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:

Antisin Leaves Silverbacks:

The group that owns the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks — Salmon Arm Sports Inc. Is proud to announce that we have secured a Tier 3 Jr A franchise in the RMJHL. The team is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and is home to former Backs alumni Andrew Farny. At a Press Conference held today in front of a capacity crowd at the Olympian Hall in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, it announced it would compete in the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League (RMJHL) starting in the fall of 2016. “With a passionate fan base for high school hockey, community support, and high-quality facilities, it provides the perfect fit to become a top-quality organization in the RMJHL”, Stated Troy Mick. “They are a perfect fit inside our existing footprint and the early support from both the community and town council has been overwhelming” explained RMJHL Commissioner Mike Gempeler. “With natural ski-town rivalries already established with Breckenridge and Aspen, the game day atmosphere with be through the roof and there will be no better place to play junior hockey.” The new team will play out of beautiful Howelsen Arena, an Olympic sized rink with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 loud fans. With the news today Backs assistant Coach Misko Antisin resigned from the club and will be the 1st ever GM/Head Coach in Steamboat. “I have mixed emotions right now I am sad that I won't be back with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks team this coming season”, I am going to miss the players’ fans and most of all the staff who work so hard everyday to make this proud organization run so smoothly. The Silverbacks wish to Thank Misko for his time in Salmon Arm and we are a better organization because of him. We look forward to working with him in Steamboat. The Silverbacks will begin the search for a new assistant coach for this coming season immediately.

Clippers To Hold Press Conference:

The Nanaimo Clippers will be holding a Press Conference on Wednesday June 8, 2016 at 10 am in the Upper Mezzanine at the Frank Crane Arena.  The Major Announcement at this Press Conference will involve a former NHL Player, who resides in Nanaimo,  joining the Club’s current Ownership Group in the position of Team President and League Governor.  We will also have some other team business to update the Media on.  This Press Conference will be open to the Public.

Marshall, Cosgrove & Moore Commit To Bulldogs:

Coming off two very successful spring identification camps, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce the first round of committed players for the 2016/17 campaign. Henry Marshall, a 6’1, 175lbs, forward from New Canaan, CT, had a breakout season at Choate Rosemary Hall this season with 29 points in 28 games. Marshall is committed to the NCAA Division I program at Colgate for 2017/18. Trevor Cosgrove, a 6’1, 182lbs, defenseman, comes to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs from Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH. Cosgrove spent the last four seasons at Exeter. The SB*Nation College Hockey blog describes Cosgrove as a steady defenseman with good mobility. The solid defenseman helped lead Exeter to a 26-4-1 record in 2015/16. After being recruited by several NCAA Division I programs, Cosgrove, too, committed to Colgate for the 2017/18 season. Last but not least, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs have also committed to 1998-born standout forward Augustine “Auggie” Moore from Edina, MN. Moore had a breakout season with Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in the United Stats High School (USHS) league, putting up 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 25 games. Moore followed that performance up with an additional 4 points in 2 playoff games. Moore was the captain of Benilde-St. Margaret this season. “I am extremely excited to become a part of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization,” said Auggie Moore. “I look forward to coming to Port Alberni and being a Bulldog next year.” “These three players are great additions to an already strong and exciting group of returning players from the 2015/16 season,” said Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach and general manager Kevin Willison. “We are as excited about adding Henry, Trevor, and Auggie to our program as our fans will be watching them next season.” These are the first three commitments the Bulldogs have announced. The team will announce additional commitments within the next week. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are very excited to welcome Henry, Trevor, and Auggie to the Bulldogs family. Fans had a chance to see Marshall and Cosgrove at the Bulldogs Port Alberni spring identification camp. All three players will be reporting to the team in mid-August.

Merritt-Nanaimo Trade:

The Merritt Centennials have acquired veteran forward, 1996 born Chris Dodero from the Naniamo Clippers. This trade finalizes the deal Joe Martin made on this past season’s trade deadline of January 10th. Dodero finished the regular season in Nanaimo with 14 goals and 21 assists, then added 4 goals and 2 assists in a 14 game playoff run. “Acquiring Chris is a big statement for us, he is a player we targeted when making the trade with Nanaimo. He will be provided with an opportunity to finish his junior hockey career in a pivotal place inside our lineup. He already has chemistry with Zach Court and we’re hoping the two of them has something to prove come September. We welcome Chris and the Dodero family to the Centennial organization.”  Joe Martin-Head Coach.

Rivermen Forced Out Of Langley Events Centre, As Vancouver Giants Move In:

The Vancouver Giants, long rumoured to be moving from the Pacific Coliseum to Langley Events Centre, have called a news conference at the LEC for Tuesday morning. They’re expected to announce that they’ll play the majority of the 2016-17 Western Hockey League season at the seven-year-old rink, which lists capacity at 5,276. Various sources say the club will also announce that it will play at least two of its 36 regular-season home games at the 17,150-seat Coliseum, including the traditional Teddy Bear Toss contest. They are expected to keep the Vancouver Giants name. The team is still hunting for a coach to replace Lorne Molleken, who was fired with two games left in the regular season, and for a general manager to replace Scott Bonner, who resigned in December but stayed on until the end of the season. Vancouver finished 2015-16 league play at 23-40-5-4, which left them last in the 10-team Western Conference, 20 points shy of a playoff spot. The Giants have the second pick in the WHL bantam draft, which goes Thursday in Calgary. Director of player personnel Jason Ripplinger, who recently had his contract extended, will run the proceedings for Vancouver there. The club has been based at the Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks, every season since its inaugural 2001-02 campaign. They did play six games at the LEC during the 2010 Winter Olympics, when the Coliseum was being used for figure skating and short-track speedskating. They also played an exhibition game there before this season. According to various sources, the Giants will save $300,000 by moving to the suburban rink from the larger East Vancouver facility. Giants owner Ron Toigo was quoted as saying that he lost $400,000 in both 2012-13 and 2013-14. He hasn’t talked about finances for the past two seasons, but attendance has dropped in both campaigns. The Giants announced that crowds averaged 5,169 this past season. Business in Vancouver, thanks to figures obtained from Freedom of Information, reported in April that actual attendance worked out to 3,332 per game. Vancouver’s announced average attendance in the 2006-07 regular season was 8,760. They won the Memorial Cup national championship at the Coliseum that spring as the tournament host. Vancouver’s announced average in 2009-10 was 7,117. That was the last time the Giants won a playoff series. They have missed the playoffs three of the past four seasons and were swept in the first round in 2013-14. The Giants last won a playoff game in 2012, when they took a 2-0 lead on the Spokane Chiefs in the best-of-seven first round, then dropped four straight. That was Brendan Gallagher’s last season with the Giants. It will be interesting to see how long the deal with LEC is. Toigo hasn’t been shy about the possibility of eventually moving to Surrey. The Giants were one of the parties that approached Surrey about a public-private partnership to build a new rink near the Scott Road SkyTrain Station. Coun. Bruce Hayne said in January that none of the proposals met Surrey requirements, explaining that city refused to be “responsible for construction costs or operational losses.” Hayne did say that the city was willing to revisit the concept in the future. In moving to the LEC, the Giants will share arena space with the National Lacrosse League’s Vancouver Stealth. Oddly enough, Toigo balked heavily at the NLL moving into the Coliseum when Tom Mayenknecht was trying to restart the Vancouver Ravens in 2007. The Langley Rivermen, a B.C. Hockey League franchise that moved to Langley from Chilliwack in the 2006-07 season and began play at the LEC when it opened for the 2009-10 campaign, are expected to move to another rink.

