capture 2016 Male U15 Provincial Tournament

Sunday, May 08, 2016

The Penguins won the 2016 Male U15 Provincial Tournament with a 4 - 1 victory over the Wild in the championship game on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at the Olympic Oval in Richmond, BC.  The event featured eight (8) teams made up of the top 160 players who were selected from their perforamnces at region camps earlier in the year.

The Wild opened the scoring late in the first when Ethan Kitsch (Maple Ridge, BC) found the back of the net with help from Ryland Sorenson (Surrey, BC) and Michael Hoekstra (Victoria, BC).

Midway through the second, Payton Mount (Victoria, BC) took a pass in front, deaked out the goalie and snuck it in behind to get the Penguins on the board. Just 20 seconds later, Kalen Szeto (Burnaby, BC) picked up the loose puck off the face off and buried it for the Penguins lead at the 12 minute mark of the second.

Moments later, Cameron Newson (Surrey, BC) took a shot from the point that trickled in off the Wild goaltender.  Late in the game, Issac Suppin (Kelowna, BC) secured the Penguins victory with a goal off the pass from Zack Feaver (Chilliwack, BC).

“I am super excited right now,” said Penguins forward Alec Scouras (Delta, BC).  “We didn’t know each other before the weekend and now I have a new group of friends.”

“We stressed getting pucks out, getting pucks in all weekend and everybody seemed to do that,” commented Penguins Head Coach Kevin Pedersen. “We played the right way.  We played for each other. Everyone did that all weekend, and today was no different.”

Earlier in the day, the Bruins overcame the Avalanche 6 – 3 to take third place.

CLICK HERE for complete statistics and scores

The BC Hockey Male High Performance Program was introduced in 1980 with the mandate to systematically identify and train the province's elite-level players for high performance hockey events. The overall objective of the program is to increase the chances of athletes from BC to compete provincially, regionally, nationally and internationally with the ultimate goal being selected to Hockey Canada’s National Junior or National Senior Team.

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Silverbacks Give Former Vernon Laker-Viper Troy Mick Contract Extension:

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have given former Vernon Lakers-Vernon
Vipers forward, Assistant Coach and Head Coach-GM Troy Mick a new five year contract extension.

Mick played two seasons with the Vernon Lakers (1984-1986) before playing with the Merritt Warriors was also an Assistant Coach with the Vernon Lakers for two seasons (1993-1995) & spent one season with the Vernon Vipers (1995-1996) before being named the Vipers Head Coach-GM the following season. Mick was Head Coach-GM of the Vipers for four years (1996-2000) before returning to the Vipers as GM for two years (2005-2007). Mick was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in round 7 #130 overall at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.

Troy Mick's Player-Coach Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=94293

This is posted on the Silverbacks Facebook page:

May 9th 2015

The Board of Directors of Salmon Arm Sports Inc. are pleased to announce a five-year contract extension for team President and General Manager Troy Mick.

We are very happy to have agreed to a contract extension with Troy for multiple seasons. Troy is an energetic, accomplished and experienced hockey professional who has instilled a culture of hard work throughout our organization.

Troy and his coaching staff work in a unique and demanding hockey market and the team's success over the last few seasons is a reflection of his excellent work. This decision reflects our desire for stability and consistency within our franchise.

Troy Mick has proven himself as a leader who achieves success whether as a player or coach and has now demonstrated the same ability to succeed as a President and General Manager.

“It is an honor to represent Salmon Arm for another 5 years” stated Mick, This is a beautiful community for Junior hockey and the fans here are truly amazing.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Salmon Arm Sports Inc.

Ex Viper Mick & The Bandits Advance To Royal Bank Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Logan Mick & the Alberta Junior Hockey League Brooks Bandits have advanced to their second Royal Bank Cup after a 2-1 victory over the defending National Champion Portage Terriers Sunday. This will be Mick's second trip to the RBC Cup after Mick and his hometown Vernon Vipers went to the 2014 Royal Bank Cup in Vernon.

Mick playing in his first season with the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Brooks Bandits collected (6-goals-11-assists-17-points) in 24 games with the Bandits this season, are in the second round of the AJHL Playoffs with the Canmore Eagles.

Mick started the season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, never played a single game this season due to injury was traded to Langley on October 6th 2015. Mick was released from the Rivermen after playing in 22 games (2-goals-8-assists-10points) before signing with the Bandits on December 30th 2015.

