Former Vernon Viking Holland heading Into Hall, But He's Just Getting Started:

Here is an article on former Vernon Vikings goaltender Ken Holland.

Holland was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame Thursday at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Holland was recently named General Manager and President of Hockey Operations of the Edmonton Oilers, had spent the past thirty three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. 

Holland started as a scout with the 1985-86 Red Wings worked his way up to the team's General Manager/Ex. VP of hockey Operations.

Holland played one season in Vernon with the 1973-74 Vernon Vikings. 

Holland was drafted 188th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 12 of the 1975 NHL draft. Holland played in just four games with the Hartford Whalers & Detroit Red Wings before retiring from hockey and joining the Red Wings as a scout.

Ken Holland's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=42056

This was in the Daily Courier newspaper:

Holland's headed into Hall, but he's just getting started 

DAVID TRIFUNOV

May 11, 2019

Ken Holland’s earliest hockey memories growing up in Vernon focus on family.

The new general manager of the Edmonton Oilers—best known for masterminding a 25-year playoff run for the Detroit Red Wings—is headed into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame later this month.

When asked what he remembers most about his formative years in the valley, he spoke of his father and the family’s love affair with sports.

“Everything revolved in our house on hockey in the winter and baseball in the summer,” Holland told The Okanagan Weekend.

Holland is heading into the hall as a builder. The gala ceremony is set for May 23 in Vancouver.

“I’m very excited,” said Holland, whose mother still lives in Vernon. “I’m very humbled and very honoured.”

Holland is lauded as one of hockey’s sharpest minds, and he may have learned some of that from his dad, who helped organize minor hockey leagues and all-star teams while Ken was a boy.

Holland was a goalie, and left Vernon at 19 for the Medicine Hat Tigers. He enjoyed a productive pro career, getting drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1975, but playing mostly in the American Hockey League.

His NHL stats line includes one game for the Hartford Whalers and three for Detroit, but no wins. Holland moved into the front office and started scouting after his playing days ended in 1985. That’s when everything changed.

Detroit won four Stanley Cups between 1997 and 2008, with Holland as GM for the last three.

The Wings qualified for the playoffs every year from 1990 to 2016.

Many in the business credit Holland for keeping Detroit competitive during that time.

It’s the reason he’s heading into another Hall of Fame (he’s already in the B.C. Hockey Hall). But Edmonton Oilers fans are hoping there are still plenty of accolades ahead for the 63-year-old Holland.

Edmonton hired him as the new Oilers GM on Tuesday. It caught many off-guard since Holland had just been promoted to senior vice-president in Detroit after Steve Yzerman took over as GM.

It appeared to be a synchronized passing of the torch to Detroit’s hall-of-fame captain from its hall-of-fame GM.

Instead, he jumped ship for the chance to keep making hockey decisions.

Boy, does he ever face some wicked ones ahead.

Edmonton has, arguably, the game’s greatest player — Connor McDavid — and 50-goal scorer Leon Draisaitl.

But the club has only made the playoffs once in 13 years. They need a new coach, and time to figure out how to build around the core while getting out from under a salary cap.

There are challenges at every position.

It’s exactly what Holland was looking for.

“We are going to compete for a playoff spot,” he said.

“The reality is, you can’t force it ... (but) I’ve got to make sure that the fan base understands that we’re trying to win now.”

His roadmap starts with stability, and that starts with hiring the right coach. Holland has hinted to Edmonton media a veteran coach would better suit the Oilers.

Hiring a coach is at least just one decision. What happens on the ice involves 22 moving parts. Naturally, when Holland talks about Edmonton he begins and ends with McDavid and Draisaitl.

“We’ve got to support them,” Holland said.

“I’ve got work to do to build around those players.”

Finding secondary scoring is instrumental, but just one piece of the process.

He needs “depth, size and goaltending.”

On the back end, Holland sees promise. Darnell Nurse, 23, took huge strides this season and led all Oiler defencemen in scoring (10 goals, 31 assists) while playing in every game. That he was fourth in team scoring overall is a blessing and a curse.

At the same time, Holland said there are two or three players for Edmonton’s AHL farm team, the Bakersfield Condors, ready “to surface in a year or two.”

Holland is also watching Evan Bouchard (London) and Dmitri Samorukov (Guelph) closely. Both are only 19.

As much time as Holland took talking about defence, he seemed most animated about goaltending.

Mikko Koskinen had everyone in Edmonton excited with an impressive run to start the NHL season — as a backup.

He played so well behind starter Cam Talbot that Edmonton traded Talbot to Philadelphia so Koskinen could have the starting job.

He didn’t exactly run away with it, and now you’ll find as many Oiler fans talking about Koskinen turning 30 years old in his first full NHL season and carrying around a $4.5 million annual contract extension.

