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:
Nanaimo-Langley Trade:
The Nanaimo Clippers have picked up defenceman Carter Stephenson (’98) who was with the Langley Rivermen. “Carter is an experienced defenceman, who can play the power play and brings experience to the back end”, stated Coach Naylor. The 5’11”, 154-lb. Carter has played six games for the Rivermen in the 2018-2019 season, scoring one goal, having two assists and 10 minutes in penalties. The 2017-2018 season saw Stephenson playing for the Rivermen in 51 games. He scored six goals, had 17 assists and 23 minutes in penalties. 2016-2017 saw Carter playing for the Vernon Vipers and the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. He played 23 games for the Vipers scoring five goals, had eight assists and 15 minutes in penalties. With the Silverbacks he played in 30 games with one goal, seven assists and 26 penalty minutes. In 2015-2016, Carter played with the BCMML Vancouver NW Giants, where he was awarded top D-Man in the BC Major Midget League.
Michaud Leaves Vees:
The Penticton Vees have announced they are seeking a new Director of Corporate Partnerships with the departure of David Michaud at the end of October. “David has done a tremendous job in elevating our presence in the corporate community in Penticton and the South Okangan over the past three years,” Vees head coach, general manager and President Fred Harbinson said. “We wish him all the best both professionally and personally.” In 2016 Michaud was named an Alternate Governor for the Vees, and his role has him overseeing corporate sponsorships and broadcast sales within the organization. “This is an attractive opportunity that I’m confident will garner a great amount of interest,” Harbinson continued. “I will start the search for David’s successor immediately.” The Vees would like to thank Michaud for his incredible work over the past three-plus seasons. Interested candidates can apply with résumé and cover letter to media@pentictonvees.ca.
Senkoe Commits To Smoke Eaters For 2019-20 Season:
The Trail Smoke Eaters Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of forward Jaden Senkoe (’01) for the 2019/20 season. Senkoe, 17, has played the last three season at the Okanagan Hockey Academy and is currently in his second season with the Midget Prep Red team. The 6’1”, 185-pound forward played in 36 games last season, registering 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points to go along with 14 penalty minutes. The start to the 2018/19 season has been a strong one for Senkoe, collecting three goals and two assists for five points in his first four games. The Westlock, Alberta native comes to the Smoke Eaters organization with plenty of leadership qualities as he is currently the captain of his Midget Prep squad at OHA. Senkoe has also played for Team Northwest at the Alberta Cup in 2015, an annual tournament featuring the top midget-aged players in the province. “I am very excited to add Jaden Senkoe to our 2019/20 roster,” commented Smoke Eaters General Manager and Head Coach Jeff Tambellini, “Jaden checks all the boxes for the type of player and person we want to add to our organization. He is the Captain and leader of his team at Okanagan Hockey Academy and possess a high-end skill set. We know he is at an outstanding program and will be prepared to step into our lineup next season and make an impact.” Senkoe is excited for the opportunity that lies ahead, “I’m very excited to join this organization,” said the Smoke Eaters newest recruit, “I’m looking forward to next season and being a part of this team.” The Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Jaden and his family to the City of Trail and the Smoke Eaters organization.
Bulldogs Add Wight To Roster:
The Alberni Valley Bulldogs have added 1999-born forward Mackenzie Wight from the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos, bringing back a player who quickly became a fan favourite over the course of a 27-game stint with the team during the 2016/17 season. Wight scored six goals and totaled 12 points over that half season with the Bulldogs before joining the Broncos for the remainder of their regular season and playoffs. He returned to Swift Current for the 2017/18 campaign and suited up in 55 regular season games and 20 playoff contests en route to the Broncos capturing the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions. He would go on to suit up in three games at the 2018 Memorial Cup in Regina. “Mackenzie is a high-compete, high-energy forward who will get involved physically and help us be better in all three zones,” says Bulldogs head coach Matt Hughes. “He’s excited to be back in the Alberni Valley and we’re thrilled to add a player with considerable playoff experience and leadership skills who was very recently part of a championship team.” The team has also announced that defenceman Ben Raffler is retiring from junior hockey to pursue his post-secondary education and other interests. Raffler was recently acquired from the Powell River Kings and skated in two game against the Victoria Grizzlies last weekend. “We respect Ben’s decision to move on from junior hockey and wish him every bit of success in the future,” says Hughes. “We’re disappointed to lose a player who we know would have been a great contributor and leader for us, but it was clear that he’s a very mature, focused young man who is ready to move on to other pursuits.” Wight will make his return to the Bulldogs lineup when the team begins a three-game weekend road swing on Friday night in Salmon Arm.