Bast Returning To Vees-Named Assistant Captain:

The Penticton Vees confirmed Wednesday that veteran defenceman Gabe Bast (96) will return for the 2016-17 season. The University of North Dakota commitment registered six points in eight games this season, as he missed the majority of the year with a lower-body injury. The Red Deer, Alberta, product had 40 points in 49 regular season games in 2014-15, en route to being named the Vees’ Top Defenceman. Bast had another 13 points in 22 BCHL playoff games, helping the Vees capture the 2015 Fred Page Cup and 2015 Western Canada Cup. Bast will also wear a letter next season, as the team named him an Assistant Captain, joining Nic Jones (96) as part of the Vees’ leadership group. Jones was anointed the team’s Captain back in April. The Vees’ annual Spring Camp kicks-off tomorrow with fitness testing and runs right through Sunday at the SOEC. Six teams of prospects will play two games a day in front of the Vees’ brass. President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson told the Penticton Western News it’s a chance for younger players to make an impression. “There are opportunities to get an invite to our main camp in August,” Harbinson said. “But we’re really looking to build our affiliate list for next year. Over the past few years, probably 85 per cent of the players who have played for the Vees attended our spring camp.”

Hayduk Wont Be Back With Bulldogs:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have opted not to renew assistant general manager/ coach Adam Hayduk's contract. Hayduk was with the team for five years. "In hockey and in business you are forced to make tough decisions in the long-term interests of the team," Port Alberni Junior Hockey Society president Ron Paulson said in a press release. "We wish Adam all the very best as he pursues new opportunities in the hockey world." Athletic trainer Damon Pugerude, whose contract was up this year, will also not return as the Bulldogs opted not to renew his contract. JT Ward will join the team in August and take on the athletic trainer and equipment manager role for the 2016-17 season. Head coach Kevin Willison and assistant coach Alex Evin will continue behind the bench this season.

Dupont Commits To Surrey:

The Surrey Eagles are proud to announce that 19-year-old Jacob Dupont of Phillips Exeter Academy has committed to play for the team in 2016-2017. Dupont is a skilled defenceman, who is listed at 6 feet, 185 pounds. Although he attended an American school, Dupont is Canadian, hailing from Waterloo, Quebec – which is east of Montreal. He made a very big impression on the coaching staff at Eagles spring camp, which was held April 15th to 17th. Head coach and general manager Blaine Neufeld was extremely pleased with what he saw. “He is head and shoulders above a lot of other players his age that are looking to come to the BCHL. I absolutely love his skating. It’s near a professional standard. We will be able to utilize him in key situations because of the bigger ice surface that we play on.” Although Dupont drew interest from multiple BCHL teams, coming to Surrey was an easy choice for him to make. “Surrey has beautiful scenery and a lot of things to do,” praised Dupont, in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca. “I didn’t want to be in a smaller city in the middle of nowhere. I like the city life and Surrey can provide that for me. I really enjoy the view of the water and the climate is a lot nicer than in Montreal in the winter!” On top of his skating ability, Dupont sees his offensive mindset as another plus to his game. He possesses a powerful shot, and is a confident puck-mover, who is able to exit the defensive zone quickly. “Our staff feel like he’s a player that has a lot of potential. Personally, he reminds me of [former Eagles defenceman] Devon Toews,” said Neufeld. Dupont believes that he can contribute to a winning cause in his first season in the BCHL, and the Eagles are very excited that he has decided to bring his talent to the west coast. “I want to be a leader on and off the ice for my team. I work hard and always try to lead by example with a positive attitude. My main goal is to win.”

Silverbacks Give Mick Contract Extension:

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.

Wild Name Ecker New Play By Play Man:

The Wenatchee Wild is pleased to welcome Arch Ecker, who joins the franchise as a Sales person. Mr. Ecker will also handle Director of Media & Communications as well play-by-play radio broadcaster. Ecker brings 20 years of experience on the mic, having called nearly 1,200 games in the NAHL, AWHL, and AFHL. Wild fans may have heard him calling games in recent years when the Wild would travel to Topeka KS, where he was the voice of the Roadrunners for 10 seasons. Prior to that, he spent four seasons with the Helena Bighorns (NAHL, AWHL) and six seasons with the Butte Irish (AWHL, AFHL).  Said Wild GM/Head coach “Arch brings a wealth of experience to the Wild. He has worked almost every position in the front office over his career. On the air as a broadcaster he has turned himself into one of the best in the business. His sales skills will help drive season ticket and group sales.” Ecker is thrilled to be returning to the northwest, and particularly the Wenatchee Valley. “I was fortunate enough to come here three times with the Roadrunners, and to see first-hand how impressive the Wild operation is run”, Ecker said. “It’s a great honor, and I’m excited to get started.” His main role will be working on group and season ticket sales. Ecker will also handle the team’s media relations along with being the Wilds play by play radio person. Ecker is expected to join the Wild the end of May. With the restructuring of the Wilds front office look for some big news early next week.   Season ticket information will be sent out next week. The Wild will be having one of their spring tryout camps this weekend in Colorado. Look for news from the camp next week also.

Prince George-Cowichan Trade:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are pleased to announce the acquisition of 20 year old defenseman Connor Russell from The Cowichan Valley Capitals. The 6’2” 195 pound Russell is from Guelph Ontario and was acquired by The Spruce Kings as the future considerations portion of the January 10th trade between Prince George and Cowichan Valley that sent 19 year old forward Corey Hoffman to the Capitals. Last season with Cowichan Valley Connor Russell scored 3 goals and had 17 assists for 20 points to go along with 52 penalty minutes in 58 games played. “We are excited to add Connor to our organization. He is a big solid defenseman who can excel in both ends of the ice. He’s also a veteran player and a tremendous young man who will be leaned on heavily to provide leadership to our team on and off the ice” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. “I am looking forward to getting started in Prince George. I want to be a leader and a big part of helping the Spruce Kings turn things around this year to become a playoff contender” said newly acquired Spruce Kings defenseman Connor Russell. Connor Russell will join the rest of his Spruce Kings team mates just prior to the start of the team’s main training camp on August 25th.

Heerspink Commits To Silverbacks:

18 year old defenceman Jake Heerspink has committed to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for next season. This past season with the AAA Regina Pats Heerspinks had 22 pts in 44 games.

Collins Commits To Clippers:

The Nanaimo Clippers are very pleased to announce that Jamie Collins has committed to play for the Team for the 2016-2017 season.  The 1997 born forward joins the Clippers after playing the past three seasons at the Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana.   During the 2015-2016 season the 5’8”, 160 lb, Fergus, Ontario native tallied 22 goals and 41 assists for 63 points in 49 games played.  Jamie is also committed to the NCAA Division 1 Clarkson Golden Knights in the ECAC league.

Tufto Leaves Vipers For Fargo:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Tufto leaves Vipers for Fargo
       
by Kevin Mitchell - Vernon Morning Star

Jun 12, 2016

He started last season as Peter Tufto and then took on the first name of Odeen in honour of his late grandfather.

Whatever name you called Tufto, it usually came after a dynamic pass or move as he was a crowd-pleaser with the B.C. Hockey League Vernon Vipers.

Tufto, a 19-year-old from Minnesota, is eligible to return to the Snake Pit, He has chosen instead to play for the Fargo Force of the U.S. Hockey League. The 5-foot-7, 155-pound roadrunner was drafted seventh overall in Phase 2 of the USHL draft of players with birthdates before the year 2000.

“He thinks I’m mad, but I’m not,” said Viper head coach/GM Mark Ferner. “It’s not about me, it’s about him. He said he liked the team, the city, his billets and his teammates. He wanted to be closer to home and he has family in Fargo. One thing is for sure: we’ll have a new leading scorer next season.”

Tufto rang up 25 goals and 65 points in 57 games and pocketed three goals in five playoff games as the Vipers bowed to the Penticton Vees in Round 1.

Fargo is a university town of 118,000. The Force averaged 3,498 fans a game last season, third best in the 17-team USHL. They finished fifth in the Western Conference.

Prior to starting his junior hockey career, Tufto played with St. Thomas Academy High School in Minnesota where he suited up in 71 games over three seasons, amassed 47 goals and 120 points.

He is committed to the NCAA Division I Quinnipiac University Bobcats following for the 2017-18 season.

The Vipers now have eight returning players up front, including Christian Cakebread, who has de-committed with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and will likely be one of the first Vipers to sign a scholarship this fall.

Cakebread produced 12 goals and 30 points in 35 games with Vernon after two seasons with Fargo. The Arizona product played Under 16 hockey in Arizona with projected NHL first overall pick Auston Matthews.

Colton McCarthy, Riley Brandt, Jagger Williamson, Jimmy Lambert, Steven Jandric, Hunter Zandee and Brett Stapley head the list of returning forwards.

