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:

Fawcett Commits To Powell River:

The Powell River Kings are proud to announce the commitment of 1999-born forward Matt Fawcett for the 2018/2019 BC Hockey League season. Fawcett, from Lincoln, Rhode Island has spent the last three seasons at Winchendon Prep School in Massachusetts where he put up 71 goals and 164 points in 82 games. For two of those seasons, Fawcett skated with current Kings forward Ben Thomas. Fawcett also has 12 games of Junior experience in the USHL, affiliating with Sioux City. “I think Powell River gives me a great chance to develop and get ready for college,” said Fawcett. “Ben Thomas told me how good it was out in Powell River and his experience with the Kings, so I’m just looking to go develop, have fun and play a high level of Junior hockey.” At 5’6, 140lb, Fawcett relies on quick feet and a high skill set to contribute at both ends of the ice. “I’m a two-way forward, bring some offence as well through goals and setting up other guys,” adds Fawcett. “I really try and work and make other players around me better.” The addition of Fawcett provides another element of skill and scoring for Kings Head Coach Tyler Kuntz, who is looking to round out a Kings forward group that lost some key figures at the end of last season. “He’s probably more of a pure scorer than anything,” said Kuntz. “He’s quick, he’s a smaller guy but he’s an intelligent player who is very dynamic offensively and you can never have enough to those guys.” Fawcett joins the Kings with his NCAA future secured, having earned a commitment from Quinnipiac University, where he plans to study entrepreneurship. “Quinnipiac is a good fit for me with the way they play. Their camp was great, and overall it was just a great fit for me both on the ice and with studies as well,” said Fawcett. “Between now and then, I just want to grow, get bigger, faster, stronger and become a better overall hockey player.” Fawcett will train out east during the off-season, before making the trip out to Powell River ahead of Main Camp in August.

Floris Commits To Cowichan Capitals:

The Cowichan Capitals are very pleased to announce that Hunter Floris has committed to play for the team for the upcoming season. The 6’0” 200lb forward joins the Capitals from the Cariboo Cougars of the BC Major Midget League. The Vanderhoof, BC native tallied 36 goals and 22 assists for 58 points in 38 games played for the Cougars this past season. Hunter’s 36 goals were a single season franchise record and he also ended his Major Midget career as the BCMML’s all time goal scoring leader with 75 goals scored in 118 career games. The Capitals would like to welcome Hunter to the Capitals Family and look forward to seeing him on the ice soon.

Maloney Already Working On Chiefs' Next Chapter After Improbable RBC Cup Win:

Brian Maloney was keen on talking about the 2018-19 Chilliwack Chiefs on Monday. You could easily excuse him if he just wanted to keep focusing on this season, since it just ended Sunday night with the Chiefs rallying on home ice in the third period to defeat the Wellington Dukes 4-2 and capture their first Royal Bank Cup. Monday marked Maloney’s 18th official day as head coach and general manager of the club, with the team announcing on its website on May 4 that Maloney, a former Chiefs star player, was being promoted from assistant coach to replace Jason Tatarnic in the two key positions. Chilliwack had finished fourth in the BCHL’s Mainland Division in the regular season, with a 26-26-3-3 record, and they had been eliminated from the league playoffs in the first round, losing the seventh and deciding game of their set with the Prince George Spruce Kings on March 11. That meant they had to sit idle for nine weeks until they opened up the five-team RBC tournament at Chilliwack’s Prospera Centre. They dropped their opener, falling 2-1 in overtime to the BCHL champion Wenatchee Wild a week ago Saturday, but they then ripped off five straight wins. They hadn’t won more than three in a row at any point in the regular season. Tantalizing stuff. Far from the norm. Maloney will be forever linked to it. He’s undoubtedly proud of what this group has accomplished. To his credit, he’s also already doing some looking forward. “We have to switch right into recruiting mode,” said Maloney, 39, who was the Chiefs leading scorer back in 1998-99 under longtime coach Harvey Smyl. “This is Junior A. You’re not talking about big staffs. A lot of the recruiting is done by the head coach. “Playing this late, we’re a little bit behind. We’ve asked some people for their patience. “We’re hoping that the message gets out about what we’re trying to do in Chilliwack. I believe we can create even more of an identity here.” The Chiefs, who came to Chilliwack from Richmond for the 1990-91, have been perennial contenders in the BCHL. They’re one of the more recognizable Junior A teams in the country. They advanced to the RBC in 2000 and 2002 with Smyl at the helm, losing in the semifinals both times. The team moved to Langley for the 2006-07 season, giving way to the WHL and the Chilliwack Bruins to the chagrin of the diehard Junior A fans in the area. The Bruins never really got much traction and when they moved to Victoria for the 2011-12 campaign, the Chiefs were resurrected in Chilliwack, with the former ownership group, led by Moray Keith, purchasing the rights to the Quesnel Millionaires and moving them to Prospera. “I believe in this city. I’m so proud of this city. A lot of the volunteers that were here when I was a player are still here,” said Maloney. “I don’t know if all the players realize what this means to the people here.” Maloney says that he felt the Chiefs unite as a unit over the past couple of weeks. He worried that they were getting back to some old bad habits on Sunday when they were down 2-1 to Ontario Junior A League champion Wellington after two periods, with “guys trying to win the game all by themselves on every single shift,” but he “reminded them politely to stay the course.” They did. Chilliwack scored three times in just shy of an eight-minute stretch in the third period to secure the victory. Corey Andonovski bagged the eventual winner at 8:32 of the frame. The Chiefs were the second straight host team and third in four years to win the RBC. Their story is similar to last season’s Windsor Spitfires, who won the Memorial Cup major junior championship as hosts after losing in the first round of the OHL playoffs. Maloney admits that he called Rocky Thompson, who was the coach of those Spitfires, to get some advice on how to handle the extended break. Maloney and Thompson got to know each other playing against one another in the AHL. Thompson was back coaching in that circuit this season with the Chicago Wolves, the team that Maloney started his pro career as a player with. “He gave me some ideas right away,” said Maloney. “We tweaked a few things for our team.”