Mick played two years in Vernon (2012-2014) before being traded to the Merritt Centennials on May 29th 2014 as part of the future considerations from a trade in January. On January 3rd 2014 the Vipers sent defenceman Jason Bird & future considerations (Logan Mick) to Merritt for defenceman Dylan Chanter. In May the United States Hockey League (USHL) expansion Bloomington Thunder selected Mick 400th overall in Round 25 of Phase two of the USHL draft. On June 20th the Merritt Centennials traded Mick to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for Luke Bertolucci & future considerations.

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=120792

This is posted on the Bandits website:

Bandits punch ticket to RBC Cup, beat Portage 2-1

Posted May 8th, 2016

ESTEVAN. SK (May 8, 2016) -- The Brooks Bandits earned a spot in the 2016 RBC Cup national championship tournament on Sunday afternoon, downing the Manitoba Junior Hockey League champion Portage Terriers 2-1 in the runner-up game of the Western Canada Cup.

Josh McKechney (Calgary, AB) and Jeff Malott (Waterdown, ON) had goals for the Bandits, while Garret Hughson (Foremost, AB) stopped 18 of 19 shots in net.

“I think we played pretty simple; we did what we needed to do against this team,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou. “They’re big; they’re physical; we needed to play a little different style tonight than we normally do. Some guys stepped up and played a heck of a lot of minutes, some guys didn’t, and I think that’s what a team’s all about.”

Off the start of the game, the Bandits found themselves back on their heels with a pair of Portage scoring chances from forwards left open in the slot. But on both occasions, goalie Garret Hughson made stellar saves to keep the affair scoreless.

With the Bandits on their third power play late in the 1st period, McKechney worked his way around a defender at neutral ice and carried into the Portage zone on a partial breakaway, tucking the puck on a backhand-to-forehand move past goalie Nathan Park to give the Bandits the opening lead.

In the second, Brooks capitalized on a Terrier error when Nick Prkusic (Medicine Hat, AB) won a puck battle behind the Portage net, and centered the puck to a wide open Malott, who one timed the puck past Park to double the Bandit lead.

The Terriers replied before the end of the middle frame, though, with Braydon MacDonald tipping a point shot past Hughson to narrow the deficit to 1 after the second.

But after outshooting the Terriers 27-12 in the opening two periods, the Bandits held the Terriers to only 7 more shots in the third, for a 34-19 final tally. With a final faceoff in the Bandits zone with less than 4 seconds left, a final shot was blocked by Malott, and the Bandits swarmed goalie Hughson celebrating an impending trip to the national championship.

The Bandits will next take on the Ontario Junior Hockey League champion Trenton Golden Hawks to open their second RBC Cup tournament in franchise history. Puck drop is scheduled for this coming Saturday at 3:30 PM in Lloydminster.

Former Vernon Laker Ferster & The Warriors Advance To National Championship:

Former Vernon Lakers forward Rylan Ferster & the West Kelowna Warriors won their first Western Canada Cup with a 6-0 victory over the Alberta Junior Hockey League Brooks Bandits Saturday. Ferster & the Warriors advance to the Royal Bank Cup.

Ferster is in his fifth season as Warriors Head Coach-GM played one season in Vernon winning a Centennial Cup with the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers.  In 28 games with the Lakers Ferster collected (8-goals-11-assists-19-points).

Rylan Ferster's Player-Coaching Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=30086

This is posted on the Warriors website:

Warriors WCC Champs!

May 8, 2016

Warriors WCC Champs!

by kylea

The West Kelowna Warriors won their first Western Canada Cup trophy with a 6-0 offensive explosion over the Brooks Bandits on Saturday night in Estevan, Saskatchewan.

West Kelowna scored three times in the first period to lead the charge as the mentality against goaltender Garrett Hughson was to throw pucks on goal.

The Warriors Kyle Marino fired a shot off the pad of Hughson in the first three minutes which kicked out to Bryan Basilico. His shot rebounded to Connor Sodergren who slipped it over the line, although it was credited to Basilico.

Just four minutes later, a seeing eye point shot from Nick Rutigliano snaked its way past the goaltender Hughson for the 2-0 lead.

At 15:22, Garrett Forster redirected a puck off his skate and into the goal for the 3-0 edge as West Kelowna out-shot the Bandits by a 18-11 margin.

It wasn’t until the final five minutes of the second period that the Warriors would score again, staving off a pushback from the Bandits on the shot clock. With the Warriors on one of their 14 power plays, Kyle Marino buried one to make it 4-0.