Ferrner will run a recruiting camp July 29 in Detroit. Vernon’s main camp starts Aug. 22.

Mudbugs Select Cakebread 242nd In NAHL Draft:

This is posted on Brian Wiebe's Blog:

Vernon Vipers forward Christian Cakebread was selected in the 11th round, 242nd overall by the Shreveport Mudbugs. The Gilbert, Arizona native had a solid first BCHL season, posting 30 points (12-18-30) in 35 games for the Vipers. The veteran of 90 USHL games is committed to the University of North Dakota for this fall.

This was posted on the KSLA website:

Shreveport Mudbugs welcome 14 players from NAHL Draft

Published:Tuesday, June 7th 2016

By Matthew Harris, Reporter

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -

The North American Hockey League held their 2016 draft.

The Shreveport Mudbugs are one of two new teams, along with the Northeast Generals.

The Mudbugs owned the 2nd overall pick in this year's NAHL and drafted second in each round.

The Mudbugs drafted 14 players in the following order.

1st round – Jared Domin (Left Wing)

2nd round – John Steen (Right Defense)

3rd round – Gino Carabelli (Left Wing)

4th round – (Traded to NJ Titans)

5th round – David Brumm (Centre)

6th round – Shane Kelly (Right Defense)

7th round – Croix Evingson (Left Defense)

8th round- Conner Jean (Centre)

9th round – Erik Fitzgerald (Left Defense)

10th round – Ryan Keane (Goalie)

11th round – Christian Cakebread (Centre)

12th round – Jamie Huber (Left Wing)

13th round – Cale List (Right Defense)

14th round – Jake Friedman (Centre)

15th round – Grant Meyer (RW)

Tufto Not Returning:

This is posted on the Vipers website:

Tufto Not Returning

June 10, 2016

by Vernon Vipers

Recent News

Tufto Will Not Return For 2016-17 Season

The Vernon Vipers are losing their top scorer and top rookie for the upcoming season. Odeen (Peter) Tufto told the team he wouldn’t be returning for his second season with the squad and announced he would be joining the USHL’s Fargo Force this week.  The Force had drafted him 7th overall in early May kicking off rumours  the centreman might be weighing his options to head back to the states.

The Quinnipiac University commit  from Chaska, Minnesota finished his rookie season in the BCHL with 65 points in 57 games with the team and is going to be missed next year.

“We wish Peter all the best, we’re just a little disappointed that we don’t get him back. He was a good kid and he had nothing but great things to say about the organization, his billets, his teammates and he’s just picking a different path” said Head Coach Mark Ferner who also cited the Minnesota native had lots of family in the Fargo area.

The Vernon Vipers organization would like to thank Odeen (Peter) for his fantastic effort this past season and wish him all the best in his hockey career.

Hear more from Ferner and teammate Jagger Williamson regarding the loss of Tufto for next season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4r1FumJ-6k

Force Select Tufto 7th In USHL Draft:

This is posted on the Force website:

USHL Draft: Phase 2 Results

05/03/2016

By Staff

The Fargo Force selected forward Peter Tufto with the seventh pick overall, along with eleven other forwards and nine defensemen in Phase 2 of the 2016 USHL Draft on Tuesday for a total of 21 draft picks. The coaching staff also selected local Fargo player, Cody Haiskanen, who played with Davies High School and graduated in 2015. He played last season with the Portage Terriors in the MJHL. Local Moorhead player, Isaac Howe, was also selected. He played last season with the Moorhead Bantam AA.

Peter Tufto, the first pick for Fargo, is a forward out of Chaska, MN. Tufto played last season with the Vernon Vipers in the BCHL where he posted 65 points in 57 games, tallying 25 goals and adding 40 assists. Prior to starting his junior hockey career, he played with St. Thomas Academy High School in Minnesota where he suited up in 71 regular season games over three seasons. Across those three years, he amassed 120 points, scoring 47 goals and notching 73 assists. He is committed to Quinnipiac University following his junior hockey career.

“Today’s Phase 2 of the USHL Draft is extremely important in building next year’s team,” said head coach Cary Eades. “With how hard it is to score in today’s game, we went after proven goal scorers with our early picks and then filled in other needs with some versatile defensemen and aggressive players. Look for a bunch of these guys to wear the black and blue next season, while others can be placed on our affiliate list where they can develop elsewhere next season for future Force teams.”

For Phase 2, USHL teams selected players from multiple birth years (1996-2000) looking to fill their protected lists with players who will compete for roster spots for the 2016-17 season.  Phase 2 continued until all USHL teams had secured 45 players on their Initial Protected List.  That list includes affiliate players from the 2015-16 season, players selected in Phase 1, and players signed to a tender.

Click here for a full list of Phase 2 picks.

Being drafted doesn’t guarantee a spot on the tpeam as all players selected will be invited to the Fargo Force tryout camp in June in Fargo to compete for a spot on the 23-man roster for the 2016-17 season.

For more information regarding the draft, please visit the official Fargo Force and USHL websites.

Former Vipers Captain Williamson Leaves Rockets:

Former Vernon Vipers forward-Head Coach-GM Jason Williamson has
left the Okanagan Rockets.

Williamson signed with the Rockets August 6th 2015 was with the Rockets for just one season. Prior to joining the Rockets Williamson spent nine years in Vernon. Three as a player (1999-2002) Three as an Assistant Coach (2008-2011) and three as Head Coach-GM (2011-2014) before stepping down-resigning as Head Coach-GM after two exhibition games into the 2014-15 season.  Williamson has also been working with the Nanaimo Clippers the past two seasons as Director of Scouting and Recruitment, will be entering his third season with the Clippers this coming year.

Williamson was Captain of the Vipers from 2000-2002, along with former Viper Captain Chris Crowell (2007-2009) are the only two Vipers to be Captain of the team in back to back seasons.  Williamson is also fifth on the Vipers all-time wins list as Head Coach (81-Wins 70-Losses 6-Ties).

Jason Williamson's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=81172

This is posted on the Rockets website:

Eric Blais Named Rockets 2016/17 Bench Boss

April 29, 2016

The Okanagan Rockets are pleased to announce that Eric Blais will be the new head coach of the Rockets for the 2016/17 season.

Blais, a native of Kelowna, has been a staple in the Kelowna Minor Hockey Association for many years, as both a teacher and coach of the game. Blais began his coaching in Kelowna in 1999, working his way up and eventually becoming head coach of the Bantam Tier 2 team in 2005. After just one season behind the bench, Blais led the Bantam’s to a provincial championship in 2007 and was named KMHA Coach of the Year.

From 2007 onto 2014, Eric coached at the midget level, beginning with the Tier 3 team and moving up to the Midget Tier 1’s in 2011, where he would be named KMHA Coach of the Year for the second time in his coaching career. Blais also received attention outside of Kelowna as he was named the 2012 Ernie Gare Award winner, given to the BCAHA’s Minor Hockey Coach of the Year. Blais would follow that up with two straight provincial championships at the Midget Tier 1 level before becoming the Kelowna Minor Hockey Association’s Head Coach from 2014 on.

Blais has also been involved with BC Hockey as he is currently an Okanagan District Evaluator for BC Hockey’s Male High Performance Program. Eric was also behind the bench as an assistant coach for Team BC at the Canada Winter Games in February of the 2015 in Prince George as well as an assistant coach for Team BC at the Western Branch Challenge in October 2015 in Calgary, a team that featured members of the 2015/16 Rockets in the likes of Coleton Bilodeau and Eli Zummack.

“Eric is a builder of men and programs. He is extremely passionate and develops his players on and off the ice,” commented Rockets GM Braeden Pistawka “I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work with him again as we continue to develop our program.“

“I'm very excited and looking forward to the challenge of coaching in the premier midget league in BC,” said Rockets newly anointed head coach Eric Blais “This is a position I have always coveted and look forward to the opportunity of working with Braeden to build a model major midget franchise.”

The position of head coach opened up for the Rockets after 2015/16 coach Jason Williamson departed due to an expanded role in his current job at the Royal Bank of Canada, as well as wanting to spend more time with his family. The Rockets want to wish Jason all the best in his future endeavors.

