BCHL Bulletin: Rep commits to Stonehill, Bulldogs sign Karl, and more
Roster moves
2005-born blueliner Ožbej Rep has committed from the Prince George Spruce Kings to Stonehill College to play NCAA Division I hockey. The Jesenice, Slovenia native led all BCHL defenders with 46 assists and 52 points in 54 games during the 2025-26 campaign. Rep’s efforts earned him BCHL Defenseman of the Year and First Team All-Star honours.
The Blackfalds Bulldogs have continued their recruiting push by signing 2008-born defender Gavin Karl. The Excelsior, Minnesota product posted seven assists over 31 high school games with Minnetonka High in 2025-26. Bulldogs’ management highlighted the five-foot-eleven skater’s high-end skating ability, poise, and competitive bite in a news release on Thursday.
The Spruce Kings have committed to 2007-born defender Cristian Achim for the 2026-27 season. The Bucharest, Romania native transfers from EV Landshut U20, where he recorded seven goals and 26 points across 37 DNL U20 games in 2025-26. In a news release announcing his commitment, PG management praised Achim’s high-level two-way capabilities.
Coaching & front office news
The Coquitlam Express have hired Mike Nesbitt as their new associate coach and director of player development. He arrives following a franchise record-setting season as head coach of the Westshore Wolves in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. Coquitlam’s management highlighted Nesbitt’s strong hockey knowledge and passion for player development in a social media post announcing his hiring.
The Surrey Eagles have announced a new goaltending development partnership with Stage One Goaltending and JD1 Goaltending. Harry Fredeman has been elevated from head goalie coach to director of goaltending. Josh Dias steps in as head goaltending coach. A social media post announcing the partnership lauds Dias bringing specialized crease development and support to the Eagles. Dias played 16 games in the BCHL with the Merritt Centennials in 2020-21. He finished with a 4.07 goals-against average and an .892 save percentage.
The Brooks Bandits have named Rory McGouran as their new director of broadcasting and community relations. The veteran play-by-play voice arrives with over a decade of junior hockey broadcasting experience. He most recently served behind the mic with the North American Hockey League’s Northeast Generals. Before that, he spent seven seasons in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League as the voice of the Humboldt Broncos.
The Chilliwack Chiefs have appointed Tiffany Collins as their new volunteer coordinator for the upcoming season. According to an announcement regarding Collins’ hiring, she brings a strong background in leadership and community engagement. The Chiefs noted that she aims to create a welcoming environment to ensure game nights run smoothly for both volunteers and fans.
Alumni updates
Twenty-four-year-old defender Nicolas Ardanaz has signed with Unterland in the AlpsHL, after playing the last two seasons at Northern Michigan University. The Surrey, BC product posted one assist in 31 NCAA games in 2025-26. Ardanaz played for the West Kelowna Warriors and Vernon Vipers from 2018 to 2022, compiling 77 points in 134 career BCHL appearances.
Forward Dante Hahn, 30, has transferred from Deggendorfer SC to the Rostock Piranhas in Germany. The Victoria, BC native racked up 19 goals and 50 points over 51 games in 2025-26. Hahn skated with the Victoria Grizzlies, Langley Rivermen, West Kelowna Warriors, and Coquitlam Express from 2012 to 2016, totalling 92 points in 200 career BCHL games.