Schnapp Commits To Clippers:

Jacob Schnapp has committed to play for the 2018-2019 season.The right-handed, 210-lb. forward from Port Richey, Florida, played the previous two season with the Tampa Scorpions U18 and U16 AAA teams. In the 2017/2018 U18 season he played in 55 games, scoring 17 goals with 32 assists. In the 2016/2017 U16 season he played in 44 games, scoring 16 goals with 28 assists. Jacob started to play roller hockey at age 7 and picked up ice hockey at the age of 9.  Roller hockey is still a passion. He went to Nationals the past 4 years winning a National Championship along the way, along with a Silver Stick Championship. Jacob is committed to working hard and being a standout player for the Clippers.

Miller & Saether Commit To Powell River Kings:

The Powell River Kings are pleased to announce the commitments of forward Rowan Miller and defenceman Brenden Saether to the team for the 2018/2019 BC Hockey League season. Saether, a 6’4, 205lb blue liner from Abbotsford suited up with the Mission City Outlaws in the PJHL last season, contributing 4 goals and 5 assists in 42 games. In addition, Saether also played in 14 regular season, and all 13 playoff games with the BCHL’s Surrey Eagles. For Saether, the decision to commit to Powell River was made easier after a meeting with Head Coach Tyler Kuntz. “We went over my game film and he highlighted a few things that he felt he could help me improve on,” said Saether. “He showed me the program that he’s implementing in Powell River and I was really impressed with how organized and detailed it was. I’ve also heard great things about Powell River, the fans, the community and the support of the team.” Saether, a 2000-born player, describes himself as a stay at home defensive defenceman, however Kuntz believes there is more to Saether’s game. “What I see is a big player with a long reach, a big stick, he’s mobile and can turn to get pucks,” said Kuntz. “He played in two game sevens last year (with Surrey), and playing here on the smaller ice is going to be beneficial for him. He’s extremely fit and a real worker, and off the ice he’s a great kid who is really hungry to get better.” Kuntz added that Saether’s mobility with his size was very impressive and feels that he has a solid foundation to succeed at the Junior A level. Also joining the Kings ahead of the team’s 30^th anniversary season is 2001-born forward Rowan Miller. Born in Arizona, but a long-time resident of Vernon, Miller played last year with the South Island Royals in the BC Major Midget League, scoring 14 goals and 14 assists in 39 games. Miller also affiliated in 8 games with the VIJHL’s Victoria Cougars, collecting 2 goals and 2 assists in 8 games. The connection to Powell River came through Miller’s coach while affiliating with the Cougars, Kings assistant coach Suneil Karod. “I really wanted to play Junior A hockey this year, and use that experience to improve as a player by playing against bigger, stronger, faster guys,” said Miller. “Suneil encouraged me to go to Powell River’s camp in Kamloops and by the end of it I knew I wanted to be a King. I learned so much in those few days from the coaches, and I knew I could improve as a player if I was in that situation full time.” Miller’s addition to the team provides more options up front, and a player who has showcased the ability to fit into the Kings system. “We had him at camp and tried to do some different things,” said Kuntz. “We gave Rowan an information overload as to what our team wants to look like and how it wants to play, and he grasped things really quickly and showcased a lot of the things we’d discussed in the camp games.” Kuntz added that he’s keen to offer Miller the support to develop, noting that patience is needed when it comes to younger players at the Junior level. “We see him as a player that will just continue to get better,” added Kuntz. “He can skate, he’s got skill and he’s intelligent. He wants to do those things to get better, he wants to improve and our goal is to guide him along that path.” Both Miller and Saether will train at home ahead of their arrival in Powell River in mid-August for Kings Main Camp, and the 30^th anniversary season for the Powell River Kings beginning in September.