In the third, Kylar Hope tucked home a wrap-around goal, his specialty to make it 5-0, before Jared Marino scored on a late power play to make it 6-0.

Brooks would take 60 minutes in penalties in the game, including the final eight times short handed.

Keelan Williams picked up the shutout and had a sparkling tournament since coming in for Matthew Greenfield. Williams made 32 saves, raising his WCC save % to .963, and lowering his GAA to 0.96.

The Warriors will now have a week off but will stay in the prairies, opening up the Royal Bank Cup National Championship in Lloydminister AB/SK against the host Bobcats Saturday May 14th.

Comets Sign Ex Viper Foward Kellen Jones:

The American Hockey League (AHL) Uitca Comets have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Kellen Jones.

Jones started the season with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Missouri Mavericks after signing with the Mavericks on September 24th 2015, before landing a try out with the American Hockey League (AHL) Bridgeport Sound Tigers (September 30th 2015). The Sound Tigers released Jones, was sent back down to Missouri. Jones was loaned to the American Hockey League Bakersfield Condors before returning to the Mavericks February 17th 2016. In 23 games this season with the Mavericks Jones picked up (6-goals-19-assists-25-points) & in 12 games with the Condors Jones collected (1-goal-2-assists-3-points).

After four years at Quinnipiac University, Jones signed his first pro contract with the American Hockey League (AHL) Oklahoma City Barons on April 3rd 2014. Jones spent last season playing in both the AHL & ECHL with Oklahoma City & Bakersfield. 

Jones played four years in Vernon (2006-2010) playing in 154 regular season games with the Vipers collecting (39-goals-134-assists-173-points). Jones is also the all-time franchise assists leader (regular season & playoffs) with 150. Jones was drafted in Round 7 of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft #202 overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Kellen Jones Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=38013

This is posted on the Comets website:

Comets Sign Kellen Jones

Mar 3, 2016

Utica Comets Director of Hockey Operations Pat Conacher announced today that the club has signed forward Kellen Jones to a professional tryout contract (PTO).

Earlier this season, Jones recorded three points (1-2-3) in 12 games for the Bakersfield Condors. The Montrose, BC native also collected 25 points (6-19-25) in 23 games for the Missouri Mavericks of the ECHL.  Last season Jones posted 15 points (5-10-15) in 49 games for the Oklahoma City Barons, as well as three points (2-1-3) in 10 Calder Cup Playoff games. One of his two playoff goals came against the Comets in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals that needed four overtime periods to decide a winner.                            
                    
Jones was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the seventh round (202 overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Level Draft. His twin brother, Connor, is currently a member of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  The two played their collegiate hockey together at Quinnipiac University (2010-14).

Swamp Rabbits Trade Ex Viper Goaltender Musico To Quad City:

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Greenville Swamp Rabbits have traded former Vernon Vipers goaltender PJ Musico to the ECHL Quad City Mallards.

After playing four years of University at Penn State Musico signed his first professional contract with the Swamp Rabbits October 13th 2015.

Musico attended the Vernon Vipers 2008 Training Camp before being released.

PJ Musico's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=59168

This is posted on the Mallards website:

MALLARDS ACQUIRE NETMINDER MUSICO

By: Mallards Communications Staff

02/09/2016

The Quad City Mallards have acquired goaltender P.J. Musico from the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in exchange for future considerations, the Mallards announced today.

Musico, 25, has gone 7-3-1 with a 2.35 goals against average, a .925 save percentage and one shutout in 13 games with the Swamp Rabbits this season. The rookie turned pro with the Swamp Rabbits after completing his collegiate career at Penn State. Musico began the campaign with Greenville before being released in October and later signing with the Reading Royals, for whom he did not play before being traded back to Greenville in November.

Musico went 10-15-1 while posting a 3.31 goals against average, a .909 save percentage and one shutout in 30 games over three years as a Nittany Lion. Last season, the 6’ 1”, 198-pound Orange, California, native went 6-5-1 in 13 games while turning in a 3.05 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. Musico made history at Penn State by notching the first win in the program’s history- a 32-save effort in a 4-3 defeat of American International College- on October 13, 2012. He also registered the first shutout in Nittany Lion history by stopping 34 shots in a 5-0 blanking of Army on October 26, 2012.

Before heading to Happy Valley, Musico tended goal in the junior ranks for the Eastern Junior Hockey League’s Jersey Hitmen, the North American Hockey League’s Wichita Falls Wildcats and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Flin Flon Bombers.

