BCHL News & Trades:
Cowichan-Nepean Trade:
The Cowichan Capitals have completed a trade with the Nepean Raiders of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL). Going to the Raiders is 19 year old forward Azzaro Tinling. The Capitals would like to wish Azzaro all the best in Nepean. Coming to the Capitals is 19 year old forward Olivier Gauthier. The 5’11” 175lb Ferme-Neuve, Quebec native joins the Capitals after tallying 18 goals and 21 assists for 39 points in his rookie campaign with the Raiders. The Capitals would like to welcome Olivier to the Capitals Family and look forward to seeing him on the ice at camp in late August.
To continue reading, please click the "read more" button in the bottom left hand corner of this article.
Willits, Wall & Brown Commit To Chiefs:
The Chilliwack Chiefs continued to solidify their roster for the upcoming season with the addition of three players today. Joining the Chiefs are forwards Brett Willits (1999), Kevin Wall (2000) and Chris Brown (1999). All three join the Chiefs from Salisbury Prep school in Salisbury Connecticut. Wall, who stands 6’1, 190 lbs. spent two seasons at Salisbury where he scored 33 goals and 27 assists in 58 games. The native of Fairport New York said Chilliwack’s reputation was a big part of his decision to put on a Chiefs uniform. “Once I learned more about the league and Chilliwack as a program it seemed like a no brainer to play for them”. Wall describes himself as a two way player. “I consider myself to be a power forward with skill and a hard shot. I pride myself on hard work and a player who plays a 200 foot game.” Wall is expected to attend Merrimack College after one season in Chilliwack. Willits, who hails from London Ontario also spent two seasons at Salisbury. Last season in 28 games he scored 17 goals and added 21 assists. For Willits the decision to come to Chilliwack was an easy one. “The decision to go to Chilliwack was easy for me. I have heard many great things about the team and it’s tradition of success, the team’s ability to send players on to the next level, and the support from the community. I am really looking forward to continuing my hockey career in Chilliwack and can’t wait for the start of the season.” As for what type of player Chiefs fans will see he describes himself as a two way player. “I would describe myself as a skilled, hardworking, two-way forward with the ability to create scoring chances for myself and my teammates.” Brown, from Worcester Massachusetts, spent one season at Salisbury where he scored 11 goals and added eight assists in 28 games. “I am extremely excited to be a part of such a great organization as the Chilliwack Chiefs,” said Brown. Everyone I have spoken to about Chilliwack has had nothing but great things to say about both the hockey and the surrounding community. I am looking forward to bringing my own talent set to the home of the RBC Cup defending champions and I cannot wait to get started.” “I see myself as a hard working power forward who loves to score. But I also see myself as a two way player who helps out in the defensive zone and can be playmaker in the offensive end.” “Overall I think my best assets are my shot, vision, and overall work ethic on the ice.” Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Brian Maloney is thrilled with the additions. “We are very excited to continue the growing relationship with Salisbury Prep School,” said Maloney. “All three will bring great work ethic and incredible character. They come from a winning program guiding by a fantastic coach in Andrew Will.” “Brett and Kevin were Salisbury’s most consistent players all year and Chris has a nose for the net.” “It will take some time for these three to adjust to the BCHL, but saying that we feel they’ll be a big part of our program moving forward.”
Vees Sign Mussio:
The Vees also boosted their depth by bringing in veteran defenceman Devon Mussio as a free agent. Mussio played two seasons with the Coquitlam Express, and while he managed just a goal and 19 points in 111 games, Harbinson said the 1999-born player from Vancouver plays with an edge. “He’s got a lot of experience at this level and you can never have too much of that on the back end,” Harbinson said, of the 6’ 1”, 190-pounder. “After playing on a struggling team, he’s really excited about coming to a team with a chance to contend.” Harbinson said the Vees are set in goal but may add another forward and defenceman.
Capitals Name Mackenzie New Game Day Coordinator:
The Capitals would like to Welcome Mackenzie Chisholm as their NEW Game Day Coordinator. Mackenzie is new to the Cowichan Valley and so excited to be joining the Caps family! She’s looking forward to making sure you have an amazing time cheering on our home team all the way to playoffs this season. You may have heard Mackenzie on the AIR at 89.7 Juice FM as she is their Morning Show Host.
Ice Installed Inside Shaw Centre:
Surrey-Cornwall Trade:
The Surrey Eagles have acquired defenceman James Orr from the Cornwall Colts of the CCHL in exchange for future considerations. The 19-year-old defenceman scored 4 goals and added 9 assists in 39 games last year for Cornwall. He also appeared in 16 games for the Prince George Spruce Kings earlier in the season, amassing 3 assists. Orr is originally a native of Beaconsfield, Quebec. At 6-foot-2, 185 lbs, he brings size and stability to a youthful Eagles back end. This is the third trade acquisition of the offseason for the Eagles to go along with goaltender Seth Eisele from Wenatchee and forward Jake Toor from Coquitlam. “We are excited to add a veteran defencemen that can provide a two way game and has experience in our league,” commented Eagles head coach Brandon West in a statement to SurreyEagles.ca. “We feel his style of play and size is something we needed in our lineup. James is excited to be an Eagle and we are thrilled to have him.” He is expected to join the Eagles for main camp in August ahead of the team’s September 7th season opener at home against the Coquitlam Express.