New head coach Eric Blais, along with GM Braeden Pistawka, will be very busy with the Rockets Spring ID Camp upcoming with goalies reporting on May 12th and the rest of the camp running from May 13th-15th.

Stephenson & Demers Named To Major Midget League All-Star Team:

Vernon Vipers defenceman Carter Stephenson & goaltender Cole Demers were named to the 2015-2016 Major Midget League All-Star Team.

Stephenson was an affiliated player "AP" with the Vipers this past season, playing in six games collecting two assists. Stephenson has committed to Vernon for the 2016-17 season.

Carter Stephenson's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247455

Demers was an affiliated player "AP" with the Vipers this past season, didn't get to play but was called up as the backup goaltender for six games.

Cole Demers Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?statsleague=ET&player=245574&team=&year=&status=&leagueid=&season=

This is posted on the BCHockey.net website:

2015-2016 Major Midget League All-Star Team

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

BC Hockey announced the Major Midget League (MML) All-Star Team for the 2015-2016 season. Members of the All-Star Team were voted on by MML team staff. The MML All-Star Team is:

Name          Pos.          MML Team          Hometown

Cole Demers     G     Okanagan Rockets     Kelowna

Jeremy Gervais     D     Cariboo Cougars     Prince George

Carter Stephenson     D     Vancouver North West Giants     West Vancouver

Ben Evanish     F     Valley West Hawks     White Rock

Josh Latta     F     Vancouver North West Giants     West Vancouver

James Malm     F     Valley West Hawks     Langley

Demers backstopped the Rockets to an 18-8-4 record. In those 30 games, Demers averaged just 1.94 goals against per game and helped his team to a semifinal appearance.

Gervais, a Western Hockey League (WHL) Prince George Cougars prospect, tallied 36 points in 40 regular season games and led the MML in goals by a defenseman (12). The 5’10” blueliner helped the Cougars to an appearance in the MML Championship series, where they fell to the Valley West Hawks.

Stephenson scored 46 points in 38 games, which included a whopping 40 assists – tied for third in the league among all players and first among defensemen. Stephenson will suit up for the British Columbia Hockey League's (BCHL) Vernon Vipers next season.

Evanish led the league in scoring, tallying 70 points (41G, 29A) in 38 games – a 1.84 points-per-game average. The Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) prospect led the league’s most dynamic offense, which scored a total of 210 goals in just 40 regular season games.

Latta, who has affiliated with the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks, finished the regular season scoring race in third place, leading the league in assists (49) while scoring 19 goals for a total of 68 points in 36 games.

Malm was named to the MML All-Star team last season after scoring 66 points in 31 games. This season, he played the first half of the season with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants before being assigned back to the Valley West Hawks, where he wasted no time picking up his high-scoring pace. In just 18 games, Malm scored 14 goals and 29 assists for a total of 43 points, helping his team to the league championship.

The MML was established in 2004 to provide elite level 15, 16 and 17 year olds an opportunity to play within their own age group at a high level and be developed for the next level of hockey. These teams have an opportunity each year to compete for the TELUS Cup, Canada’s National Midget Championship, which will take place in Prince George, BC in April 2017.

For more information about the MML, please visit the league’s website at www.bcmml.net, follow along on social media at twitter.com/bchockey_mml, or email us at midgethockey@bchockey.net.

For more information about BC Hockey, please visit the BC Hockey website at www.bchockey.net or email info@bchockey.net or follow along through social media at www.facebook.com/BCHockeySource, www.twitter.com/BCHockey_Source, www.twitter.com/BCHockey_Female, www.youtube.com/BCHockeySource or www.instagram.com/BCHockeySource.

Former Vipers Defenceman Soukoroff Named To AJHL All-Rookie Team:

Former Vernon Vipers defencemen Reece Soukoroff was named to the Alberta Junior Hockey League AJHL All-Rookie team.

Soukoroff attended the Vipers Training Camp in August, played in some exhibition games was released, before signing with the Alberta Junior Hockey Leagues Okotoks Oilers in September. In 53 games this season with the Oilers, Soukoroff picked up (11-goals-15-assists-26-points). Reece's father Phil Soukoroff played with the 1987-88 Vernon Lakers.  

Reece Soukoroff's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=199619

This is posted on the AJHL website:

AJHL Announces All-League and All-Rookie Teams

Posted March 29th, 2016

The Alberta Junior Hockey League today announced the 2015-2016 AJHL All-League and All-Rookie teams.  The selections for each team were determined through voting by the AJHL General Managers and Coaches.

Pontiacs teammates Bobby McMann and Brinson Pasichnuk were unanimous selections to the North Division All-League Team.  Five of the six players selected to the North Division All-League team were finalists for the 2015-2106 League Awards (Leclerc, Lloyd, Pasichnuk, McMann, Busch).  Five of six have also committed to a NCAA College / University (Lloyd, Pasichnuk, McMann, Busch, Kruper).

Three members of the North Division team captured a Gold medal at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge with Team Canada West (Pasichnuk, McMann and Busch).  The Pontiacs and Bobcats both have dual representation on the North Divison’s All-League roster with the remaining two spots filled by the Crusaders and Saints.

The 2015-2016 South Division All-League team includes four AJHL Award Finalists (Drackett, Makar, Beers, Noskey) and the AJHL Top Scorer (Noskey).  Three players on the South squad have committed to a NCAA College / University (Makar, Lodermeier, Malott).  Goaltender Logan Drackett (Calgary Canucks) and defenceman Cale Makar (Brooks Bandits) have also been selected to the 2015-2016 AJHL South Division All-Rookie team.

Players from the Brooks Bandits make up half of the South Division roster with three selections, the Calgary Canucks, Okotoks Oilers and Olds Grizzlys are each representated by one player.

Viterra South Division All-League Team

 G Logan Drackett Calgary Canucks
 D Cale Makar Brooks Bandits
 D Carson Beers Okotoks Oilers
 F Wyatt Noskey Olds Grizzlys
 F Derek Lodermeier Brooks Bandits
 F Jeff Malott Brooks Bandits

Viterra North Division All-League Team

 G Alex Leclerc Lloydminster Bobcats
 D Christian Lloyd Lloydminster Bobcats
 D Brinson Pasichnuk* Bonnyville Pontiacs
 F Bobby McMann* Bonnyville Pontiacs
 F Tyler Busch Spruce Grove Saints
 F Ryan Kruper Sherwood Park Crusaders

Defencemen Cale Makar and Ian Mitchell were unanimous selections to their respective All-Rookie teams.    Makar was the recipient of the 2015-2016 AJHL Rookie of the Year award.  All four finalists for the annual award were selected to the All-Rookie teams (Quillan, Bauld, Olsen, Makar).

Goaltender Logan Drackett (Calgary Canucks) and defenceman Cale Makar (Brooks Bandits) have also been selected to the 2015-2016 AJHL South Division All-League team.

Six selections from the All-Rookie teams have already committed to a NCAA career (Quillan, Bauld, Makar, McKechney, Wunder, Mitchell).  Two rookies were members of Team Canada West as the eventual Gold medalists at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge (Makar, Bauld). 

In total, three members of the Lloydminster Bobcats were selected to the North Division roster, which was completed with two players from the Spruce Grove Saints and one selection off the Sherwood Park Crusaders roster.    The South Division is compiled of two selections from the Brooks Bandits and rounded out by a single selection from the Calgary Canucks, Okotoks Oilers, Olds Grizzlys and Drumheller Dragons.

Viterra North Division All-Rookie Team

 G Pierce Diamond Lloydminster Bobcats
 D Ian Mitchell* Spruce Grove Saints
 D Nick Quillan Lloydminster Bobcats
 F Noah Bauld Lloydminster Bobcats
 F Trey Fix-Wolansky Spruce Grove Saints
 F Ty Readman Sherwood Park Crusaders

Viterra South Division All-Rookie Team

 G Logan Drackett Calgary Canucks
 D Cale Makar* Brooks Bandits
 D Reece Soukoroff Okotoks Oilers
 F Josh McKechney Brooks Bandits
 F Chase Olsen Olds Grizzlys
 F Levi Wunder Drumheller Dragons

* Unanimous Selection

Rockets Rule Out Ferner For Coaching Position:

This is posted in the Kelowna Daily Courier Newspaper:

Rockets' coaching search continues amid hires elsewhere

Kelowna had interest in Matvichuk, who took job in Prince George

Posted: Friday, June 3, 2016

Larry Fisher 

Richard Matvichuk was on Bruce Hamilton’s radar.
 