Chilliwack-Estevan Trade:
The Chiefs today announced that they have acquired the CJHL playing rights of 20 year old goaltender Nolan Hildebrand from the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations. Hildebrand, from Calgary Alberta, spent the last two seasons with the Penticton Vees before being moved to the Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in July. In eight games with the Oilers this season he had a goals against average of 3.06 and a save percentage of 87.4%. With the Vees he had a record of 17-6-0 to go along with a 2.69 goals against average and a 90.4 save percentage. Chiefs goaltender Mathieu Caron has played all but 13 minutes this season and with returning goaltender Daniel Chenard expected to be out with an injury for at least another month, Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Brian Maloney felt the need to make the move. “Nolan is a 20 year old with experience in this league,” said Maloney. “Caron has been one of the best goalies in the league but we wanted that experience and insurance while Chenard gets healthy.” “Affiliate goaltender Dawson Pelletier has been fun to watch improve every day but with him being 17 we don’t want to rush his progress.” Hildebrand is expected to join the Chiefs in Penticton Saturday.
Powell River-Alberni Valley Trade:
The Powell River Kings have made a pair of moves in order to adjust the blue line moving forward. Leaving Powell River is 1998 born forward Ben Raffler, who last weekend was traded to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in exchange for future considerations. Raffer was in his fourth year with the organization, having spent two as an affiliate before signing full time last season. In 82 regular season games, Raffler scored once and added 14 assists. Ben was also a stalwart in the Powell River community and one of the team’s leaders in that department during his time on the Sunshine Coast. The Kings would like to wholeheartedly thank Ben for his contributions on and off the ice in Powell River, and wish him the best of luck in Alberni with the Bulldogs. Joining the Powell River Kings to complete the 23 man roster is 1998-born defenceman Ryan Pouliot, signed by the Kings from the Western Hockey League. Pouliot is the older brother of former Kings defenceman Sam, and was an affiliate for Powell River during the 2014/15 season, playing 7 games. Since then, Pouliot has had a successful WHL career in Red Deer, Kootenay and Swift Current, playing in 172 career regular season games, scoring 3 goals and adding 27 assists. Ryan is set to make his Powell River (re-) debut on Thursday in Prince George.
Prince George-Trail Trade:
The Prince George Spruce Kings have acquired Forward Sean Donaldson (01) from the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for forward Layne Sniher (00) and future considerations. Donaldson, from Vancouver, BC is in his first BCHL season, and had 1 goal and 3 assists in 13 games this season. Last year with Burnaby Winter Club Midget Prep, Donaldson had 36 goals and 30 assists for 66 points in 34 games. His teammates last year included current Spruce Kings Nick Bochen, Nick Poisson, and Tyler Schleppe. He has already committed to UCONN to play NCAA Division I hockey. “We’re excited to add a player like Sean to our team. He’s a young dynamic player who will add some speed and skill to our forward group. Our fans will enjoy watching this young man play over the next couple of seasons,” said General Manager Mike Hawes. Sniher had no points and eight penalty minutes in 9 games with Prince George this season. The Spruce Kings would like to wish him the best in Trail.
Eagles Name Teubert To Player Development Staff:
The Surrey Eagles hockey club is pleased to announce that Colten Teubert has been added to the team’s player development staff. Teubert will immediately begin assisting with the Eagles minor hockey development program, and will also act as a team advisor. A White Rock native, Teubert was drafted 13th overall in the 2008 NHL entry draft by the Los Angeles Kings. He would go on to play over 400 games of professional hockey, including 24 with the Edmonton Oilers in 2011-12. Having recently retired from the game after spending the last five years in Germany, Teubert felt it was important to begin giving back to the game that gave him so much. “I left the game pretty abruptly. It was definitely not how I envisioned my career playing out,” Teubert told SurreyEagles.ca. “This is an opportunity to get back in the rink, back around the game again. I just love being around kids. I’m a father myself, and teaching the kids everything I know – what not to do and what to do is something that I think is important. I’d be doing hockey a disservice if I wasn’t able to give something back to the game after I played.” At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Teubert was known as a physically dominant defenceman during his playing days. He suited up for four seasons with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League, and would win both silver and gold with Team Canada at the World Juniors in 2008 and 2009. With that amount of experience, he not only brings first-hand expertise to younger players on the ice, but players off the ice who are faced with tough decisions about how to take the next step in their hockey careers. “With my nine years of pro experience, getting to the top level of the game – I think I bring a wealth of knowledge. Whether that’s helping a kid make a decision, or working defensive skills with them, or really working on anything. I’ve always felt like I’m a jack of all trades.” “The Eagles have opened up and have given me an opportunity, and I can’t help but feel pretty grateful for that. I’m really excited for what the future holds. I’m happy to get started.”