Holland wasn’t shy about what’s going to happen in goal. He suggested successful NHL teams now have a 1-2 punch. Gone are the days where one goalie plays 65 games and the other one opens the gate on the bench.

“You really need two goalies,” Holland said.

Maybe, or maybe he doesn’t see much future in Koskinen and wants to score big in free agency.

This would all make sense if there were no restrictions, like he had in Detroit during the late ’90s and early 2000s.

This is the salary cap era, though. How does Holland make this work now? He didn’t seem worried.

“The cap gives every fan of every team hope,” he said. “It’s now a 30-team league. ... It’s wide open.”

Just don’t expect him to herald an era in Edmonton that approaches Detroit’s seemingly untouchable 25-year streak.

Look at the leaders now, Holland said. Pittsburgh is riding the current hot hand, having made the playoffs in 13 straight seasons. Next? Nashville and Washington at five years in a row.

That all seemed inconsequential to Holland. He repeated that just making the playoffs is his goal. From there, well, anything goes.

“The good news is,” he said, “somebody’s got to win the Cup every year.”

Class of 2019

Athletes

Emily Brydon, Skiing; Roy Gerela, Football; Kelly McCallum, Rugby; Daniel Sedin, Ice Hockey; Henrik Sedin, Ice Hockey

Team

1968 New Westminster Salmonbellies Lacrosse

Coach/Builder

Ken Holland, Ice Hockey; Darlene Currie, Basketball; Tony Waiters, Soccer

Pioneer

Ralph ‘Hunk’ Henderson, Basketball/Football

W.A.C. Bennett Award

Ron Toigo

Media

Dan Jukich

Could We See A Vernon Vipers Alumni Coaching In The Western Hockey League?

Gregg Drinnan reported on his "Taking Note" blog he figures former Vernon Vipers associate coach Kris Mallette was a high-end candidate for a head-coaching position in the WHL or elsewhere. Instead Mallette signed a two-year extension as assistant coach with the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets through the 2020-2021 season.

There are 22 WHL teams not to have a head coach under contract. Mallette is just one of a number of WHL assistant coaches who would seem ready to step up. Gregg Drinnan reports former Vernon Vipers forward Luke Pierce, former Vernon Vipers Head Coach/GM Mark Ferner, Mark Holick & former Vernon Vipers Head Coach/GM Mike Vandekamp all could have a shot or at least be given a second opportunity at landing a head coaching job in the Western Hockey League.

Mallette a Rockets Alumni & current Rockets Assistant Coach was an Associate Coach with the Vernon Vipers for one season (2013-14) before leaving the Vipers for the Rockets July 4th 2014. 

Mallette was selected 62nd overall in Round 3 at the 1997 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers played ten years in the Minor Pros with Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Asheville, Elmira, Colorado, Youngstown, Laredo and Flint before starting his coaching career.

Kris Mallette's Players-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=19340

There are 22 WHL teams not to have a head coach under contract. Mallette is just one of a number of WHL assistant coaches who would seem ready to step up. Gregg Drinnan reports former Vernon Vipers forward Luke Pierce, former Vernon Vipers Head Coach/GM Mark Ferner & former Vernon Vipers Head Coach/GM Mike Vandekamp all could have a shot or at least be given a second opportunity at landing a head coaching job in the Western Hockey League.

Pierce finished his first season as an assistant coach with the Western Hockey League Edmonton Oil Kings, was also an assistant coach for Canada’s National Sledge Team at the Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang. Pierce also spent two seasons as head coach with the Western Hockey League's Kootenay Ice before being fired June 2 2017. The Oil Kings named Pierce their new assistant coach July 23rd 2018. 

In two seasons with the Ice Pierce went 26-100-16-3. Pierce was also an assistant coach with Canada’s national men’s under-17 team in 2016 & an assistant coach for Team Canada/Team Red at the 2017 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge in November. Prior to joining the Ice Pierce spent the previous six seasons as Head Coach-GM of the Merritt Centennials. Pierce was named BCHL Interior Conference Coach of the year in 2013 played his final year of Junior hockey in Vernon (2003-04) after being acquired from the Merritt Centennials for future considerations on June, 10th 2003. In 53 regular season games with the Vipers Pierce collected (7-goals-21-assists-28-points).

Luke Pierce's Player-Coaches Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=136883

Mark Ferner spent eight seasons in Vernon (2007-2011 & 2014-2019) as Head Coach/GM with the Vipers. 

Mark Ferner's Player/Coaching Profile:

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/67295/mark-ferner

Vandekamp finished his first season with the BCHL Cowichan Capitals, spent the previous seven seasons as Head Coach/GM of the Nanaimo Clippers before being fired December 22nd 2017. Vandekamp was Head Coach/GM of the Vernon Vipers from 2001-2005 before leaving for the Western Hockey League Prince George Cougars.