Jason McKee had also applied for the Kelowna Rockets’ coaching vacancy.

Both those guys landed jobs in the WHL’s B.C. Division this week, with Matvichuk hired by the Prince George Cougars and McKee getting the Vancouver Giants’ gig.

Hamilton, the Rockets’ president and general manager, is still searching for Brad Ralph’s replacement after Kelowna parted ways with its one-and-done bench boss on May 9 — 12 days after the Rockets were swept by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Conference final.

Ralph was actually in the running for Vancouver’s job, with the Giants’ owners among those who have approached Hamilton for permission to speak with Ralph, who is still technically under contract to Kelowna.

“There’s been a couple teams contact me and ask, but I don’t know where it’s gone,” Hamilton said. “This is a young guy that I want back in the game . . . this just wasn’t the right spot right now.”

Hamilton had a productive week, returning from the Memorial Cup in Red Deer where he had duties as the WHL chairman of the board and spent his spare time researching the more than 70 candidates.

That long list now includes both of Kelowna’s current assistant coaches, Kris Mallette and Travis Crickard, neither of whom had initially applied. Mallette has another season remaining on his contract, as an assistant, while Crickard has yet to re-sign with the Rockets upon completing his two-year deal.

“I hope that he’ll stay. I think he’s waiting around to see what unfolds once we make our decisions,” Hamilton said of Crickard.

“We’ve got lots (of applicants), they have kept coming in,” Hamilton added. “I think we’ve got some good people, and now it’s time to start to dial in.”

The Rockets hope to have a head coach in place by the NHL draft — slated for June 24-25 in Buffalo — though Hamilton quipped: “If I find the guy I want next week, then we’ll get it done.”

Hamilton revealed that he does have a short list in mind.

“I think I’m down to four or five guys, and I’ll probably start to notify them that I want to meet,” he said. “I’m travelling lots the next couple weeks (for league meetings in Vancouver, then to Halifax and Toronto), so I’ll probably have guys meet me somewhere along the way.”

Matvichuk likely would have got an interview as well, with Hamilton clearly impressed by the former NHL defenceman who won a Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars in 1999. Matvichuk made his off-season home in Kelowna for 12 years while playing, then worked four years as a firefighter at Big White ski resort before getting into coaching.

“I wouldn’t say I know him real well, but I know him, and he’s a guy that I probably would have considered bringing in,” Hamilton said of Matvichuk, who was recently named the East Coast Hockey League’s coach of the year after leading the Missouri Mavericks to a 52-win season (52-15-0-5). “I think he would have liked this spot, but I wasn’t prepared to move on that (hiring him) yet.”

The Cougars targeted Matvichuk and got their man, introducing him in Prince George on Thursday.

“He’s a great story in my mind because he’s gone back and paid his dues at the bottom end, right from minor hockey all the way up,” said a complimentary Hamilton. “I just like it when guys like him, who played in our league, go full circle and come back. I honestly think he’s going to be a good coach; I think that’s a great hire by P.G.

“I give Richard a lot of credit for going up there,” Hamilton continued. “That’s where he’s going to start and that’ll bode well for him in the future when teams are looking for guys at the pro level, that he wasn’t afraid to take that job. I think he took the first one he got.”

Not to worry Rockets fans, Hamilton assured that his short list has candidates with similar credentials and career accomplishments to Matvichuk.

“They have probably been coaching quite a bit longer than he has, and at a higher level,” said Hamilton, who wasn’t naming names or discussing rumoured applicants because most are still under contract with other teams.

As for the McKee hiring in Vancouver — or rather Langley, with the Giants relocating there for next season — that one came as no surprise to Hamilton.

“I was pretty sure that’s where he was going to land,” Hamilton said of the former Spruce Grove Saints coach and GM who won three AJHL titles in his six seasons at the helm of that program as the successor to Steve Hamilton (head coach of the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings). “Teams have been interested in (McKee) for a couple years, he’s had pretty good success, but I’m not necessarily interested in a Junior A guy.

“I’m just working away, taking my time to find what I want,” added Hamilton, who ruled out Rylan Ferster of the RBC Cup champion West Kelowna Warriors, as well as Fred Harbinson in Penticton and Mark Ferner in Vernon.

Former Vernon Lakers-Vipers Forward Whitecotton Leaves Dragons:

Former Vernon Lakers-Vipers forward Dustin Whitecotton has left the
Rouen Hockey Elite 76 also nicknamed the Rouen Dragonsto returned to Canada for personal reasons.

The Rouen Hockey Elite 76, nicknamed the Rouen Dragons, is a French ice hockey club playing in Ligue Magnus (highest level of the sport in France). Whitecotton is in his first year with the Dragons picked up (2-goals-3-assists-5-points) in ten games.

After four years at Miami University Whitecotton spent the next three seasons playing in three different leagues (AHL, ECHL & UHL) with four different teams (Mississippi, Grand Rapids, Missouri, Lowell), before spending the next twelve years playing overseas. Since 2003 Whitecotton has played in five different leagues (Germany 2, DEL, EIHL, Germany 3 & France) with six different teams (Blue Devils Weiden, SERC Wild Wings, Straubing Tigers, Belfast Giants, Deggendorfer SC & Rouen Hockey Elite 76).

Whitecotton is the youngest player ever to play for the Vernon Lakers & Vernon Vipers making the Lakers at the young age of 14. Whitecotton played three seasons in Vernon with the Vernon Lakers and Vernon Vipers from (1993-96). In 166 games with the Lakers and Vipers Whitecotton collected (52-goals-102-assists-164-points).

Dustin Whitecotton's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=15122

This is posted on the Dragons website:

Antonin Manavian AND DUSTIN Whitecotton LEAVE DRAGONS

December 3rd 2015

The Rouen Hockey Elite 76 regrets to announce the departure of Antonin Manavian and Dustin Whitecotton .

Antonin Manavian left to join the Hungarian club Székesfehérvár (EBEL), while Dustin Whitecotton wants to return to Canada with his family for personal reasons.

The club made ​​the choice to let his # 4 at his request, to try a new foreign adventure in the Austrian league.

Both players will therefore focus more yellow and black jersey today and will be replaced by 15 December (deadline for transfers).

Negotiations are already underway.  We will keep you informed of course.

Antonin Manavian : "This is a great opportunity for me to go in this championship I've changed three years ago I still had something to prove and there is also an opportunity for me.. show still more to eventually join others toughest championships.

This is not necessarily a championship noted that much Magnus League, but it is more homogeneous, where everyone can beat everyone.

It was not planned. This is an opportunity that happens to me and that is hard to refuse. I had always said that if an opportunity presented itself like that, I would discuss with the club.

That's what I did with Guy Fournier (general manager of the club). He understood my decision. He told me that the club never retain a player against his will, so he accepted my departure. We left on good terms. And I'm already gone and income, then you never know.

I particularly want to thank the club and the fans. It's never easy to thank everyone, but everyone has been very nice to me.

Continue to support your team as you do. This year, Rouen has a really great team. Encourage them to the end, because in my opinion, the team will go far this season. "

The RHE 76 also like to especially thank Dustin Whitecotton and highlight its "class" for agreeing to continue playing until next Tuesday, the time to find a replacement.

It is a hard worker who loved and had conquered the organization and the coaches.

We wish him good luck and a safe return to Canada.

Vipers Win Food Challenge:

This is posted on the BCHL & Vipers website:

Vipers win food challenge

June 1, 2016

The results have been tallied up – and a winning team has been determined – for the 2015-16 BCHL Five Hole for Food (FHFF) Challenge presented by First West Credit Union.