Warriors Part Ways With Draper:

The West Kelowna Warriors have parted ways with one of their longest serving front office employees. In a brief statement Tuesday morning, the BC Hockey League club announced director of business operations Alex Draper is no longer with the club. "After restructuring and reassignment of roles and responsibilities, Alex has decided to pursue other opportunities," said team president Kim Dobranski. "Alex has been a tremendous asset to this organization, and was the second longest service marketing director in the BCHL. For many years Alex has been the face and voice of the Warriors, sharing in both the disappointment and success of the organization." Draper was with the club for seven years. He says the shoes will be hard to fill. No word on a replacement.

McDonnell Commits To Nanaimo Clippers:

Brennan McDonnell, out of Auburndale, Florida is proud to join the Nanaimo Clippers for the upcoming 2018/2019 BCHL season. McDonnell is a 17-year-old defencemen with good size and speed. He is a puck moving defensemen with good hands and an accurate shot. Brennan played the last 4 years with the Tampa Scorpions and this past season played in the NAPHL. He recorded 14 goals and 26 assists throughout the season. McDonnell caught the attention of Coach Naylor at the USA Hockey National Tournament and then again at the Clippers Prospect Camp in Nanaimo in April. McDonnell will leave his Florida roots and make the move over 3,000 miles away to Nanaimo.

Conlin Commits To Spruce Kings:

The Prince George Spruce Kings are pleased to announce the commitment of forward Michael Conlin (99) from the North Jersey Avalanche U18 Program. Conlin, from Northport, New York, had 8 goals and 6 assists for 14 points in 24 games playing for the Avalanche in 2017/2018. The North Jersey Avalanche program also produced current Spruce Kings forward Patrick Cozzi, although they were never teammates. “We are thrilled to add Mike Conlin for the upcoming 2018/2019 season. In our time watching and meeting with Mike we were impressed by his work ethic, compete level, and overall character. Mike plays the game the right way, he is a 200ft player that plays in the hard areas. We look forward to working with Mike next season and welcome him to the Spruce Kings.” Said Spruce Kings Head Coach Adam Maglio. Conlin will arrive in Prince George in August for Main Camp, as the Spruce Kings look to build off their Fred Page Cup appearance this season.

Elser & Hutchison Commit To Vees:

The Penticton Vees are excited to announce they have received commitments from 2000-born forward Drew Elser and 2000-born defenceman Conner Hutchison for the 2018-19 season. Elser, from Hopewell Junction, New York spent the 2017-18 season with the Central Illinois Flying Aces of the United States Hockey League, scoring eight goals and eight assists in 36 games before having his season cut short by a sports hernia. Elser is the youngest of four brothers and is committed to the University of Connecticut in the future. Hutchison, from Hicksville, New York, played last season at the Selects Hockey Academy U18 program, helping them win the USPHL U18 league championship while scoring nine goals with 42 assists in 49 games. He also dressed for two games with the Chicago Steel of the USHL, registering one assist. Additionally, Hutchison helped his team win the U18 Nationals, which sees the top U18 programs in the United States compete for a championship. The 5’11’’, 181-pound defenceman has a scholarship to the University of Vermont. His brother Nick spent two seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks from 2014-2016 and now plays at Canisius College. His sister Cailey is about to enter her senior year at the University of Maine. Elser and Hutchison spent the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons as teammates on the Selects Hockey Academy U16 team, and both decided to pursue their junior hockey careers in Penticton rather than the USHL. The two players will join the rest of their teammates in Penticton in August for training camp ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Buono Commits To Kings:

For the third straight season, the Powell River Kings will list a ‘C. Buono’ on their playing roster as the team has committed to 2000-born forward Christian Buono for the 2018/19 season. Buono, a 5’11, 195lb forward from Burnaby skated last year with the Vancouver NW Giants of the BC Major Midget League, and is the younger brother of former Kings defenceman, Carmine. In 35 games with the Giants, Buono led the team in scoring with 16 goals and 28 assists winning the team’s top forward, and playoff MVP awards. In a busy season, Buono also dressed in 4 games as an affiliate with the Kings, collecting two helpers. “The experience will definitely help,” said Buono on his time in the BCHL, which also includes 11 games with Coquitlam in the 2016/17 season. “When I came up, I just wanted to keep it simple and now I’m with the Kings full time I can show what I can do out there and showcase my game a little more.” Buono follows in the footsteps of his older brother Carmine, who played 145 career regular season and playoff games with the Kings between 2014 and 2018. “Carmine talked a lot about his time in Powell River, which really helped me make my mind up on where I wanted to play Junior,” said Buono. “He was a huge help when I AP’d last season, all the guys were great too, welcoming me into the room. They were all dialed in, wanting to win every night and that’s going to be a huge help to me early on.” Kings General Manager and Head Coach Tyler Kuntz describes Buono as an offensively gifted forward with good hands around the net. “He plays with a lot of fire, he’s a competitor,” said Kuntz, who also spoke on his desire to respect the family lineage in hockey. “With Carmine playing here, I think it’s very important that if you’ve got a player like Christian who can play in the league, that’s from the family, I think you’ve got to look at that and you’ve got to honour and respect that. Any Junior hockey family gives something to the organization, and I think it’s important for teams to respect that and that we do right by the families.” Buono has recently begun detailed off-season training in the lower mainland to prepare for the grind of Junior hockey. For Kuntz, Buono’s role has been clearly defined ahead of next season. “He’s going to start as a young player on a team that has lots of returning players, but I’ve told him that his job is to take an older players job,” said Kuntz. “Don’t be happy with just being here, go take someone’s job. That pushes our older guys to produce and makes everybody on the team better.” Buono will join his new team mates in Powell River in mid-August, ahead of Main Camp beginning in Powell River on August 19^th.