Mike Vandekamp's Coaching Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=49573 

Holick finished his first season this year coaching the Yale Hockey Academy Prep school. Holick spent the previous two seasons with the HC Pustertal Wolfe. HC Pustertal Wölfe – Val Pusteria Wolves are an Italian professional ice hockey team from Bruneck, currently playing in the Alps Hockey League.

Holick was Head Coach-GM of the Vipers for one season (2006-07) before leaving for the Western Hockey League Kootenay Ice.  Holick left the Vipers for the Ice a week before the Vipers Training Camp during the 2007-08 season. Holick posted a record of (37 wins-19 losses-1 tie-3 overtime losses) guided the Vipers to the BCHL League finals where Vernon fell in six games to the Nanaimo Clippers.  

After leaving the Vipers Holick spent seven seasons coaching in the Western Hockey League with Kootenay & Prince George as well as two seasons in the American Hockey League with the Syracuse Crunch before coaching in Italy.

Mark Holick's Player-Coaching Profile:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=2331

This was posted on Gregg Drinnan's Blog:

Mallette staying on Rockets’ staff

greggdrinnan Posted on April 24, 2019

The Kelowna Rockets have signed assistant coach Kris Mallette to an extension that runs through the 2020-21 season. Mallette’s contract was to have expired at the end of this season.

Mallette, 40, has been on the Rockets’ coaching staff since the 2014-15 season.

A defenceman, he played four seasons in the WHL (Kelowna, Moose Jaw Warriors, 1996-2000), before going on to a nine-year pro career. He has been coaching since 2010-11 when he was an assistant coach with the junior B North Okanagan Knights of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

With the Rockets, he works alongside head coach Adam Foote, who is preparing for his first full season with Kelowna.

For what it’s worth, Kris Mallette, who has signed a two-year extension with the Kelowna Rockets, was on my list of the ‘next ones’ — high-end candidates for head-coaching positions in the WHL or elsewhere.

Mallette just finished his fifth season on the Rockets’ coaching staff, and he obviously likes it just fine right where he is. Of course, re-signing with the Rockets means he’ll get to coach in the 2020 Memorial Cup, what with Kelowna being the host team.

At the moment, the Kamloops Blazers are the only one of the WHL’s 22 teams not to have a head coach under contract. They and head coach Serge Lajoie went their separate ways on April11, after just one season together.

Many hockey people are assuming that co-owner Darryl Sydor will be the Blazers’ next head coach, and that the feeling will prevail until/unless the team announces otherwise. Sydor was named a full-time assistant coach on Feb. 12.

In the meantime, Mallette is just one of a number of WHL assistant coaches who would seem ready to step up.

Jeff Truitt, 53, is a former Kelowna head coach who now is an assistant under Marc Habscheid with the Prince Albert Raiders. Before moving to the Raiders, he spent five-plus seasons on the Red Deer Rebels’ coaching staff.

Kyle Gustafson, 38, has been on staff with the Portland Winterhawks since 2003-04 and is more than ready to be a head coach. He has been with the Winterhawks in good times (a WHL title in 2013) and bad (11 victories in 2007-08). You can bet that he has learned the business and the game while working with the likes of Ken Hodge, Mike Johnston, Travis Green and Don Hay.

Ryan Marsh, 44, is a former WHL player (Tri-City, 1992-95), who has been in the coaching game since 2003-04 when he signed on as an assistant coach with the AJHL’s Fort Saskatchewan Traders. He later spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the U of Alberta Golden Bears and four with the Edmonton Oil Kings. He just completed his first season as the Saskatoon Blades’ associate coach.

Scott Burt, 42, is another former WHL player (Seattle, Swift Current, Edmonton, Red Deer, 1994-98) and now is in his fifth season on the Spokane Chiefs’ coaching staff. He spent the last three seasons of a 13-year pro career as the captain of the ECHL’s Alaska Aces and then began his coaching career by spending two seasons with them.

Luke Pierce, 35, is in his first season as an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oil Kings, but may be ready for a second stint as a WHL head coach. He spent five-plus seasons in his hometown as general manager/head coach of the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials before spending two seasons as head coach of the faltering Kootenay Ice. When looking at Pierce’s background, you can’t discount that fact he spent five seasons playing at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont.

Mark O’Leary, 34, just completed his seventh season as an assistant coach with the Moose Jaw Warriors. From Owen Sound, Ont., he played in the OHL with the Mississauga IceDogs and Guelph Storm (2003-06), before playing professionally for five seasons.

Brian Pellerin, 49, has been coaching since 2002-03 when he was a playing assistant coach with the CHL’s Amarillo Gorillas. He went on to spend four seasons (2004-08) as an assistant coach with the Portland Winterhawks and now has been the Tri-City Americans’ associate coach for five seasons. As a player, he spent four seasons (1987-91) with the Prince Albert Raiders.