The Vernon Vipers gathered 6,877 pounds of food on their FHFF night Nov. 28 to claim top spot.
Altogether, the BCHL established a new record with 40,436 pounds of food raised for local food banks around B.C. and in Washington State. The league’s total has gone up each season since the campaign started in 2013-14.

“Once again, all our teams got behind this initiative and made it a huge success,” said BCHL communications director Brent Mutis. “To be able to make a difference in so many communities throughout the year is important and again shows what an impact our teams have off the ice.”

The BCHL got a boost with the addition of the Wenatchee Wild this season but even without their contribution of 1,800 pounds, the league still would have topped last year’s total of just under 37,000 pounds.

In the three years the campaign has run, the BCHL has gathered over 110,000 pounds of food.

“Congratulations to the Vernon Vipers and all of our BCHL team partners,” said Susan Byrom, senior manager, community investment with First West Credit Union. “Our organization is passionate about collecting food and raising funds to support local food banks; we are absolutely thrilled that the communities we serve will be positively impacted as a result of the success of FHFF.”

FHFF is a national non-profit organization run by volunteers. Over the last six years, FHFF has raised well over a million pounds for Canadian food banks.

About First West Credit Union

First West Credit Union offers members the financial strength, comprehensive product selection and extended branch network of a large financial institution while maintaining local brand identities and a unique grassroots approach to service. Led by Launi Skinner, First West is British Columbia’s third-largest credit union with nearly $10 billion in assets, more than 240,000 members and more than 1,700 employees. It operates 54 branches throughout the province under the Envision Financial, Valley First, Enderby & District Financial and Island Savings divisions. Visit firstwestcu.ca for more information on First West Credit Union.

HC Thurgau Sign Viper Alumni Scofield:

HC Thurgau have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Tyler Scofield.

HC Thurgau is a Swiss professional ice hockey club based in Weinfelden, Switzerland, that was founded in 1989.

Scofield will be joining his third team this season, started the season with the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga (EBEL) HC Tiroler Wasserkraft Innsbruck Sharks after signing with the Sharks May 4th 2015. The Sharks are an Austrian professional ice hockey team that currently plays in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga hockey league (EBEL).  Scofield left Austria in January signing with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Rapid City Rush January 10th 2016. Scofield left the Rush after playing in just six games, to return to Europe, for an opportunity to play in Switzerland. In 11 games with the Sharks Scofield collected five assists, while picking up  (2-goals-3-assists-5-points) in six games with Rapid City.

After four seasons at Bemidji State University Scofield has spent the past seven seasons playing in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany & the US playing with eight different teams (HC Plzen, Klagenfurter AC, Graz 99ers, Ontario Reign, Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg, HC Innsbruck & Rapid City Rush) from 2009-2016.

Scofield played parts of two seasons in Vernon (2000-2002) before being traded to Prince George during the 2001-2002 season. The Vipers sent Scofield and Mark Nelson to the Spruce Kings in return for Rod Pelly, Dan Rossi & Josh Ciocco. In 79 games with the Vipers Scofield collected (21-goals-19-assists-40-points).

Tyler Scofield's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=34054

This is posted on the Thurgau website:

Tyler Scofield substitutes for Evan McGrath!

January 26th 2016

Hockey Thurgau obliges after the injury-conditioned failure of Evan McGrath with Tyler Scofield the third foreigner. The 31-year-old wing player is equipped with a contract till the seasonal end.

Tyler Scofield substitutes for Evan McGrath!

Hockey Thurgau obliges after the injury-conditioned failure of Evan McGrath with Tyler Scofield the third foreigner. The 31-year-old wing player is equipped with a contract till the seasonal end.

The substitute with Evan McGrath is found. From the North American ECHL Tyler Scofield bumps to the Leuen – a player who could collect a lot of experience above all in North America and Austria.

The 1.83 meter and 85 kilogram wing player began the running season near Innsbruck HC in the uppermost Austrian play class and played in the seasonal preparation already once against hockey Thurgau. Then in January Tyler Scofield changed Too rapidly city Crush in the ECHL. In 6 plays overseas he been able to draw the attention with 5 Skorerpunkten positively to himself.

Tyler Scofield will arrive on Wednesday at Weinfelden and train on Thursday the first time with his new team colleagues. Scofield might give his first appearance in the Leuen dress on Saturday in La Chaux de fund. Condition for the fact is that the international transfer and the working approval arrive for Scofield on time.

Hockey Thurgau greets Tyler Scofield warmly.

Pericos Sign Ex Vernon Viper Morgan:

The Puebla Pericos have signed former Vernon Vipers defenceman-former major leaguer Nyjer Morgan.

The Puebla Pericos (English: Puebla Parakeets) are a baseball team that has been a member of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol since 2000. They have existed on and off since 1942 in various other leagues. They are one of the many clubs that have represented the state of Puebla since 1924.

Morgan a baseball free agent played last season with the South Korean Hanwha Eagles. Morgan signed with the Eagles on December 12th 2014 was kicked out of the Eagles preseason baseball camp in February 2015 before returning to the ball club on a later date. Morgan was released after playing in just ten games. 

Morgan was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. On September 1st 2007 Morgan made his major league debut for the Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers as a late-season call-up. On June 30 2009 Morgan was traded to the Washington Nationals along with pitcher Sean Burnett in exchange for outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Joel Hanrahan. On March 27 2011 Morgan was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for prospect Cutter Dykstra (son of baseball player Lenny Dykstra). After playing for three MLB teams, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Washington Morgan elected free agency played the 2013 season in Japan with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Yokohama DeNa BayStars. Morgan would return to the Majors in 2014 where he played with the Cleveland Indians.  After just playing in 15 games spending most of his time with the Tribe on the DL Morgan was released on August 5th 2014 
before heading to South Korea last season.

Morgan attended the Vernon Vipers Training camp in 1996-97. Morgan played as an affiliated player "AP" as a 16 year old with the Vipers during the (1996-1997) season while playing with the KIJHL North Okanagan Kings.

Nyjer Morgan's Player Profile:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/morgany01.shtml

This is posted on the Mexico Baseball Blog:

EX-MLBer NYJER MORGAN SIGNS WITH PERICOS

Friday, December 18, 2015

From its 1531 founding by Spaniards through centuries as the scene of some of Mexico's most important historic moments (including the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, in which Mexican forced defeated French invaders in an event celebrated today as Cinco de Mayo), Puebla is known as a dignified, cultured and relatively quiet colonial city of 2.5 million residents.

Enter Nyjer Morgan.

The volatile ex-Major Leaguer has signed a deal to play for the Puebla Pericos in 2016.  Morgan had an abbreviated stay last summer with the Korea Baseball Organization's Hanwha Eagles, for whom he batted .273 in ten games.  The 2014 season was also a relatively inactive one for the San Francisco-born outfielder, who batted .341 over 15 games for the Cleveland Indians but posted just .200 in as many games for the Tribe's AAA Columbus affiliate.  He spent the entire 2013 campaign in Japan, where he hit .294 with 11 homers for the Pacific League's Yokohama BayStars.

It's been a tough few seasons for the 34-year-old, who attended high school in Canada before being picked by Pittsburgh out of Walla Walla (WA) Community College in the 33rd round of the 2002 draft.  Morgan toiled five seasons in the Pirates system before hitting .299 for Pittsburgh in a late-season call-up in 2007. He split the following year between AAA and MLB, but 2009 was his breakout year.  Despite a June trade that sent him to Washington, Morgan hit .307 for the year (.351 for the Nats) to finish tenth in the National League while his 42 stolen bases ranked second in the senior circuit. His performance dipped in 2010, however, and he was dealt again prior to the 2011 campaign, this time to Milwaukee.  As with Washington, Morgan got off to a strong start with the Brewers, batting .304 his first season, but his average fell to .239 in 2012 and he was granted free agency following the season after he refused to be assigned to the Brewers' AAA Nashville affiliate, leading to his journey to Japan.