Wray Wins Leadership Award:

This is posted on the 107.5 Beach Radio website:

Duncan Wray: 2018 Tim Hortons Award Winners

Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon

Pete McIntyre

June 05, 2018 

The best in North Okanagan sports from the past year have been honoured.

The 25th annual Tim Hortons awards were handed out Tuesday night.

Long time Vernon Vipers owner Duncan Wray — who passed away in January — was posthumously awarded the leadership award.

His daughter Erica accepted it for the family.

“To see the impact he’s had on the community as a whole and on the hockey team specifically — and for athletes in general — it’s really special to me to see the legacy live on,” Erica told Beach Radio News.

Wray says her family is carrying on ownership of the Vipers, with her mom, Libby, the new owner.

“There is definitely a learning curve, but it’s something that was so important to my dad, and it’s important to the whole family to see it succeed and see his legacy live on,” adds Erica.

The awards are chosen by a panel of community and media representatives, including Funtastic founder John Topping, Tim Hortons franchisee Dan Currie, former city councillor Jack Gilroy, Ken Richardson, Kevin Mitchell, Josh Winquist, Betty Selin, and Pete McIntyre.

Former Viper Floris Commits To Cowichan Capitals:

Former Vernon Vipers forward Hunter Floris has committed to the Cowichan Capitals. 

Floris played two games as an affiliated player "AP" this past season with the Vipers and attended the Vipers Spring Camp in May.

Hunter Floris's Player Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/350252/hunter-floris

This was posted on the Capitals website:

Hunter Floris Commits to Play for the Capitals

April 24, 2018

by karenk

Recent News

The Cowichan Capitals are very pleased to announce that Hunter Floris has committed to play for the team for the upcoming season. The 6’0” 200lb forward joins the Capitals from the Cariboo Cougars of the BC Major Midget League. The Vanderhoof, BC native tallied 36 goals and 22 assists for 58 points in 38 games played for the Cougars this past season. Hunter’s 36 goals were a single season franchise record and he also ended his Major Midget career as the BCMML’s all time goal scoring leader with 75 goals scored in 118 career games. The Capitals would like to welcome Hunter to the Capitals Family and look forward to seeing him on the ice soon.

Fuel Sign Former Vernon Viper McNicholas:

The East Coast Hockey League Indy Fuel have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Michael McNicholas.

McNicholas spent the past four seasons at the University of New Hampshire. McNicholas played one season in Vernon (2013-14). The Vipers traded Aaron Hadley to Nanaimo for future considerations (Michael McNicholas & Jordan Klimek) on January 10th 2013. In 56 games with the Vipers McNicholas collected (23-goals-46-assists-69-points) scored one of the biggest goals in recent Vipers history, scored the overtime winner in Game 7 of the Interior Division Finals vs Penticton in 2014.

Michael McNicholas's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=109871

This was posted on the Fuel website:

Indy agrees to terms with rookie forward

Forward Michael McNicholas signs with Fuel after completing NCAA career at the University of New Hampshire

Mar 6, 2018

INDIANAPOLIS  – The Indy Fuel, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, announced Tuesday that they have signed rookie forward Michael McNicholas to an ECHL contract.

McNicholas, 23, is looking to make his professional debut after recently completing his senior season at the University of New Hampshire. The 5-foot-10, 174-pound forward led the Wildcats in scoring this season, posting 24 points (5g, 19a) in 36 games. Over his four year NCAA career, McNicholas accrued a total of 22 goals and 58 assists over 117 games, including a career-high 43 points (13g, 30a) in 2016-17.

Prior to his collegiate career, McNicholas played two seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League, where he collected 33 goals and 68 assists in 91 total games from 2012 to 2014 with the Vernon Vipers and the Nanaimo Clippers.

The native of Manhattan Beach, Calif. also spent a season in the United States Hockey League with the Muskegon Lumberjacks in 2011-2012, where he tallied five goals and four assists in 48 contests.

The Fuel begin another crucial three-game weekend Friday as they host the Cincinnati Cyclones for Nickelodeon Night at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. Both teams will wear SpongeBob Squarepants-themed uniforms, with characters from the hit show set to be in attendance as well. 