West Kelowna-Brooks Trade:
The West Kelowna Warriors have made a trio of moves this week to bolster their lineup. The West Kelowna Warriors have acquired 1999 F Eric Olson from the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for future considerations. Warriors Head Coach and General Manager is very excited to have Olson dress Friday night. “Eric is strong two way player who we expect will add some veteran experience and leadership to our dressing room. We are very excited to acquire Eric and would like to welcome him and his family to our hockey club”. Olson, 19, recorded 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists) in 56 games with the Philadelphia Rebels of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) last season, with 119 penalty minutes, adding 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) in 8 playoff games. Previously, the 6’0”, 181lb forward scored 13 points (4 goals, 19 assists) in 56 games with the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints in his rookie season of Junior A hockey. He is a graduate of the Calgary Royals midget AAA program. The Warriors have also signed free agent 2000 D Kelvin Hair. Kelvin joins the Warriors after being released from the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. “Kelvin is going to bring size and puck moving ability to our blue line,” stated Geoff Grimwood. “We would like to welcome Kelvin and his family to our hockey club” . Hair, 18, spent his 2017-18 campaign with the Kelowna Rockets(WHL) where he played 30 games registering 6 penalty minutes. Previously, the 6’3 192 lb defenseman scored 9 points in 24 games played with the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton. Hair has already dressed for the Warriors in their Tuesday night loss to the Chilliwack Chiefs. To make room on the roster a tough decision had to be made for the Warriors as they traded 2000 D James Philpott to the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for a PDF (Player Development Fee). “The Warriors would like to thank James and his family for his contributions on and off the ice. James is a very talented and hard working young defensemen and has a bright future ahead of him. We wish him well with the Drumheller Dragons.” -Geoff Grimwood. Philpott, 18, dressed in six games for the Warriors this season picking up one point.
Penticton Vees Name West New Assistant Coach:
The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce the hiring of Brandon West as an assistant coach with the club, effective immediately. West, from Kelowna, has four years of head coaching experience at the BCHL level, most recently with the Surrey Eagles during the 2017-18 season. Over his four years as a head coach, West compiled a combined record of 91-77-12-16. Last season West led the Eagles to the Mainland Division final where they lost to the Prince George Spruce Kings in seven games. It was the first time Surrey had advanced to the second round since they won the Fred Page Cup in 2013. “Brandon will be a great addition to our already strong support staff,” said Vees head coach, general manger and President Fred Harbinson. “Our organization has always taken pride in the development of our players and Brandon’s experience will be a benefit to achieving our goals.” West spent three seasons as the head coach of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks from 2014-2017, and was the associate head coach in 2013-14. Prior to his time in the BCHL, West was the head coach of the BCMML’s Okanagan Rockets from 2009-2011. In the 2012-2013 season, West was an assistant coach for Team Canada Pacific at the World Under-17 Challenge, and will be behind the bench for Team Canada West at the World Junior ‘A’ Challenge this year in Bonnyville, Alberta from December 9-15. “This is a premiere organization not only within this league, but in hockey as well,” West said. “I’m very excited for this opportunity. It’s an honour to be here and I’m looking forward to it.”
Kryski Joins Smoke Eaters:
The Prince George Cougars have released F Max Kryski, 18, and he has joined the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters. Kryski, from Kelowna, will remain on the Cougars’ protected list. This season, Kryski was pointless in four games with the Cougars. Last season, he had eight goals and two assists in 62 games.
Chilliwack-Powell River Trade:
The Chiefs have acquired defenseman Nathan Kelly (2000) from the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for defenseman Powell Connor (2000). The deal involved three teams as Kelly was moved from the Powell River Kings to Trail earlier in the day.
In 39 games with the Kings last season Kelly scored four goals and added eight assists. In fifteen games this season he has three assists. Connor is in his third season in the BCHL all of which have been spent with the Chiefs. In 118 career regular season games he has six goals and 35 assists. Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Brian Maloney said moving Connor was not an easy decision. “Powell has been a big part of the Chiefs program but sometimes when you’re in the same spot for a while things can grow stale,” said Maloney. “Both Powell and I have been talking about his development and we both agreed that a change in scenery was best. Powell was a big part of our team but we also understand this is a development league and want to help kids develop whether it’s with us or elsewhere.” Maloney is excited to add Kelly to the team. “We watched lots of video on him and remember him from his major midget days. I came across some old notes I took on him and it was all positive. He’s a smooth and reliable player. His hockey IQ and character score off the charts. He’s not flashy but coaches love his type of player.” Kelly is expected to be in the Chiefs lineup this weekend. The Chiefs would like to thank Powell for all his efforts both on and off the ice during his two plus seasons in Chilliwack and wish him all the best in Trail.
Salmon Arm-Lloydminster Trade:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks would like to announce that they acquired the rights to 19 year old netminder Matthew Armitage from the Lloydminster Bobcats of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). Armitage from Creston, BC spent last season with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League playing 19 games and posting a 3.55 GAA and a 0.890 save %. The season before he was with the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL. Armitage is a product of the Edge where fellow Silverbacks Akito Hirose, Aiden Jenner, Sam MacBean, Nick Unruh, Noah Wakeford, and Max Wutzke also graduated from. “Matt played for me at the Edge School for Athletes in Calgary, where he starred for our Midget Prep team before playing in the AJHL for Okotoks and subsequently for the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. He is an excellent goaltender, and an outstanding teammate. We feel Matt will help our team both on and off the ice,” said GM and Head Coach Scott Atkinson The Silverbacks would like to welcome Matthew and his family to the team!
The Western Hockey League, in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League and Hockey Canada have named former Vernon Vipers forward Brent Kisio assistant coach with Team WHL.