The Mallards return to action on the road against the Tulsa Oilers Friday night. The Mallards next play at home next Friday, February 19 at 7:05 p.m. against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Next Friday brings the return of $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X and MetroLINK College Night.

Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season home games- including next Friday’s contest- are on sale now at the iWireless Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000. The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $10, $16, $20 and $28. 

Viper Alumni Kisio Named Eastern Conference Nominee For Coach Of The Year:

The Western Hockey League (WHL) announced that Lethbridge Hurricanes Head Coach & former Vernon Vipers forward Brent Kisio has been named the Eastern Conference nominee for Coach of the Year.

Kisio in his first season with the Hurricanes guided the Canes to a (46-24-1-1) during the regular season before going out in the opening round of the WHL Playoffs.

Kisio was an Assistant, Associate Coach & Assistant General Manager for eight seasons with the Western Hockey League (WHL) Calgary Hitmen before being named the  Lethbridge Hurricanes Head Coach June 4th 2015.

Kisio played one season in Vernon (2002-2003) in 59 regular season games with the Vipers Kisio collected (20-goals-46-assists-66-points).

Brent Kisio's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=78357

This is posted on the Hurricanes website:

Anholt & Kisio Draw Accolades

Mar 23, 2016

Lethbridge, AB - The Western Hockey League announced Wednesday that Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager Peter Anholt has been named the Eastern Conference nominee for Executive of the Year and Head Coach Brent Kisio the Eastern Conference nominee for Coach of the Year.

Anholt, who was originally hired as the Hurricanes Assistant General Manager in the summer of 2014, overtook the General Manager’s role in December of 2014. In his first full season as GM, Anholt has made countless shrewd trades constructing an Eastern Conference juggernaut.

Kisio, who was hired in June of 2015, led the Hurricanes to their best overall record since 1996-1997 as a rookie head coach. The 33-year-old guided the Hurricanes to a 46-24-1-1 record in the 2015-2016 season and helped capture the franchise first Central Division title since 1996-1997. He led the ‘Canes to the second best home record in the WHL earning 28 home wins while finishing fourth in the overall WHL standings.

The Hurricanes kick of the 2016 WHL Playoffs on Friday night at the ENMAX Centre at 7:00pm with Game 1 of a best-of-seven series with the Regina Pats. Tickets are still available by visiting the ENMAX Centre Ticket Centre or by calling (403) 329-SEAT (7328).

Vipers Owner Talks Off-Season:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Vipers Owner Talks Off-Season

May 2, 2016

by Vernon Vipers

Viper’s Owner Duncan Wray Still Having Fun

Vernon Vipers owner Duncan Wray has been spending a lot of time recently around the rink following his team’s first round exit to the Penticton Vees. Just recently he spent the entire last weekend watching some  hockey hopefuls participate in the team’s Spring Camp at Kal Tire Place. We caught up with the chairman of the BCHL to ask him about the health of the league and if he still has the passion for the game after 25 years as owner of the Vernon franchise. Watch the video below (filmed last weekend).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdcXuuDrLrE

McCarthy Commits To Sait:

This is posted on the BCHL website:

McCarthy Commits To Sait

May 2, 2016

Vernon Vipers captain Colton McCarthy has accepted an offer and will play Alberta college hockey next season with the Trojans of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

McCarthy finished second on the Vipers with 21 goals in the 2015-16 season, to go along with 12 assists and 97 penalty minutes. The Salmon Arm, B.C. product wound up with 31 goals and 27 assists for 58 points in 94 career BCHL games.

“SAIT is very excited to have Colton attend SAIT as a student-athlete and look forward to his development in the classroom and on the ice,” said Trojans head coach Dan Olsen.

This past season, former BCHLers Trevor Cameron, Mike Puddifant, Brenden Forbes, Austin Smith and Brandon Egli played for SAIT. McCarthy is the first player this season to commit to the program.

SAIT competes in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) against Red Deer College, University of Augustana, Portage College, Grant McEwan University, NAIT, Concordia, Briercrest College and Keyano College.

