BCHL Bulletin: Express make two deals, Krnac signs in Spruce Grove, and more
Roster moves
The Coquitlam Express acquired 2008-born forward Chance Adams from the Blackfalds Bulldogs. This move completes future considerations from a February 2 trade where Blackfalds acquired 2007-born defender Liam Loughery from the Express for 2006-born centre Jared Langdon and futures. Adams arrives in Coquitlam after a 2025-26 campaign that saw him go pointless in 12 games with the Bulldogs, one goal in five games with the Janesville Jets (NAHL), and 16 points in 18 games with the Markham Royals (OJHL).
Coquitlam also added forwards Avery Johnson and Brendyn Van Oene from the Cowichan Valley Capitals for forward Nate Crema. Johnson, a 2006-born forward, posted 15 points in 23 games last year, while 2007-born forward Van Oene added 20 points in 36 games. Crema, a 2006-born forward from North Vancouver, BC, departs the Express after recording 78 points in 144 career BCHL games.
The Spruce Grove Saints have signed Richard Krnac for the 2026-27 season. According to a news release announcing his signing, the 2008-born forward from Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, brings a relentless work ethic. He recorded 15 goals and 34 points in 41 games with Barani Banská Bystrica U20 last year, capturing a league championship.
Defender Charlie Derrheim has committed to Acadia University for the 2026-27 USports campaign. The 2005-born defender from Delta, BC, split his 2025-26 season between the Surrey Eagles and Spruce Grove Saints. He registered five total assists across 26 games, capping a solid three-year BCHL tenure, which saw him get into 103 career games.
Front office and coaching news
The Victoria Grizzlies have said goodbye to Associate Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Suneil Karod. The 43-year-old Nanaimo, BC native spent five seasons shaping Victoria’s coaching staff. In a news release announcing Karod’s departure, the Grizzlies expressed deep gratitude for his lasting commitment and foundational contributions.
The Okotoks Oilers announced the departure of Business Manager Brady Pupp. The 28-year-old Calgary, Alberta product guided the Oilers through their first two BCHL seasons. The Oilers lauded Pupp’s promotional efforts, which boosted average attendance to an Oilers record 1,053 fans during the 2024-25 season.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlumni updates
The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the rights to Jack Pridham from the Chicago Blackhawks in an NHL trade on Monday. The 2005-born forward from Stouffville, Ontario, tallied 46 goals and 90 points in 65 games for the Kitchener Rangers this year, helping lead the OHL club to the Memorial Cup. He previously produced 59 points in 66 BCHL contests for the West Kelowna Warriors for one and a half seasons from 2023 to 2024.
Forward Chase Dubois has transferred from French club Briançon in Ligue Magnus to the Fife Flyers of the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League. The 28-year-old Williams Lake, BC native posted 13 goals and 42 points in 42 games for Briançon last season. After scoring a goal in a couple of affiliate player games with Prince George, Dubois played for the West Kelowna Warriors, compiling 60 goals and 152 points over 172 career games.
Forward Max Coatta moved from HC Innsbruck in ICEHL to AlpsHL club EK Zell am See. The 32-year-old Minnetonka, Minnesota product notched 12 goals and 25 points in 44 games with Innsbruck last year. He suited up for the Penticton Vees in 2013-14, recording 15 goals and 32 points in 50 BCHL appearances.
Forward Jackson Tillinghast has moved from the Senior A Breckenridge Vipers to the Blackburn Hawks of the National Ice Hockey League Division 1 in the U.K. The 24-year-old Louisville, Colorado native dominated the Mountain West Hockey League last season with 10 goals and 25 points in 10 games. Tillinghast also played 27 ACHA Division II games with Metro State University of Denver and put up 14 goals and 38 points. He skated in two BCHL games for the Wenatchee Wild as an affiliate player in 2018-19, recording no points.