Of course, let’s not forget that there are some really experienced head coaches who just may be available, too.

Don Hay, 65, the guy with more regular-season and playoff victories than any head coach in WHL history, isn’t retired. He spent this season as an assistant coach in Portland and you can bet that he wants to keep on coaching.

Don Nachbaur, 60, is the third-winningest regular-season head coach in WHL history. He has worked as the head coach of the Seattle Thunderbirds, Tri-City Americans and Spokane Chiefs. He signed on with the Los Angeles Kings as an assistant coach after the 2016-17 

season. His posting in L.A. lasted a season and a bit; he was fired when the Kings dumped head coach John Stevens on Nov. 4. This spring, Nachbaur provided analysis on broadcasts of Tri-City playoff games.

The Kings also hired Dave Lowry, 54, as an assistant coach prior to the 2017-18 season after he had been the head coach of the Victoria Royals for five seasons. Lowry was dismissed by the Kings on April 17 after Todd McLellan was hired as head coach.

Steve Konowalchuk, 46, was the Seattle Thunderbirds’ head coach for six seasons, guiding them to a WHL title in 2016-17. He was then hired as an assistant coach by the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, a job that lasted one season.  He now is an amateur scout with the New York Rangers. But, hey, maybe he’s got the coaching bug, again.

There also are other men out there with previous WHL playing and/or coaching experience who might be worth another shot, like Mark Ferner, the director of hockey operations and head coach with the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers; Mike Vandekamp, the GM and head coach of the BCHL’s Cowichan Capitals; Jason Becker, who has completed three seasons as an assistant coach with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees; Ryan Papaioannou, the GM and head coach of the AJHL-champion Brooks Bandits; Andrew Milne, the GM and head coach of the AJHL’s Canmore Eagles; Paul Dyck, the general manager, director of hockey operations and head coach of the MJHL’s Steinbach Pistons. . . .

Of course, in this day and age, there also are former WHL coaches like Mark Holick and Enio Sacilotto who now are coaching at hockey academies.

So . . . if your favourite WHL team ends up changing coaches, there are a lot of capable coaches out there.

Vernon Vipers Alumni Basara Determined To Make A Mark With Flyers:

Here is an article on former Vernon Vipers forward Marcus Basara. This article is from November but I thought I would post it anyways. 

Basara finished his first season with the Elite Ice Hockey League Fife Flyers.

The Flyers signed Basara October 26 2018. In 46 games this year Basara collected (13-goals-14-assists-27-points). The Flyers are a professional ice hockey team that is from Kirkcandy, Scotland.

Basara started the 2018-19 season with the British Elite Hockey League Manchester Storm before being released October 24 2018. In 12 games with the Storm Basara had two points. The Storm are a British, professional ice hockey team founded in 2015. They are members of the Elite Ice Hockey League and are based at the Silver Blades Ice Rink in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

Basara attended the University of Alaska-Fairbanks before signing his first professional contract with the East Coast Hockey League Allen Americans August 24th 2017.

Basara played last season with four different teams in the ECHL (Orlando Solar Bears, Allen Americans, Wheeling Nailers & the Fort Wayne Komets) also attended the American Hockey League San Jose Barracuda training camp in September 2017.

Basara played parts of the two seasons in Vernon (2010-2012) before being traded along with Connor Hartley & future considerations to the Alberta Junior Hockey League Okotoks Oilers on November, 28th 2011 for Ben Gamache. Basara would finish his junior career with the West Kelowna Warriors. In 80 games with the Vipers Basara collected (18-goals-27-assists-45-points).

Marcus Basara's Player Profile:

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

This was in the Fife Today Newspaper:

Marcus determined to make a mark with Fife Flye 

Published: Friday 02 November 2018 

New Fife Flyers signing Marcus Basara says he’s enjoyed his first week in Kirkcaldy. 

The 25-year-old Canadian signed on a trial period at the Fife Ice Arena after the long-term injury to Chase Schaber left the club short of fire power.

Basara was a free agent after being released by Manchester Storm in only his second year as a full-time player, having played in the Canadian East Coast Hockey League last season.

He said: “I’ve been really enjoying myself. The guys and the whole organisation have been great. They’ve taken me in and it’s been a great experience so far.

“I knew the Flyers had got off to a good start and they have a great track record and have produced some really good teams.

“I’d been up in this area before. I went to St. Andrews when I was younger so I came up and went right through Fife, so it’s funny to look back on that now.

“I’m really happy to be here.”

Having gained a degree in Finance from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks – where his team mate Carlo Finucci also attended – before joining the ECHL, it looked as though Basara’s stay in the UK was to be brief after being released by the Storm after only a few months.

“They’ve had a tough start there and the organisation felt pressured to make a move,” he said, “they brought another guy in with a bit more experience and I was the one that had come in later so was the odd guy out and had to move on.