Single game tickets are now available for the entire 2017-18 Fuel season at Indiana Farmers Coliseum! Fans can also take advantage of a wide variety of ticket plans by calling 317-925-FUEL or visiting IndyFuelHockey.com. Don’t miss a second of the action during the 2017-18 season – follow the Fuel on Twitter and Instagram (@IndyFuel) and ‘Like’ the Fuel on Facebook. 

Sabres Expected To Buy Out Ex Viper Tryout Moulson:

The Buffalo Sabres are expected to buy out former Vernon Vipers forward Matt Moulson.

Moulson was in his fourth season with the Sabres, went pointless in 14 games this season before being placed on waivers December 4th 2017 was later loaned to to the American Hockey League Ontario Reign December 5th 2017.

Moulson has played the past eleven seasons in the NHL with four different teams (Los Angeles, New York Islanders, Minnesota and Buffalo. Moulson was drafted 263rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 9th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Moulson attended the 2001 Vernon Vipers training camp, was released during camp.

Former Vernon Vipers forward Justin Bourne (2001-2003) write's a good story on his former blog about Matt Moulson and the two attending the Vipers training camp in 2001.

http://www.jtbourne.com/tag/vernon-vipers/

Matt Moulson's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9744

This was posted on YardBarker.com

Sabres expected to buy out Matt Moulson

Originally posted on Pro Hockey Rumors  |  By Brian La Rose  |  Last updated 5/26/18

The Sabres are expected to buy out winger Matt Moulson once the window to do so opens up in mid-June, reports Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe.  The plan to do so shouldn’t come as much of a surprise after Moulson cleared waivers earlier this season after just 14 games with Buffalo.

Moulson re-joined the Sabres in July of 2014, inking a five-year, $25MM deal. (He briefly spent time with them in 2013-14 after they acquired him from the Islanders, but he was later flipped to Minnesota before the trade deadline). However, he failed to live up to expectations and has provided Buffalo with a total of 35 goals over four seasons which is what earned him a one-way ticket to the minors.

After the Sabres decided that they didn’t want Moulson to take playing time away from anyone on their own AHL affiliate, they loaned him to Ontario of the AHL, the minor league affiliate for Los Angeles. The 34-year-old was more productive with them, collecting 46 points (18-28-46) in 49 games which should help his cause as he looks for a new deal.

A decision to buy a player out often results in a fair bit of short-term cap savings for the team but that won’t really be the case here.  Due to the front-loaded nature of his contract (he has already received $22M), the Sabres will incur a cap charge of $3.67M for 2018-19 plus $667K the following season.  Meanwhile, Moulson will hit the open market and will likely have to settle for a two-way contract as he looks to get back to the NHL with a new organization.

2018-19 Season Officially Begins:

This was on Brian Wiebe's Twitter Account:

Brian Wiebe‏ @Brian_Wiebe June 1 2018

The new season starts in earnest today. June 1 means junior hockey teams across Canada can officially start signing players for the 2018-19 season.

Also means any transfers (trades) agreed to can be processed at the Hockey Canada level.

#BCHL #WHL #PJHL #VIJHL #KIJHL

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:

Loheit, Lagerstrom, Schreifels & Sheppard Commit To Vees:

The Vees would like to announce a few player recruitments for next season in Luke Loheit, Jack Lagerstrom, Henri Schreifels and Cole Shepard. Loheit, 18, hails from Minnetonka, Minnesota and played high school hockey in his hometown last season. The 6’1’’, 185-pound forward posted 12 goals and 18 assists in 24 games. He comes to Penticton with a commitment to the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He was ranked 152nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Lagerstrom, 18, is from Edina, Minnesota and played at the illustrious Shattuck St. Mary’s program in Faribault, Minnesota. The 6’2’’, 188-pound right-shot defence man posted some eye-popping numbers, scoring 15 goals and 34 assists in 54 games. He has secured an NCAA scholarship to Cornell University. Schreifels, from Agoura Hills, California, comes to Penticton fresh off leading his league in scoring. Schreifels played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks U18 program in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, scoring 26 goals and 30 assists in 36 games. Shepard, a 2002-born forward from West Vancouver, is familiar to Vees fans already has he played in six games for Penticton last season. Shepard picked up an assist in his second career game against the Wenatchee Wild January 6, before suiting up in four playoff games against the Trail Smoke Eaters. He recently announced his commitment to attend Harvard University in the future. Transitioning to business news, the Vees are happy to say the Peters Brothers Program, which sees free admission to fans under the age of 18 at Vees home games, has been extended multiple years.  The program has seen huge success and growth since its inception for the 2014-15 season, as the Vees averaged under 200 children per game before it’s implementation. This past season the Vees averaged nearly 600 children per game. The team also announced there will be no change in season ticket prices for the 2018-19 season. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets can call Laura Carleton, the Vees ticketing and merchandise  director, at 250-493-8337 ext. 4. The Vees were excited to present a cheque for $2,720 to the South Okanagan Similakmeen Medical Foundation (SOMF) as part of the Gateway Gives promotion, which sees $20 for each goal scored by the Vees during home games donated to SOMF courtesy of Gateway Casinos. The program has seen a three-year total of $8,600 donated. Finally, the Vees are very pleased to unveil the new Penticton Vees Community Heroes program. At each home game during the 2018-19 season, the Vees will be donating a minimum of $1,000 to a local charitable group to give back to the community that shows unparalleled support for the team. More details on the program will be announced at a future date.