Coquitlam-Stratford Trade:
The Coquitlam Express have acquired forward Connor Gregga (00) from the Stratford Warriors (GOJHL). The Markham, Ontario native registered 15 goals and 45 points in 50 games last season with the Warriors. In the playoffs, he added 6 goals and 2 assists for 8 points in 10 games including a hat-trick in the series clinching game of a first round sweep over Brantford. “I think Coquitlam will be getting next year a speedy forward who likes to play at both ends of the ice, likes to have the puck on his stick, and a physical player.” says Gregga. He models his game after Boston’s Brad Marchand with his ability to produce offence and be a thorn in his opponent’s side. “I like to talk to whoever I’m playing against try and get under their skin, but that doesn’t distract me from what I like to do, and that is be a player maker and help my team offensively.” Coming to the Express and the BCHL is a great opportunity for Gregga to pursue a NCAA opportunity “The BCHL sends plenty of players to the NCAA, and that’s a goal of mine. And playing in Coquitlam increases my chances of being committed.” says Gregga. The Express open their season on September 7 th in Surrey. Their home opener is September 23 rd vs. the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Welcome to the Express Connor!
Interview With Bulldogs Coach/GM Matt Hughes:
Alberni Valley Bulldogs head coach and GM, Matt Hughes, talks about acquiring Marcus Walter, the new changes to the BCHL OT format/hybrid icing, Christian Simeone committing to Merrimack, and what will Mitch Deelstra and Hayden Hurst add to his line up.
Marlow Commits To Silverbacks:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have committed to another player who was affiliated with the club during the 2017-18 campaign. Forward Wyatt Marlow, from Cranbrook, British Columbia, saw action in 4 games with the Silverbacks last year. Marlow played the 2017-18 season with the OHA-White Midget Prep team of the CSSHL recording 12 goals and 30 points in 30 games. Marlow also suited up for Team British Columbia in the WHL Cup last season. “We are very excited to sign Wyatt, he is an exceptional individual with outstanding leadership qualities. I am sure that Wyatt will be a fan favourite next season, his compete level is off the charts. Wyatt possesses a well developed all-round skill, build on a pit-bull attitude,” commented Head Coach and General Manager Scott Atkinson. While speaking of his commitment to the team Marlow had this to say, “I am very excited to be part of the Silverback organization. I have a good feeling about what our team can do. I am going to put in the work to make the guys around me and myself better.
Surrey-West Kelowna Trade:
The Surrey Eagles have acquired forward Chase Stevenson from the West Kelowna Warriors in exchange for defenceman Cory Babichuk. Stevenson, 19, has scored 22 goals and 43 points over the course of his 76-game BCHL career. He is committed to play NCAA division I hockey for the University of New Hampshire for the 2019-20 season. “We are excited to acquire an experienced forward in Chase Stevenson,” Eagles head coach Brandon West said in a statement to SurreyEagles.ca. “He will be a key contributor to our offence and is a player I’m very familiar with. We felt this would be a good trade for both teams as both players are quality young men.” West served as an assistant coach with the Warriors before leaving for the interior division rival Salmon Arm Silverbacks in 2012. The Eagles are looking to restore some offence to the top of their lineup after losing forwards Desi Burgart and Jeff Stewart to Quinnipiac and Colgate University. Johnny Wesley, who scored 37 goals for the Eagles last season, is also moving on to Windsor University after finishing his final year of junior eligibility. This is a big opportunity for Stevenson, a West Kelowna native, who will be looked at to shoulder some of the offensive load. The Eagles would also like to thank Cory Babichuk for his time with the organization, West added “We thank Cory for all his efforts and contributions to our team over the two seasons and with him all the best in West Kelowna.” The 2018-19 BCHL regular season schedule has been released with the Eagles opening their season at home against the Coquitlam Express on Friday, September 7th. Tickets are available now.