“It’s all part of the business, I understand that, so there’s no bad blood towards them on my part.”

Having made his debut in last weekend’s home double-header, Basra got off to the perfect start by scoring in Sunday’s win over MK Lightning, coming just 24 hours after losing in a shootout to Coventry Blaze.

He said: “Coventry’s a good team and they played well. When you go to a shootout anything can happen.

“MK Lightning are another good team. They played hard and we didn’t take them lightly. We found a way to get it done which is the main thing.

“It was good to score, it’s nice to get that out of the way.

“I’d played here before so I knew the rink. I came up here with Manchester and we were on the back end of a bad loss [7-2 in September], so it was nice to be on the other side of it!

Basara says the Flyers fans will see a player who isn’t afraid of getting stuck in.

“I like to play hard and try to use my speed,” he said, “I like to shoot the puck and play in an offensive style.

“I’m responsible defensively too – in a perfect world!

“Playing on the big rink is something I really enjoy too. It’s the same as when I played during college so it’s where I feel more comfortable.

“There are a lot of good players here and they’ve got off to a really good start. It’s good for me to come in here and do what I can to contribute and learn how to play with some different players.”

With Friday’s top of the table home clash with Belfast Giants to look forward to Basara says he’s looking forward to getting in some tough training in the lead up to the match.

“I’ve been really impressed with the guys,” he said, “they have a great skill set and they can teach me a lot.

“For someone like me coming in it’s cool to have a good group of players that you can learn from.”

Reminded that on Saturday he’ll be travelling to face his old team Manchester Storm, he smiled: “Yeah, that’s good to know!”

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:

Penticton Group Confident In Bid To Host 2021 Junior A Hockey Championships:

The 10-day event would bring thousands to the city, garner national TV coverage April 30 is the application deadline to host the 2021 Junior A Hockey Championships and organizers behind the City of Penticton’s bid are confident that the city has put in a strong bid. According to Penticton resident Stewart Ladyman, the chair of the organizing committee behind the bid, multiple private corporations have offered to sponsor and support the event if it comes to the city in May 2021. The 10-day tournament would bring thousands of visitors to the city, with teams utilizing the South Okanagan Events Centre for the games. “This is a community event, it’s a Penticton issue — not just hockey — since it involves the SOEC, the Penticton Vees and the citizens. So that’s the approach we took to putting our application together,” said Ladyman. City council pledged $100,000 from the 2021 municipal budget to help satisfy the required bid obligations. The city could stand to see a return of $60,000 to $70,000 generated by rent and food and beverage sales, while the rest of the profit would go into a legacy for the city and the organizing committee to disperse into the community as they see fit. Ladyman said despite the fact that the committee had learned that Hockey Canada received nine applications from potential host cities for the championship, they believe Penticton has a strong chance of being selected due to its prior experience of hosting events and the strong community support. The Western News learned that the Trail Smoke Eaters, Nanaimo Clippers and Salmon Arm Silverbacks are some of the other cities putting in bids. “This would coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Vees, so junior hockey in Penticton, and we believe it would be an excellent way to celebrate this junior team in our community,” said Ladyman. “We think that we have excellent records in this town of hosting events, not only hockey but all of the other things that go on. “This community realizes that the economic spin-off from hosting a 10-day event, which will get national TV recognition, is one of our life bloods to keeping Penticton going. We’re fortunate that we live in a beautiful land and this would be a May event, so just the start of our season but still off-season, so it will help the restaurants and hotels and all the other businesses.” Ladyman said the committee is not sure when they will hear the decision of Hockey Canada, but did note that it will first get narrowed down to three cities. From there, the organization will tour each, likely in June 2019, and then decide which city will host the championship event.

Bulldogs Name Martin New Head Coach/GM:

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to announce the hiring of Joe Martin on a multi-year agreement to become the Bulldogs’ new Head Coach and General Manager. Martin joins the Bulldogs as the current BCHL Coach of the year after guiding the Merritt Centennials to an overall record of 36-15-4-3 during the 2018/19 season, good for second place overall in the Interior Division.  In four seasons as the Centennials’ Head Coach and General Manager, Martin compiled an overall record of 106-97-21-3.  In total, Martin spent eight seasons with Merritt, joining them as an Assistant Coach/Assistant GM for the 2011/12 season before taking over the reins as Head Coach in 2015. Martin has also served as the Assistant Coach for the past two Team Canada West clubs at the World Junior A Challenge. “Our family is excited to be moving to the city of Port Alberni and to join the Alberni Valley Bulldogs,” says Martin.  “Every time I’ve coached in the Weyerhaeuser Arena, I’ve always been impressed with the hometown presence. It’s a loud building with fantastic ice — arguably the best in the BCHL. I look forward to bringing an entertaining brand of hockey to the Alberni Valley and continuing to help young athletes improve.” “Having Joe Martin join us in Port Alberni is a major win for our program,” says David Michaud. “I’ve seen first-hand during my time in Penticton the type of teams Joe Martin can deploy.  Joe has also demonstrated an ability to move his athletes on to the next level. Our club is very lucky to have Joe and his family join us in our pursuit of becoming an elite program in the BCHL.” The Bulldogs are proud to welcome Joe and his family to Port Alberni.