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:

Dubois Commits Warriors:

It’s been an up-and-down month for two Williams Lake hockey players. Both Colton Thomas and Chase Dubois, third- and final-year players with the Prince George-based, BC Major Midget League’s Cariboo Cougars, learned recently their seasons would be coming to an abrupt end with just 12 games left in the regular season. Thomas suffered a dislocated knee during the Mac’a AAA Midget Hockey Tournament over the Christmas break, while Dubois broke his ankle in a regular season game last weekend against the Vancouver North East Chiefs. The news isn’t all bad, however, as Dubois was named the BCMML player of the month for December of 2015 and has committed to play junior A hockey next season for the West Kelowna Warriors, an opportunity the young player said he’s looking forward to. Dubois amassed a total of 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 25 games this season and sits seventh in league scoring currently. Thomas, meanwhile, put up 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 26 games played. Both players are considered leaders on the team by Cougars’ head coach Trevor Sprague. In three seasons with the club Dubois and Thomas were an integral part of the team’s success. The Cougars are currently first place in the BCMML with a 19-6-3 record. Last season, the duo helped the Cougars win the 2014 Mac’s Midget AAA Tournament championship. “Chase has been a good role model for our younger players this season in demonstrating the competitiveness necessary to have success game in and game out,” Sprague said. “Through the month of December Chase was a dominant player for our team and he’s a player that is counted on to play in all situations.” Dubois said despite his injury, earning player of the month is a huge honour. “I’ve always wanted to get player of the month and to get it in my last month of my BCMML career feels great,” he said. “It feels good to know where I’m going to be playing next season and with a great organization in a good city. “I’ve always wanted to play junior hockey and to know I will in the 2016/17 season means a lot.” Dubois noted his ankle injury came after he was blindsided by a Chiefs player into the boards while falling awkwardly on his ankle. “I was instantly in pain and had to be carried off the ice,” he said. Thomas said the plan for his recovery is to come back strong and healthy for next season to join Dubois to play junior hockey next year. “Playing for the Cougars the past few years really helped with my hockey development and the challenges of living on my own away from home made me a better person all around,” Thomas said. Dubois noted playing for the Cougars were the best years of his life. “I learned many life skills, met many great friends and it’s hard to go out like this,” he said. “I’ll always look back on my Cariboo days — the best years of my life so far.”

Kozlowski Commits To Salmon Arm:

18 yr old goaltender Trevin Kozlowski has committed to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Listed at 6'4 201 lbs played with the USHS Gunnery Prep School.

Vees Add Murals To SOEC:

The Penticton Vees have added A couple of nice additions outside the hallway of the Penticton Vees dressing room, two separate murals of former Captains Brett Hextall, Logan Johnston and Patrick Sexton have been added to the Vees wall of fame.

Nowhere To Go But Up: Eagles’ Owner

After back-to-back BC Hockey League seasons with fewer than 10 wins, the Surrey Eagles are about to undergo a thorough “top to bottom” review of the organization in an attempt to right the listing ship. Co-owner and team president Chuck Westgard told Peace Arch News this week that the organization is “regrouping and taking a look at things,” after the Eagles wrapped up a disappointing 7-48-1-2 season (win-loss-overtime loss-tie) – the worst record in the league by far. In the last two BCHL regular seasons – under head coach Blaine Neufeld – the team has 16 wins in 116 games. “Believe me, after nine wins and seven wins, we’re exploring all our avenues to make not only the on-ice product better, but management better and the organization better,” Westgard said. Westgard – who, along with childhood friends Gary Nylund and Scott Bradley bought the team from Ronnie Paterson in 2010 – acknowledged the recent record could hurt the team’s ability to recruit top players. “It’s a concern. After last season, with nine wins and going with the all-local roster, we thought we should change things up. We had high hopes at the start of the year, but we could never really attract all the players we wanted,” he said. “We thought we had players this year… but we found out pretty early in the year that we really didn’t, and we took a bit of a step back.” Westgard wouldn’t lay the blame entirely on hockey operations, saying instead it was “an organizational thing,” noting that attracting players is a priority. “You have to be able to convince the kids, the families, the universities that this is a good place to play. It takes years to build that, but only takes one bad season to unravel it,” he said. “No doubt about it, it’s something we have to look at, and we are.” Wins and losses aside, the 2015/16 season was also marked by the the mid-season resignation of Nylund as assistant coach, and the December departures of Westgard’s son, Ty – who left the team for the Western Hockey League’s Victoria Royals – and fellow forward Darius Davidson, who was traded to the Penticton Vees. (Davidson is the son of Bill Davidson, whose Pro 4 Sports company owns a stake in the Eagles.) “Obviously it was a little different this year, with the people involved, and (our) own kids leaving,” Westgard said. “With Ty, we would’ve liked him to have stayed and finished Grade 12 here, but it was his decision. We tried to promote the college route. He had full-ride offers from (NCAA) Div. 1 schools but wasn’t accepting them. So I just asked him what his plans were for next year and he said he was going (to the WHL).” The team’s struggles played a part in the decision, Westgard said. “You know, I think if we had the team we had in 2013, he’d have stayed for sure. But these were the circumstances.” Nylund – who sold his minority stake in the team to Westgard a few years ago – left due to disagreements over how the team was being run, Westgard said. Nylund had been an assistant coach with the Eagles in 2013 when Matt Erhart coached the team to a league title, but he left for family reasons. This past season under Neufeld – who was employed by Pro 4 Sports prior to coaching the Eagles – was Nylund’s first back behind the bench. “Gary and I are the best of friends, and I know he loved the boys, but there were a few conflicts with how he wanted to run things. Not conflicts between him and I, but between the different ownership groups, myself and Pro 4,” Westgard explained. “When things aren’t going that well and the product on the ice is not competitive, it’s a tough situation. I just think it got to the point where it wasn’t the same type of environment as it was when he first was here, and it just didn’t really work.” Coaching philosophies aside, Westgard brushed off the suggestion of internal conflict at the ownership and management level. “I don’t think it’s unstable at this point… it’s stable enough. We’re just in a bit of transition, and obviously I’m involved – I’m hoping to get back to where we were a couple years back,” he said. Though a decline in on-ice performance often correlates to a decline in ticket sales and a team’s finances, Westgard suggested the team is “alive and well, financially.” Last December, in an email to PAN, the BCHL head office reiterated as much, writing that “as far as the league is concerned, the Surrey franchise is as committed to their operation in the BCHL as they’ve ever been.” “Rumours do go around, but as long as I’m involved, there will be a team on the ice here,” Westgard said. “But everything needs to improve. It has to. There’s not much lower to go, so we need to figure out a way to go up from here.”