Along the way, Morgan built a reputation both as a centerfielder whose speed allowed him to cover a lot of ground while being a threat on the basepaths and as a temperamental player capable of sometimes-entertaining outbursts in the middle of a game.  He once threw his glove and walked away after he thought he'd deflected a fly ball from Baltimore's Adam Jones over the fence for a home run when, in fact, he'd knocked the ball back onto the playing field and Jones ended up cruising around the bags for an inside-the-park home run.  Morgan also once threw a ball at a fan in Philadelphia, received a suspension after precipitating a brawl by charging the mound after two beanballs innings after slamming into a Marlins catcher and separating his shoulder, and he was criticized after shouting two obscenities picked up by TV microphones after the Brewers won the 2011 NL Division Series.

A career .282 hitter who appeared in seven MLB seasons, Morgan was also a very talented hockey player as a teen, reaching the Major Junior Regina Pats before settling on baseball as a career choice.  He had a Twitter following of over 80,000 during his big league days, where he gave himself the nickname of "Tony Plush" as a sort of alter-ego.

Regardless of how Nyjer Morgan performs on the field in Mexico this summer, Pueblans in the stands at Estadio Hermanos Serdan will not be bored.

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:

Vees Unveil Big Plans For Next Season:

The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club held a press conference Tuesday unveiling plans for the upcoming 2016-17 season. The Vees will be hosting the 2017 Western Canada Cup (WCC) which runs April 29th-May 7th, 2017, and Tuesday the team announced early bird pricing for the event. For existing season ticket holders, early bird packages are available for just $129 and $149 for the general public. Season ticket holders can buy their WCC early bird packages at this discounted rate now. The general public can purchase their early bird WCC package staring July 1st through to December 31st. Director of Player Personnel & Corporate Sales David Michaud says they wanted to encompass all fans with their pricing, “As an organization we work very hard to make our hockey as affordable as possible.  We are thrilled that we are able to offer ticket packages that are far and away the most affordable in the history of the event.  The entire week promises to be a treat for our fans both on the ice, and off.” The team also announced plans for a “Ring of Honour” that will be launched at the WCC next year, and Michaud says fans will be thrilled with the first group of honourees, “We wanted a legacy piece around the WCC and by creating the “Ring of Honour” inside the SOEC, it will provide a special reminder of all the great players, and builders who came before us.  We can’t wait to unveil the newest members during the WCC week, the fans will be so thrilled with whose coming back to celebrate with us.” More exciting news for Vees’ fans is the fact the team is freezing season ticket and playoff pricing for the 2016-17 season. Season tickets and playoff tickets will be priced the same as they were in the 2015-16 season. Season tickets are based on three pricing levels, starting at $169.  Playoff packages are $168 for adults and $140 for seniors, a savings of $4 per game over walk-up pricing. Season tickets are on sale now for season ticket holders. Deadline for season ticket holders to guarantee their seat for next season is Friday, April 22nd. Season tickets go on-sale to the general public on Monday, May 9th. President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson also announced a restructuring of the Hockey Operations department. Steve Cawley has moved from his role as Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach, and now will involve with the team’s Scouting department. Harbinson says Cawley was instrumental in the programs’ success, “Steve has been a part of this organization for the past six years and was big piece in what we’ve built here; his passion for the team was infectious. He’s not only a tremendous coach but a great friend and will always be a part of this team.” Cawley spent the last six seasons with the organization, helping guide the team to two Fred Page Cup championships, Doyle Cup championship, Western Canada Cup championship and the 2012 RBC Cup national championship.

West Leaves Wild For Sports Talk Radio:

My Family and I are so excited for Don as he begins this new chapter of his professional life. I have made a new lifelong friend and have also had the unique opportunity to work with someone who always makes me smile. The world needs more laughter, and Don has never let me down in that area. I will miss him terribly, but couldn’t be more excited as he moves onto to something I know he was custom made for! He still will be the biggest wild fan there is, and we look forward to working together promoting the teams in the future! We did try and get a statement from Walt…but as usual, he has no comment. Wild Fans, we have diligently been on the search for someone to lead our marketing efforts, rest assured we will have an announcement soon.

-David White

TO THE GREAT FANS OF THE WENATCHEE WILD.... These last four years working for the Wenatchee Wild have truly been incredible and life changing for my wife Terri and myself. The Wenatchee Valley has become our home and we have never been happier. There are so many people that I need to thank for making this such a special time in my life. I want to thank the greatest Owners in the world David and Lisa White for giving me this opportunity. They truly are the nicest people you will ever know and I love them dearly. Special thanks To Head Coach and General Manager Bliss Littler for your friendship and helping me become a better person. I have learned so much just from being around you every day. Thank you Dave Rayfield for being my partner in crime in the office and all the things you do. You are a great friend and one of the hardest workers I know. Thank you Coach Clark, Coach Rudrud, Coach McKelvie, Coach Obermeyer, Pepe, JT, Evelyn, Jeri and all those that I have worked with in the Office these last four years. Thank you Steve Jackson, Uncle Ernie, Ken Dale, Randy Dawson, John Meissner and all those who work so hard to put on the Show every game. Thank you to Mark Miller, Chris Berg and all the staff at the Town Toyota Center and the incredible support you give to the Wild. Thank you to all the Sponsors for your support and friendships and for making this all possible. And now to the greatest fans in the world. Thank you for all your support as you make the Town Toyota Center the best Arena in all of Junior Hockey. Terri and I have made so many lifelong friends because of the Wenatchee Wild. I have an opportunity to pursue a career that has always been my dream and passion. I will be hosting a Daily Sports Talk show with Cherry Creek Radio and am so excited about my future here in Wenatchee. I will always be the biggest Wild fan and will promote and support them tremendously in my new position. Thank you for letting Terri and I be a part of your lives. And lest I forget Thank you Walt as you truly are the greatest mascot in the world. GO WILD!!!

Merritt-Alberni Valley Trade:

The Merritt Centennials have completed their trade with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, as the Bulldogs send 1998-born defenceman Marshall Skapski to the Centennials. Picking up Marshall Skapski completes the trade that began on December 1st 2015, when Ryan Finnegan was sent to the Bulldogs for future considerations. The Abbotsford-born Skapski spent all of his first season in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Skapski had one goal and five helpers for six points in 47 regular season games, along with 40 PIMs. During their playoff series Skapski had one assist and two PIMs in five games. “We’re happy to include Marshall into our veteran defensive group. Marshall’s a great player, we were happy with what we saw playing against him this year. We think he’s going to fit into our defensive core just fine.” -Head Coach Joe Martin.

Coblenz Commits To Powell River:

The Powell River Kings are excited to announce the signing of Josh Coblenz (98) from the VIJHL Campbell River Storm. While with the Storm, Josh played in 42 games, contributing 24 goals, and chipped in with 23 assists in his rookie campaign. He continued that success into the VIJHL playoffs, leading his team in scoring with 17 points in 16 games. “I had the chance to watch Josh play in the playoffs on the island, and he he was dynamic” said Kent Lewis, Kings Head Coach and General Manager, “and we are excited to add Josh to our lineup for this season.” The tenacious forward should be familiar to Kings Fans, as he suited up in five games as an alternate player this past season scoring a goal and adding an assist. “In his 5 games with us, he showed his potential and versatility playing the wall and down the middle. He brings us depth and energy to the lineup which will allow us to roll four lines” added Lewis. The Campbell River native will join fellow Campbell Riverite recruits, Andy Stevens and Gavin Rauser this upcoming season. “It was a familiar program for me, having affiliated and played in games this season. I felt it was a great fit systems wise and it truly is a first class organization” said the newest King. “With the returning players coming back and the coaching of Kent and his track record in the league, I felt the team is on the verge of winning a championship and that is intriguing” added Coblenz. Josh will join his new teammates in August when the Kings open up training camp. Be sure to check back throughout the offseason for news as it happens, or on Facebook or twitter @BCHLKings.