Upson Commits To Warriors:

The West Kelowna Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of forward Ryan Upson(‘01) for the 2019-2020 season. Upson, 18, spent the past three seasons with West Vancouver Academy of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League(CSSHL). The West Vancouver native was able to rack up 18 goals and 42 assists in only 32 games played in his 17 year old season with the West Van Academy Prep squad. “Ryan is going to have a bright future with us here in West Kelowna”, said Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Brandon West. “He’s had three great seasons of development at the West Van Academy under Steve Marr and we look forward to continuing that here. Ryan is a 200 foot player that competes hard and plays the game the right way. He has produced every season through midget and has a skill set that will compliment his linemates well.”  The 5’11 170 pound forward played nine games as an affiliate of Vernon Vipers in the 2018-19 season registering an assist, but still decided to commit to the Warriors. “Coach West coming to West Kelowna this year was the reason why I committed here”, stated Upson. “I’ve heard great things about Brandon West through others guys in the league and I think next years to come will be super exciting hockey in West Kelowna.” Like most 18 year old’s coming into the BCHL, Upson focused on tweaking his game and developing into a two way forward, “I always try to shape my game to be the best well rounded player I can be.” Upson didn’t shy away from thanking the people that helped him grow over the years, “My parents are the first ones I want to thank, they helped me so much in my life. I also want to thank my Coach Steve Marr who has helped mold me into the player I am today.” The Warriors would like to welcome Ryan and his family to the City of West Kelowna and the Warriors organization.

McPhalen Returns To Clippers As Assistant Coach / Director of Spring Hockey Development:

The Nanaimo Clippers announced today that Ken McPhalen has agreed to return to the Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club as Assistant Coach / Director of Spring Hockey Development. McPhalen joined the Clippers in early 2018 to help on the bench with Head Coach Darren Naylor and has been instrumental in getting the Nanaimo Clippers Spring Development Programs up and gong with the Little Rascals. “Ken and I have worked together for a number of years and his strengths help my weakness and vice versa” mentioned Darren Naylor, Head Coach of the Clippers “He will continue to help with developing our goaltenders and has been huge asset in our first year of Spring Development.” The Clippers would like to thank and welcome back Ken.

Grizzlies Prospect Lights Up Midget Prep Hockey League:

At 98 pounds Sean Ramsay was just too small for bantam rep ice hockey. Cut from the Racquet Club squad he wanted to be on, the Saanich resident didn’t give up. The next year he grew a little and switched to Juan de Fuca where he played bantam AAA. Initially there was disappointment, but in hindsight Ramsay said he can’t blame anyone. And all indications are he’ll be a BCHL regular with the Victoria Grizzlies who committed to him for the 2019-20 season. “I did end up scoring lots of points on JdF, but at Racquet Club it might have been hard for them to make the decision. I was pretty light, and [bantam] is the first year of physical contact,” Ramsay said. Ramsay recently broke the single season scoring record for the midget prep Pacific Coast Hockey Academy in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League. The previous record was held by Holden Kodak, currently with the WHL Kootenay Ice, who had 92 points in 35 games. Ramsay broke the record on Jan. 6 in Delta and now has 45 goals, and 94 points in 33 games. It’s enough to get him on the radar of a number of NCAA Div. 1 schools. “I’ve talked to a few, they’ll be watching to see how I develop and perform in Junior A,” Ramsay said. He’s also sprouted to 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, big enough for Junior A, and still growing. Nonetheless, the late growth was a factor. Ramsay elected to play an extra year in the midget prep Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) and just turned 18. He’s in Grade 12 at Belmont, and is on the ice five times a week with his academy at West Hills arena. He’s also played three games as an affiliate with the Grizzlies this year and though he didn’t put up any points, Grizzlies coach and general manager Craig Didmon isn’t worried. “He’ll be a good player for us, we’re committed to having him in a uniform for next year and hopefully to get him in some games down the stretch here,” Didmon said. “He is a late bloomer in the top age group for [CSSHL] so he’s expected to score but he has a good skill set. It’s another jump to Junior A but he should be able to make it.” In the meantime, the Grizzlies are talent-laden with four NHL ranked players – including BCHL’s top scorer Alex Newhook – making it a hard roster for a local to crack. Only five of the Grizz regulars are listed from Victoria this year. “I’ve been following the Grizzlies this year, I know they have a chance to make a run in the playoffs,” Ramsay said, adding “I’ve been looking forward to playing for them next year.” In the CSSHL Ramsay centres a line with local wingers Kyle Brown (80 points) and Gabe Schovanek (73 points). Respectively the trio are first, third and fourth in CSSHL scoring. All three are 2001-born players in their final year of midget prep and like Ramsay, Brown and Schovanek have also been offered spots into the BCHL next year. Ultimately, Ramsay seeks a spot playing hockey in college, something his dad Ian, once a Nanaimo Clipper, did with the University of Denver Pioneers in the early 1980s. “For success, I just need to put in the effort and work out more, I’m at five workouts a week right now,” Ramsay said. “Coaches Mark Kosic and Mike Stutzel [with PCHA] have been excellent.”