Vees Name Jones Captain For Next Season:

The Penticton Vees have announced Nicholas Jones as the team’s Captain for the 2016-17 season, the team announced Tuesday. “It was an easy choice,” said Head Coach Fred Harbinson. “He was a great player for us all season and a quality veteran leader. We’re confident he’ll be an excellent Captain.” Jones had nine goals and 16 points in 11 playoff games, tying for the team scoring lead with Scott Conway. He had another 21 goals and 63 points in 42 regular season games, when he joined the team in late October. The Edmonton, Alberta, native started the season in college hockey before landing in Penticton, and is committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2017-2018 season. The Penticton Vees look forward to welcoming the best of the west in 2017, as hosts of the Western Canada Cup. The team will be holding a press conference in coming days to announce WCC and Season Ticket packages.

Farkus Commits To West Kelowna:

16 yr old Goaltender Shane Farkus has committed to the West Kelowna Warriors. From Penticton BC played in 23 games with the Okanagan Hockey Academy this season. Listed at 6' 183 lbs

Martini Commits To Smoke Eaters:

The Trail Smoke Eaters are pleased to announce the commitment of local, 2000 birth year defenceman, Ethan Martini. The 6′ 4″ D-man from Trail, BC has been away for the past couple of seasons honing his game at the “Edge School for Athletes” in Calgary, AB.  The Smoke Eaters are thrilled Ethan has chosen to return home and play in front of family and friends at the Cominco Arena.  Ethan has played in 35 games this season registering 4 points and 90 penalty minutes.  Ethan will add some size and strength to the back end.  Ethan was also a 3rd round pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam draft, going 54th overall to the Swift Current Broncos. Here is what Ethan had to say about coming back to play for the Smokies: I am honoured to get the chance to play for my home town team and be a part of such a great organization.   I am excited that after two years of living away from home, I not only get to come back and be with my friends and family, but play for a team that I have dreamed of playing for since I was 5 years old.  I am honoured to have the chance, that not many kids have, of putting on a BCHL jersey as a 16 year old, and it being a Trail Smoke Eaters jersey makes it so much more special for me.  I want to thank Trail for giving me this opportunity to further develop and hopefully use it as a stepping stone for further success in hockey. We’d like to welcome Ethan and his family to our organization.

Hamelin Commits To Salmon Arm:

19 yr old defenceman Derek Hamelin has committed to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Listed at 5'11 170 lbs played with Selects Hockey Academy.