Wozney Commits To Kings:

The Powell River Kings are pleased to announce the commitment of 2001-born defenceman, Ben Wozney from the Burnaby Winter Club. The 6’2, 165lb blue liner from New Westminster played 34 games for Burnaby last season, scoring 7 goals and assisting on 21 others. Wozney also got a taste of the BCHL this season, dressing with the Prince George Spruce Kings in a game against the Langley Rivermen. “Coming out of my season this year, I wasn’t really sure where I was going,” said Wozney. “To get it done with Powell River is very exciting, they had a good run last year and it wasn’t a hard decision to choose Powell River.” For Head Coach and GM Tyler Kuntz, Wozney is a big addition to an experienced Kings blue line. “We’re excited to get Ben for this season. He’s got a good skill set with his size and his skating, there’s a lot to work with there” says Kuntz. “He always plays with his head up, he’s an intelligent player and the biggest thing is that he wants to be a hockey player, not just the idea of being a hockey player. There’s a big difference.” Wozney is keen to contribute in Powell River at both ends of the ice, however realizes that the jump to Junior A is substantial. “Next year, I really just want to contribute,” said Wozney. “My game overall is being a puck moving defenceman with good vision, I can contribute defensively and offensively and I think the offensive game will come in Powell River with time and experience.” Wozney is due to join his new team mates ahead of Main Camp in August, before the season kicks off in early September. Between now and then, Wozney is focused on closing the gap between prep school and Junior A hockey. “It’s a big jump to the BCHL so I’m just focused on getting better to be able to make that jump,” said Wozney. “It was good to see how I stack up against those guys (when AP’d with Prince George), I could see how big the guys were, how fast everything was so this off-season is all about getting bigger, stronger, faster. The Powell River Kings are holding their annual Spring Camp in Kamloops from May 11^th to 13^th, 2018. Registration information is available at powellriverkings.com/2018springcamp. A special Early Bird rate for 2018/2019 Season Tickets is also available until May 25^th. Renewals must be processed via the Kings office, open 10am – 4pm weekdays. New purchases can be done online by visiting tickets.powellriverkings.com.

2018-19 Outlook: With Penticton Vees Commit Luke Loheit

Luke Loheit is going out as a champion. Well, going out of his home state as one. The Minnetonka, Minnesota native ended his high school hockey career in the best way possible, capturing the coveted Minnesota High School State Tournament championship in March. “I think the final attendance was around 20,000 or so,” Loheit said of the championship game. “Every time it comes around every year the whole state kind of stops and focuses on that. It’s a big deal and it’s pretty special to be a part of. I think everyone who gets to play in it is pretty thankful because it’s rare, you go out of state and you don’t see anything like that.” Loheit’s team, the Minnetonka Skippers, earned their way to the State Tournament with a double-overtime win over Holy Family in the section finals. The event is hosted at Xcel Energy Centre, the home of the Minnesota Wild, each year. As Loheit said, the event is a big deal and draws massive crowds for each and every game as the state rallies behind their respective teams. Heading into the tournament as the number one seed, Loheit’s Skippers won 6-2 over Hill Murray and 6-3 over Centennial to punch their ticket to the State Championship against Duluth East. In front of a throng of fans, Loheit recorded an assist to help Minnetonka capture the schools first ever State Championship with a 5-2 win. “It’s a once in a lifetime thing. When you’re in the moment you don’t really realize how big it is,” Loheit recalled. “My teammates and I grew up wanting to play in that game. It’s not only special for the group of guys but the community and the alumni. It’s created a different culture to the community around here because it’s so tight.” Loheit recorded a goal and two assists in the three games at the tournament, adding on to his regular season totals of 12 goals and 18 assists in 24 games with the Skippers. On top of that, he a was also one of the captains of the team which is something he takes great pride in. “I think my leadership is one of my biggest strengths,” he claimed. “I always tried to have that leadership and that voice on every team I’ve been on. I wore the ‘C’ for the first time in my bantam year and that was really important to me. It’s not only special to have for me, but to have for the group of guys. I really felt I grew as a leader this year and I’ll carry that not only in my hockey career but for the rest of my life.” With his list of accomplishments, it may not be surprising to see Loheit’s name appear on NHL Central Scouting as a player to watch for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in Dallas, Texas next month. The 6’1’’ 185-pound forward was listed at 152nd amongst North American skaters. While he still has a few weeks of high school left, Loheit says now that hockey season is over, it’s difficult to tune out the thoughts of draft day. “I think during the season it was a little easier for me to block it out because I had things scheduled every day,” Loheit admitted. “It pops into my mind every once in a while but I’m really just focused on getting better everyday and getting ready for next season.” Barely a week after the biggest game of his life, Loheit and his father came to Penticton to see the Vees organization up close. The timing of his trip allowed him to see the Vees opening game against the Trail Smoke Eaters in the second round, a scene that firmly made up Loheit’s mind. “I knew my decision after the first day I was there,” Loheit said. “The culture the team brought to not only the ice but also around the community. The whole city was supporting the team and that was the coolest thing I noticed while I was there. It’s a hockey town.” With high school nearly finished, Loheit said moving away from home for the first time is something he feels ready for. His plans for the summer mostly revolve around staying at home to spend time with his family and friends before heading north of the border. Loheit will join a long list of Minnesota-born players to suit up for the Vees, including Nicky Leivermann and Ryan Sandelin from the 2017-18 season.  “Seeing all the Minnesota guys there just fuels me to follow in their footsteps,” Loheit admitted. “I think it also shows just how great of an organization it is. It motivates me to get up there and represent my state and work even harder.” Loheit has already secured a scholarship to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he will play for Sandelin’s father, Scott. A self-proclaimed power forward, Loheit believes his competitiveness and physicality are his best traits as a hockey player, though he says his play making abilities are nothing to write off either.  Being a physical player, Loheit knows the wear and tear of a season that occurs as the games pile up. Having never played as many games as the BCHL schedule has before, Loheit knows how important this summer is in his preparation for the 2018-19 season. “After the season ended I immediately started training,” Loheit said. “It will be fun though, I’m excited to play more games. There’s always room for more hockey so I’m looking forward to seeing how my body and my mental state reacts to playing 60-plus games in a season.” His passion for the game rivals that of the fans in Penticton, ensuring he’ll have no problems fitting in to his new home. 