Good Commits To Chilliwack Chiefs For 2020-21 Season:

The Chilliwack Chiefs are proud to announce the commitment of 2002-born Abbotsford native, Dawson Good for the 2020-21 BCHL season. Dawson is a 5’11” 175 lb Forward that will suit up for his second stint with the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds of the BCMML during the 2019-20 season. As an affiliate player with the Chiefs last year, Dawson racked up 17 goals, 34 assists for 51 points in just 39 games as a key offensive contributor for Peter Hay’s MML Thunderbirds. He also saw game action with the Chiefs and recorded 1 assist in two games while playing regular minutes including some time on the Powerplay. During the upcoming season Dawson will be heavily involved with the Chiefs, practicing and training regularly on-top of his regular schedule with the T-Birds. Chiefs fans can also look forward to seeing Dawson play again as an affiliate player this upcoming season before joining the Chiefs full-time as an 18 year old during the 2020-21 BCHL season.  “As a staff we are very excited to be a part of the development plan for Dawson Good. There is no doubt in my mind that Dawson could be a regular contributor at the BCHL level this season, but Dawson has made the mature and educated decision to take one more season to focus on his studies as well as gaining strength as he prepares for his BCHL career.” said Chiefs Associate Coach/Assistant GM Brad Rihela “Dawson is a character kid that comes from a great family, and this development plan will suit him well as he progresses as a player and person. We are lucky to be able to welcome Dawson and his family to the Chilliwack Chiefs.”

Centennials Name Wolfe New Head Coach-GM:

Neil Menard President of the Merritt Centennials is pleased to announce the next head coach and general manager in franchise history: Barry Wolff. Wolff assumes the role left vacant by departing Head Coach/GM Joe Martin, and will begin immediately. Wolff spent last season with the MJHL’s Swan Valley Stampeders and led the team to a second place finish in the regular season with a record of 42-13-3. He followed that up by taking the Stampeders all the way to the MJHL finals losing in overtime in game 7 to the Portage Terriers. Originally from Kelowna, Wolff comes to the Centennials with 24 years of junior hockey coaching experience, primarily in the BCHL. His last posting in the BCHL was with the Coquitlam Express from 2013 to 2017 where he served as Head Coach and General Manager. He won the BCHL Championship with the Express in the 2013-2014 season, and was a part of the coaching staff of Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge on four separate occasions, winning gold in 2015. Director of Hockey Operations Brian Barrett says that out of the 50+ applications the team received, Wolff’s stood above the rest. “He has a wealth of experience, he’s won wherever he’s gone, he’s a good recruiter, and I know he has a hard work ethic, and he’ll give his all for this club.” New Head Coach and GM Wolff says he’s excited to be a part of the Centennials organization. “It’s the oldest franchise in the BCHL, there’s a lot of tradition there and I’m just excited to be a part of it.” Wolff adds that he looks forward to getting down to business right away. “I think the first job is to go over the personnel the team has. What the needs are, and start looking for the players that will give us the best chance to win.” Wolff will get a chance to survey new players at the team’s Summer Camp in Abbotsford from June 7th – 9th.

Webber Commits To Penticton Vees:

The Penticton Vees are excited to announce 2001-born defenceman Cade Webber has committed to the team for the 2019-20 season. Webber, from Meadville, Pennsylvania, comes to Penticton with imposing size, listed at 6’6’’ and 194 pounds. Webber spent the majority of the 2018-19 season playing for The Rivers School prep team in Weston, Massachusetts, scoring 12 goals and adding 14 assists in 29 games.  He was a member of Team USA at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup which was held in Red Deer and Edmonton. He recorded two assists in five games. Webber was recently ranked 87th by NHL Central Scouting amongst North American skaters heading into the 2019 NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver. He will join his teammates for training camp at the South Okanagan Events Centre in mid-August.