Chorney Commits To Chiefs:

The Chilliwack Chiefs are pleased to announce the commitment of defenseman Austin Chorney to the team for the 2016-17 season. Chorney (Abbotsford, BC) joins the Chiefs after a successful season with the Yale U18 Prep Lions of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League that saw him finish second in league scoring among defenseman with ten goals and 19 assists in 36 games. “We are very happy with the addition of Austin to our line up next season,” said Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Jason Tatarnic. “He’s a very skilled player who is sound in the defensive zone but he’s also more than capable of contributing offensively as well. He’s got good vision and will join the rush when it the opportunity presents itself. He’ll also add a physical element to the back end.” Chorney, who picked up three assists in five games this season with the Chiefs, is thrilled to be making the move. “This year as an affiliate, the coaches were absolutely great and the players welcomed me like family. The atmosphere of the game nights at Prospera Centre was so energetic. I am looking forward to playing in front of the best fans in the BCHL and wearing a Chiefs uniform.”

MacDonald Commits To Rivermen:

The Langley Rivermen are pleased to announce forward Alex MacDonald (1997 born) has committed to the Rivermen for the 2016-17 season. MacDonald is a Halifax native and is in his third season with St. Andrews College. In 9 games this year, MacDonald recorded 7 goals and 6 assists for 13 points. In 98 career games, he has registered 47 goals and 62 assists for 109 points. “I’m very excited to join the Rivermen organization next year. They have a great reputation for advancing players to the next level and the talks I have had with Coach Henderson have been great. I’ve never been to British Columbia before, so I am eager to come to Langley and get started,” said MacDonald. Before deciding on the Rivermen, MacDonald bounced any questions he had off a few current players on the team. “Last season, I played with Justin Fregona and Adam Sinclair at St. Andrews College, and I know Matt Graham from back home in Halifax. They all had nothing but positive things to say about the team and city,” MacDonald continued. St. Andrews College Head Coach David Manning describes Alex as a dynamic forward. “Alex is a creative, offensive player that can make plays off the rush and in the attacking zone. Alex’s best asset is his ability to be creative at top speed and I believe he can be an immediate impact in the BCHL with the Rivermen. He produced at a consistent rate at our level, and if he didn’t battle injuries in his senior season, he likely would have been our leading scorer,” said Manning. Coming into his rookie season in the BCHL, MacDonald already has a few short and long term goals in mind he would like to accomplish. “I want to come to Langley next year and contribute any way I can and help the team contend for a championship. My long term goal is to achieve an NCAA scholarship playing hockey at a school that I feel will compliment me not only in hockey, but academically as well,” finished MacDonald”.

Didmon Gets Disciplined After Sharing Alcohol With Players:

A Sooke teacher and hockey coach who shared alcohol with underage players and misrepresented himself as setting up a school hockey academy with the Victoria Grizzlies has been found guilty of professional misconduct by B.C.’s Teacher Regulation Branch. Craig Didmon, who is also head coach and general manager of the Grizzlies junior hockey team, has been suspended twice by the school district since 2014 and now has been ordered to complete an ethics course. Didmon admitted that between 2012 and 2013 when he was teaching and coaching for his school’s hockey academy — as well as coaching the Grizzlies — he bought alcohol and drank with underage players from the Grizzlies who were also students in the district. He also admitted to taking time off from school without permission to attend Grizzlies games and practices, according to the disciplinary document. In response, the school district suspended Didmon without pay for 25 days and ordered him to repay half a month’s wages. Didmon also worked as head hockey coach at another school in the district that operates a hockey academy. He admitted that, during a November 2014 meeting with representatives with a private hockey academy, he claimed to be setting up a partnership with that school’s hockey academy and the Grizzlies. He also suggested he would be running the new program. The private academy had been considering a three-way partnership with the Grizzlies and the school hockey academy. “At that meeting, Didmon made representations on behalf of the district which he was not authorized to make,” the document says. Last April, the school district suspended Didmon without pay for the month of June, removed him from coaching at his school’s hockey academy and returned him to classroom teaching. As well as undertaking to complete an ethics course by the end of May, Didmon agreed to a two-week suspension of his teaching certificate.

Former Vernon Viper Mick & Former Vernon Laker Ferster Meet At Western Canada Cup:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Logan Mick and the Alberta Junior Hockey Leagues Brooks Bandits will face Former Vernon Lakers forward Rylan Ferster & the West Kelowna Warriors at the Western Canada Cup in Estevan, Sask.

Western Canada Cup Schedule:

http://bchl.ca/crescent-point-wcc-schedule

Ferster is in his fifth season as Warriors Head Coach-GM played one season in Vernon winning a Centennial Cup with the 1989-90 Vernon Lakers.  In 28 games with the Lakers Ferster collected (8-goals-11-assists-19-points).