Spitzer Commits To Clippers:

Lincolnshire, Illinois native Will Spitzer has committed to play for the Clippers’ 2018-2019 season.  Last season, the 18-year-old defenceman played for the Chicago Mission U18 team. In 75 games he recorded three goals and 30 assists. The previous season he played for the Milwaukee Junior Admirals, where he recorded three goals and 35 assists. In an interview with Clippers’ play-by-play announcer Dan Marshall, Will said that he is excited to be coming to Nanaimo. He feels he plays a strong offensive and defensive game. Will was in Nanaimo for the prospects camp and says he really enjoyed the community and atmosphere.

Harbinson Thrilled To Be Staying With Vees:

Fred Harbinson said his five-year contract extension had been in the works for quite some time. The Vees president, general manager and head coach had one year remaining on his current contract. “I’ve been approached over the years but I’m in a place at age 46 where I feel I’ve earned the right to align myself with owners who have the same philosophical ideas that I do,” said the Calgary native. “Obviously a by-product of all that is winning.” Harbinson said he sat down with Graham Fraser (majority owner of the Vees along with his wife, Sue) on Sunday and reached a deal that will keep him with the Vees until the 2023-24 season. “It’s really pretty simple – success isn’t an accident, it’s a choice, and Graham and Sue choose to be successful in whatever project they embark on,” said Harbinson. “I don’t think they get enough credit for all they do for this organization to help us be successful on and off the ice. They aren’t specifically in the winning business, but they are certainly among the very best in the people business. “I want to continue to work for them and for the great fans of Penticton.” Harbinson, addressing a public gathering Tuesday at the South Okanagan Events Centre, said his main goal from his first of 11 seasons with the team in 2007-08 was to “create a dynasty and a perennial contender.” The Vees won the Fred Page Cup (BCHL championship) that first season under Harbinson’s watch and have won three more since (2011-12, 2014-15 and 2016-17). The Vees have also made three appearances in the RBC Cup national championships, winning the 2012 RBC in Humboldt, Sask. Penticton has also won a Doyle Cup and a Western Canada Cup, while accumulating a runaway BCHL-best 24 banners in Harbinson’s 11 seasons. In the landmark 2011-12 season, the Vees set a new North American hockey record with an incredible 42-game winning streak. It culminated with Penticton’s second national title and first since the then-Penticton Knights won in 1986. Last season, the Vees won an unprecedented seventh straight Interior Division pennant and the Ron Boileau Memorial Trophy as BCHL regular season overall champions. Overall Penticton has posted a record of 481-144-14-40 under Harbinson’s watch and has also seen 10 players drafted into the NHL - with at least one more (defenceman Jonny Tychonick) - to come in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in June. “Many of the elite young players in North America look at Penticton first when deciding where they want to play their junior hockey,” said Harbinson. “It’s one of the things we take tremendous pride in.”