Riddett Commits To Surrey Eagles:

The Surrey Eagles are excited to announce the commitment of 2001-born forward Kenny Riddett to the team for the upcoming 2019-20 BCHL season. Riddett joins the Eagles from the North Jersey Avalanche AAA hockey program. Riddett, who hails from Fishkill, New York, finished the year among the top scorers on his team, totalling 18 goals and 42 points in 47 games this past season. He is described by Eagles head coach and associate general manager Cam Keith as a speedy forward with game-breaking offensive ability. Speaking in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca, Riddett noted the emphasis that the Avalanche coaches place on the defensive side of the game – which helped him develop into a responsible two-way player. “I’m defensively minded first. The Avalanche program is known for having very good offence, but we focus on defence first – it’s a really strong point. The BCHL is very fast-paced and skilled, and I think a lot of Avalanche players are used to playing that way.” Current Eagles Corey Clifton and Cole Edgerton both played for the Avalanche as well, and have given Riddett information about the BCHL. This close connection to the league and many of its current players made his decision to come to Surrey an easy one. “I talked to Cole. I asked him about Surrey and he said he loves it there. He said the area is beautiful and the team was very welcoming when he came in. I’m very excited to see it for myself. Personally I can’t wait to play on the Olympic ice surface. It will give me more room to use my speed and use my vision so I can make plays for my teammates. I’m very excited about that.” Although his specific role on the team wasn’t discussed, he is very confident that he will be able to find his way into coach Keith’s offensive structure. Despite his smaller stature, he made it clear that he doesn’t let it affect his aggressive playing style. “I won’t back down from anybody,” Riddett said with confidence. “Martin St.Louis has always been a big influence for me. I’ve always looked up to him.” If he can bring some of that Marty St. Louis style of play to the Eagles, it’s easy to see him becoming a fan favourite at South Surrey Arena. More importantly for Riddett, like most other BCHLers, coming to Surrey is about taking the next step towards achieving his goal of reaching the NCAA. “Playing college hockey is the ultimate goal for a lot of guys, including myself. My dream is to get an education while playing hockey. I think there’s nothing better than that.”

Costello Commits To Smoke Eaters:

The Trail Smoke Eaters Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce forward Braden Costello (’00) has committed to the team for the 2019/20 season. Costello, 19, joins the Smoke Eaters after spending parts of the last three seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) playing with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Green Bay Gamblers. The 6’2”, 201-pound forward suited up for 72 games with the Buccaneers after being the team’s 2^nd overall pick in the 2016 USHL Futures Draft, scoring 11 goals and 7 assists for 18 points to go along with 32 penalty minutes. Wrapping up the 2018/19 campaign in Green Bay, Costello tallied 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 43 games with the Gamblers to go along with 31 penalty minutes. The Grand Forks, North Dakota played his high school hockey with Grand Forks Red River where he amassed 53 goals and 51 assists for 104 points in just 54 games played. His play landed him a commitment to his hometown school as Costello is slated to join the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks after his junior hockey career has concluded. Costello also took part in the highly-regarded CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in Buffalo, New York, playing alongside current National Hockey Leaguer’s in Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes and Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk. “We’re very excited to have the opportunity to bring a player like Braden into our lineup for this season,” commented Smoke Eaters General Manager and Head Coach Jeff Tambellini, “Braden brings everything we are looking to add for the identity of our team this season, he’s a big power forward that adds plenty of size and skill to our team and is going to a great school in the University of North Dakota.” The Smoke Eaters would like to welcome Braden and his family to the organization as well as the City of Trail.

Hutchison Returns To Vees:

The Penticton Vees are excited to announce 2000-born defenceman Conner Hutchison will return to the Vees for the 2019-20 season. Hutchison, from Hicksville, New York, was a rookie last season with the Vees scoring two goals and adding eight assists in 22 games. His season was cut short due to an injury suffered November 10 against the Trail Smoke Eaters. The injury came at a frustrating time for Hutchison as he was just starting to round into form in his first BCHL season. He recorded nine points in the 13 games leading up to the injury. The puck-moving defenceman is committed to the University of Vermont upon the completion of his junior career.

Mangiacasale Leaves Nanaimo Clippers:

The Nanaimo Clippers are saddened to announce that Office Manager Caitlin Mangiacasale has sent in her resignation to accept a new job with Island Radio. “We can’t thank Cailin enough for everything she done for our organization while she was with us.” said Tali Campbell, Director, Business Operations for the Clippers “Caitlin was instrumental in everything we did this season helping in all aspects and taking on every task given to her.” Mangiacasale has been with the Clippers since August of 2018 and knows it will be a tough day when it ends “I have loved this job and am going to miss it a lot.” said Caitlin Mangiacasale “I am however excited for this new opportunity with Island Radio, but want to thank the fans, volunteers, billets and sponsors, it was a pleasure to work with them.” Wes Mussio, owner of the Nanaimo Clippers, commented “it’s going to be hard to replace Caitlin’s energy and personality around the rink. I’m glad that she’s still planning to help out on game days as she was a fan favorite helping energize the crowd during the games.” Caitlin’s final day will be May 15th and the process of replacing Caitlin will being immediately.