Rylan Ferster's Player-Coaching Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=30086

Mick playing in his first season with the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Brooks Bandits collected (6-goals-11-assists-17-points) in 24 games with the Bandits this season, are in the second round of the AJHL Playoffs with the Canmore Eagles.

Mick started the season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, never played a single game this season due to injury was traded to Langley on October 6th 2015. Mick was released from the Rivermen after playing in 22 games (2-goals-8-assists-10points) before signing with the Bandits on December 30th 2015.

Mick played two years in Vernon (2012-2014) before being traded to the Merritt Centennials on May 29th 2014 as part of the future considerations from a trade in January. On January 3rd 2014 the Vipers sent defenceman Jason Bird & future considerations (Logan Mick) to Merritt for defenceman Dylan Chanter. In May the United States Hockey League (USHL) expansion Bloomington Thunder selected Mick 400th overall in Round 25 of Phase two of the USHL draft. On June 20th the Merritt Centennials traded Mick to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for Luke Bertolucci & future considerations.

Logan Mick's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=120792

This is in the Vancouver Province Newspaper:

For BCHL champs West Kelowna, familiar faces on tap at the Western Canada Cup tournament

By Steve Ewen, Vancouver Sun April 29, 2016 

Rylan Ferster and Logan Mick should both see plenty of familiar faces this weekend at the Western Canada Cup in Estevan, Sask.

Ferster, who’s the general manager and coach of the BCHL champion West Kelowna Warriors, is a Saskatchewan product, a guy who grew up and played his minor hockey in Prince Albert. He recruits heavily from that province to this day: West Kelowna’s top scorer in the playoffs so far has been Kylar Hope, 20, a forward from Lashburn, Sask.

Mick, a forward with the Alberta champion Brooks Bandits, is a B.C. kid, a native of Armstrong who started his Junior A career in the BCHL. The 19-year-old was a member of the Vernon Vipers team that hosted the RBC Cup national championship in 2014.

The top two teams from the five-club event in Estevan advance to this year’s RBC May 14-22 in Lloydminster, Sask.

Action in Estevan wraps up May 8.

“I haven’t gotten a chance to play a BCHL team in a while. I think it’s going to be fun,” Mick said of Brooks opening up the tournament on Sunday against West Kelowna, a day after the Warriors get the event started against the host Estevan Bruins.

“I think the BCHL, in general, is a little more skilled, but I think the AJHL is grittier.”

Extensive stats aren’t kept on the RBC, but there have been players suit up in the nationals for teams from different leagues before. For example, defenceman Mathew Backhouse was a member of Manitoba’s Dauphin Kings at the 2010 event and Saskatchewan’s Humboldt Broncos in 2012. 

As well, defenceman Davis Ross, who was a member of last spring’s championship squad with the tournament host Portage Terriers of Manitoba, remains in the hunt to return to the RBC this year with the Fort Frances Lakers, an Ontario team from the Superior International league.

Mick played for three different BCHL teams, including a stint with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, where his dad Troy — a former WHL star defenceman —  is president and general manager.

The younger Mick never seemed to find that right fit in this province, and signed on with the Bandits after he was released by the Langley Rivermen earlier this season.

He had 18 goals and 25 assists in 149 regular-season contests in the BCHL, but showed enough in various aspects of the game that he’s already landed a scholarship to vaunted Quinnipiac, a Hamden, Conn., program that lost the NCAA title game this spring to North Dakota.

With Brooks, Mick had six goals and 11 assists in 24 regular-season games and then two goals and four assists in 13 playoff matchups.

“We were tipped off about by him by his school,” said Brooks GM and coach Ryan Papaioannou. “He’s been effective for us. He’s a player who doesn’t always need to score points to be important.”

Ferster, meanwhile, led West Kelowna to a second-round upset of the ballyhooed Penticton Vees, who featured two potential first-rounders for the upcoming NHL draft in forward Tyson Jost and defenceman Dante Fabbro. West Kelowna beat the Chilliwack Chiefs in six games in the league finale, but lost star goalie Matthew Greenfield to an undisclosed injury part way through Game 5.

Back-up Keelan Williams, who hadn’t played a full game since mid-February, made 36 stops in the 4-2 win last Saturday over Chilliwack that advanced West Kelowna to Estevan.

Ferster said he is hopeful that Greenfield would be ready to play this weekend.