Hughes Commits To Victoria Grizzlies:
Thanks to Alex Newhook, the Victoria Grizzlies are pretty much guaranteed to have a 2019 NHL draft pick in their lineup when they hit the ice in September. After Wednesday’s signing of Boston native Riley Hughes, the Grizzlies will also have a 2018 NHL draft pick on their team for the upcoming B.C. Hockey League season. Hughes, a offensively skilled winger, was selected in the seventh round of last month’s NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers. Hughes, who turned 18 last month, says he’s not too familiar with the Grizzlies’ new captain and reigning BCHL rookie of the year Newhook, but he expects that to change in a hurry as the two could find themselves linemates this season. They’ll have plenty to talk about as Newhook is committed to Boston College for the fall of 2019, and Hughes will play his NCAA hockey in 2019 at Beanpot Tournament rival Northeastern. “I’m sure we’ll become friends pretty quick with the season starting soon, but when we’re in college, yah, it might be a different story,” laughed Hughes. “That’s a pretty big rivalry, especially during the Beanpot [the annual tournament between the four Boston-area NCAA universities that is played at the home of the NHL’s Bruins].” Hughes will have some backup in the Grizzlies’ locker-room when it comes to Northeastern. Recently signed Grizzlies defenceman Jeremie Bucheler is also committed to Northeastern. “I’ve heard the name but I’ve never met him, but it’ll be great to meet a future college teammate,” Hughes said. Hughes is coming off an impressive senior season of high school hockey with St. Sebastian School where he scored 21 goals and 36 points in 30 games to draw the attention of the Rangers. And following the draft he quickly headed to New York for the NHL team’s prospects camp. “The development camp was a great experience,” said Hughes, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs in at 180 pounds. “I got to meet a lot of recent draft picks, some of whom had played pro in the AHL, so I learned a lot and now I want to build off that and have a great season in Victoria.” Hughes said he had a lot of options for this coming season, including the USHL, but the BCHL was too good an opportunity to pass up, and the Rangers agreed. “Just looking at the kind of team the Grizzlies are going to have and I heard the BCHL is an offensive league, which I liked, so it just seemed to be a perfect fit for me,” Hughes said. Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon agreed. “Riley is a gifted offensive player, which is perfect for this league, so we’re happy to have him and I think our fans are going to be in for a treat watching him play because he can be exciting to watch,” said Didmon, whose club is set to open training camp on Aug. 20. Hughes may be a stranger to Victoria, but he’s more than familiar with the country he’s about to reside in. Although born in the Boston area, Hughes’ parents are both Canadians from Montreal. “Yah, I have a lot of relatives in Eastern Canada so we go up there quite often,” added Hughes. But Boston is first and foremost in his heart. And so is Northeastern. “I’m a Boston kid so Northeastern is what most Boston boys shoot for. “The school has done a great job of developing pro players lately so that was a big plus for me.” And one of those pro players from Northeastern is likely to become a household name in B.C. Adam Gaudette left Northeastern last spring after winning the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA’s top player and is set to embark on his pro career with the Vancouver Canucks. “Adam is well known in these parts because he’s from here as well and I know him well because he went to prep school at Thayer Academy, which is a huge rival of my school. Great player, too. Canucks got a good one.” It looks like the Grizzlies have, too. “We hope to continue Riley’s development this coming season and we expect him to play a big role with our club so we’re all looking forward to the season,” Didmon said.
Nameth Commits To Chiefs:
The Chilliwack Chiefs are pleased to announce the commitment of 18 year old forward Chase Nameth for the 2018-19 season. Nameth has spent the last two seasons with his home town Regina Pat Canadians Midget AAA team. Last season he put up 20 goals and 27 assists in 43 games. Nameth cited Chilliwack’s track record in helping players move on to the next level as the main reason he chose to take his game west. “I chose to sign with the Chiefs because they are a program that continuously develops players and helps players with their goals of playing hockey and getting a good education,” said Nameth. Their success on the ice and the amount of NCAA players to have played in Chilliwack showed me how hard this organization works in order to be successful. I am all about working hard and improving my game.” Nameth plans to add a physical style of play to the Chiefs lineup. “I am a physical player that understands the importance of a 200 foot game and how to play within a system. I have had really good success in the past following and buying into systems. I do have an offensive side to my game which comes from being physical, creating turnovers and moving the puck around. I am very excited to be part of the Chilliwack Chiefs organization and can’t wait to get started.” Chiefs General Manager and Head Coach Brian Maloney sees a lot of potential in Nameth. “I’m personally excited to watch Chase’s game develop while he’s here,” said Maloney. “He understands the importance of hard work, and with that usually comes positive results. If he can find a way to consistently work hard each night, his offensive abilities will follow as he becomes more accustomed to the league.” “I have a soft spot for players that want to work hard and be involved in the play around them. Do that and the rest we can teach. If Chase sticks to his game plan the sky is the limit.”
Salmon Arm Pro-Am Game Coming Late July:
The Salmon Arm Silverbacks are proud to once again support the upcoming Pro-Am Scholarship game put on by the Shuswap Academy Elite hockey School on July 27th, 2018, 7pm at the Shaw Centre. This will give hockey fans the chance to meet and watch some high level players showcasing their skills in a fun filled evening at the rink. Ticket are just $10.00 and can be purchased at the Silverbacks ticket booth.
No comments:
Post a Comment