Spruce Kings Name Howse New Assistant Coach:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are very excited to announce the hiring of Ryan Howse as an Assistant Coach.  Ryan will join Head Coach Chad van Diemen and Associate Coach Adam Maglio on the coaching staff. Ryan is from Prince George and played his minor hockey locally before graduating to the Chilliwack Bruins of the Western Hockey League. During his very successful junior career Ryan was drafted in the third round, #74 overall in the 2009 NHL draft by the Calgary Flames. For the past few seasons Ryan has been coaching minor hockey including the past season where he led the Prince George Midget Tier 1 Cougars to a very successful season including 7 tournament wins, culminating with a win at the British Columbia Provincial Midget Tier 1 Championships. Ryan had also been a scout with the Spruce Kings for the past year. “I’m thrilled to be able to add a great young coach like Ryan to our coaching staff. He has a great mind for the game and has a lot to offer our players. He’s played the game and excelled at a high level and more recently has proven that he can coach at a high level and be successful. To add his energy and enthusiasm to our group will be nothing but beneficial for our organization moving forward” said Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes. “It is an honour and privilege to be joining the Spruce Kings staff.  I am very excited for the opportunity to work and learn a long side Chad and Adam and to do my best to help the Spruce Kings organization be competitive and successful in the future. I would like to thank Mike Hawes and the rest of the Spruce Kings staff for this opportunity” said new Spruce Kings Assistant Coach Ryan Howse. “Ryan brings a lot of knowledge and playing experience to our hockey club.  He’s not far removed from playing the game and he has been very successful in his first couple years of coaching minor hockey.  He has a great relationship with his players and he brings a lot of energy and passion to the rink every day. We think he is ready to make the jump to junior and believe he will make an immediate connection with our players” said Spruce Kings Head Coach Chad van Diemen.

Demin Commits To Wild:

The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Slava Demin from Cypress, CA, has signed with the team for the 2016-2017 BCHL season. Demin was selected by USA Hockey to participate in last month’s NTDP tryouts for the top forty eight 2000 birth year players in the country. This past season, he played defense for the Anaheim Ducks where he helped the team to a fifth place finish in the twenty six team Tier One Elite League. Demin finished the year with fifteen points in thirty two games for the Ducks. Demin a 6 foot 1 inch and 185 pounds is a big kid that is growing. ”I am excited to announce I will be playing for the Wenatchee Wild in the BCHL next season. A huge thanks to my family and friends for helping me along the way,” said Demin Tom Rudrud Wenatchee Wild Associate Head coach commented “Slava is a good sized defenseman with excellent vision. He makes the transition out of his own end zone exceptionally well. Slava is also a player that has the ability to create offense. “ Bliss Littler Wenatchee Wild GM/Head coach also added “We could not be more excited to get Slava committed to come to Wenatchee. Slava is a high end kid that has high NHL draft potential. The BCHL is an excellent league to develop his skills in” The Wenatchee Wild will report to main camp August 22, 2016 to start their 2nd season in the BCHL and begin their quest for the 2016-2017 Fred Page cup.

Alberni Valley-Steinbach Trade:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs send 20-year old forward Adam Donnelly to the Steinbach Pistons of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for Future Considerations. This move is the first step of alleviating the log-jam of 20 year olds eligible to return next season. In 56 regular season games with the Bulldogs, Donnelly scored 7 goals and added 20 assists for 27 points, adding 73 PIMs. In 5 playoff games, Donnelly scored 1 goal.

Foley Commits To Eagles:

The Surrey Eagles are pleased to announce that 19-year-old Ryan Foley of Rosemount, Minnesota has committed to the team for the 2016-2017 season. He is the fourth player to commit to the Eagles already this offseason. Foley was a redshirt for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (NCAA Division III) this past season. Previously, he was the captain for Rosemount High School in his senior year, where he finished as one of the school’s top ten all-time leading scorers. “I’m excited to be a part of a successful program next season,” Foley said in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca “The BCHL is full of top skilled players and is a fast paced game. I’m looking forward to playing junior hockey to show what I can really do.” The 6-foot-1, 175 pound Foley is known primarily as a speedy and skilled forward, who possesses the ability to break games open with his scoring touch. He has had experience playing in all types of situations throughout his career, and looks to be a player that Eagles’ head coach Blaine Neufeld will be able to trust in the upcoming season. “We are tremendously excited to bring Ryan into our organization,” Neufeld announced. “He was a top level player at the high school level in Minnesota, and after spending a year with the Wisconsin program, we are pleased to bring his experience and maturity to our group.” Foley’s main goal is to prove himself as a 19-year-old in the league, and has his sights set on a NCAA Division I scholarship. “While talking to Ryan, I got the sense that he is very motivated to get into a Division I program. That is exactly what our culture is going to be this year.” As the long summer approaches, Foley already intends on getting himself in shape and ready for the season ahead. “Surrey is in a good location, and seems like a great hockey town. I plan on coming in top shape, and I will be out there to win every game.”

Rawnsley Leaves Kings:

Powell River Kings play by play man Alex Rawnsley has informed the Powell River Kings that he does not intend to return as broadcaster for the 2016-17 season. Rawnsley started with the Kings in 2011 said he really battled for motivation with a lot of the "extra" stuff fans don't see and needs some time away from the rink.

Fahie Commits To Clippers:

The Nanaimo Clippers are very pleased to announce that Michael Fahie has committed to play for the Team for the 2016-2017 season. The 18 year old forward joins the Clippers after playing the past three seasons at the Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachussetts. During the 2015-2016 season the 5’10” 160lb Pembroke Massachussetts native tallied 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 26 games played. Michael is also committed to the NCAA Division 1 Brown University Bears in the ECAC league.

Gricius Commits To Wenatchee:

The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the British Columbia Hockey League, have announced that Jake Gricius from Colorado Springs, CO, has signed with the Wild for the 2016-2017 season. Gricus, a 1999-born player, joins the Wild after a successful midget AAA career with one of the best programs in all of midget hockey in the Colorado Thunderbirds. In 28 games this year, he posted seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points in the Tier One Elite League. Tom Rudrud, Wenatchee Wild Associate Head coach had this to say about Gricius. “Jake’s a strong skating center iceman who will make plays. At 6’3 and 180lbs, Jake also brings some needed size and strength to the Wild. He will be an asset in our chase for the Fred Page Cup” Gricius, commented that “I am really excited and looking forward to a great year in Wenatchee and playing in the BCHL” Bliss Littler, Wenatchee Wild GM/Head coach had this to say about Gricius. “After watching Jake play in the National tournament I can see why our staff has been so excited about this young man all season. I feel Jake will develop into one of the better play making big men in the BCHL in time. Jake has been very well coached. He should be able to step in and make plays and compete right away.” The Wenatchee Wild will report to main camp August 22, 2016, to start their 2nd season in the BCHL and begin their quest for the 2016-2017 Fred Page cup.

Chevrolet Power Of Play With Former Vipers Defenceman Brownlee:

Rogers Sportsnet interview's Former Vernon Vipers defenceman Chad Brownlee back in late January.

Brownlee a current Country music star is a 2011 CCMA Rising Star award winner, also a recipient of his first JUNO Award nomination in February of 2013.  Brownlee played two years in Vernon (2001-03).  In 113 regular season games with the Vipers, Brownlee collected (14-goals-28-assists-42-points). Brownlee was drafted in 2003 in the 6th round, by the NHL Vancouver Canucks but retired from hockey after a short stint in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) with the Idaho Steelheads before becoming a Country music star.

Chad Brownlee's Player Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=72703

This was posted on the sportsnet.ca website:

CHEVROLET POWER OF PLAY: CHAD BROWNLEE

January 26, 2016

Motivation is everything for Chad Brownlee, a former Vancouver Canucks 6th round draft pick, who decided to trade in the stick for a guitar after only one season of pro.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/chevrolet-power-of-play-motivation-chad-brownlee/

Kal Tire Place Project Goes Before Residents:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Kal Tire Place project goes before residents

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

May 29, 2016

Greater Vernon residents can have a say on the community’s newest arena.

The City of Vernon and MQN Architects will hold several consultation sessions on expanding Kal Tire Place to include a second ice sheet.

“We will present the design to date and ask for input on that design,” said Doug Ross, the City of Vernon’s recreation manager.

The sessions will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Lakers Clubhouse, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Coldstream Women’s Institute Hall and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday at the BX fire hall.

There will also be a session from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 6 at the Kal Tire Place Grand Room

City staff and the architects are also meeting with user groups and other stakeholders.

Ross is urging Greater Vernon residents to become involved in the process.

“We want to get input from the public,” he said.

The tender for construction of the $13 million ice sheet could be issued early in 2017.