Falcons Name Miller New Play By Play Broadcaster:

The Kelowna Falcons are pleased to announce the hiring of play-by-play broadcaster Trevor Miller for the 2018 season. Miller has spent the past two seasons as the play-by-play broadcaster for the West Kelowna Warriors in the British Columbia Hockey League while also handling the team’s social media and website responsibilities. Prior to his time in West Kelowna, Miller provided colour commentary for the Penticton Vees for three seasons and has over 200 games of BCHL experience under his belt while also calling games for the Okanagan Rockets of the BC Major Midget League for three seasons as well. The Mission, BC native moved to the Okanagan in 2004 and spent time as an umpire to fulfill a love of baseball. The 23-year-old is excited about an opportunity to spent the summer at the ballpark, “Baseball has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember and having an opportunity to work with such a professional and historic organization like the Falcons is a dream come true,” commented Miller, “I’m very much looking forward to working closely with the Falcons and providing fans the best coverage on and off the diamond.” Miller will handle the play-by-play of all 54 Falcons games, both at home at Elks Stadium and on the road.

2018-19 Outlook: With Penticton Vees Commit Jack Langerstrom:

It’s exam week for high-school students across the United States, but not for Jack Lagerstrom. A senior at Shattuck St. Mary’s prep school in Faribault, Minnesota, Lagerstrom was exempt from his exams prior to graduation because he scored straight A’s throughout the semester. An impressive feat no matter who you are, but factor in an hour and a half of practice a day, a full schedule of 54 games and even a trip to Germany and Lagerstrom’s exemption is well earned. “It’s great to have a group of guys with the same ambitions as you to do the best in hockey and academics,” Lagerstrom said. “Having an atmosphere like that really gives you an even bigger incentive to work as hard as you can.  The teachers and coaches are very understanding of our schedules and work loads.” While Shattuck St. Mary’s is a boarding school, Lagerstrom wasn’t far from his hometown of Edina, Minnesota, a short 45-minute drive north. That allowed his parents to visit regularly to watch his team play over the course of his four years there. Despite being close to home, his schedule at school allowed him to become more independent in preparation for not only his time in Penticton, but in college as well. “We have a thing called a blended schedule which means we have mandatory classes Tuesday and Thursday,” he explained. “Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s we have free time which forces us to manage our time. The schedule was put in place to prepare us for college, and I think it’s done a great job.” The maturity level and straight A’s should come as no surprise considering Lagerstrom is committed to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, New York in the future, regularly listed as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. On the ice, Lagerstrom as just as impressive. Playing for the Shattuck St. Mary’s midget prep team this past season, he scored 15 times and assisted on 34 others for 49 points in 54 games. The 6’2’’, 196-pound right hander likes being involved at both ends of the rink. “I jump up in the play as much as I can and create scoring chances in the offensive zone,” he said. “But I also like to play shut-down defence. A great defence leads to good offence, and I try to emulate that into my play.” It’s all those tools that made Lagerstrom a highly-recruited player over the course of the 2017-18 season, and he had no shortage of options on where to play before heading to college.  “I’ve always wanted to play hockey in college since academics are so important to me,” Lagerstrom said. “The WHL wasn’t an option for me to keep my NCAA eligibility, so it was between the USHL and Penticton. After coming up to visit the town, my decision was made.” Lagerstrom was drafted by the Vancouver Giants in the WHL and the Tri-City Storm in the USHL, but the Vees felt like the best fit for him. Being from Minnesota, Lagerstrom is well aware about past Minnesota-born players to make their way north to Penticton. “I know many players from Minnesota that have played in Penticton, and continuing the success of Minnesota natives there is something I definitely want to do,” he claimed. “When I got there I couldn’t get over how beautiful the city was. That along with the great facilities and coaching staff really made it an easy decision for me.” Lagerstrom joins an impressive defence core for the Vees which includes a few returning players from 2017-18 along with some newcomers.  For the first time in his career Lagerstrom will be playing out of his home state, but his experience in time management at Shattuck will make the transition much easier he says. “Shattuck was a home to me for four years and I’m going to miss it,” Lagerstrom admitted. “But the excitement I have for playing in Penticton next year will make the transition easier. The atmosphere at the game I was at was one of the best I’ve ever seen, especially in junior hockey. Having 3,000 dedicated fans a game is awesome and I can’t wait to be a part of it.” As if it wasn’t already obvious how dedicated he is to his schooling, Lagerstrom will continue to take online courses during his time in Penticton as he continues to build on an already-impressive resumé.  Vees fans will see him bring his A-game to the ice every night during the 2018-19 season.

Croteau Commits To Cowichan Capitals:

William Croteau Commits to Play for the Capitals. The Cowichan Capitals are very pleased to announce that, William Croteau has committed to play for the team for the upcoming season. The 5’9″ 165lb defenceman joins the Capitals from the Iowa Wild Midget AAA Team. The 18 year old Chandler Quebec native tallied 5 goals and 34 assists for 39 points in 65 games played for the Wild. The Capitals would like to welcome William to the Capitals Family and look forward to seeing him on the ice at camp in late August.