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BCHL Today: Cents get junior B scoring leader Fortems, Spruce Kings announce two new commitments, former Chiefs captain Kawaguchi wins USCHO award, and more

Written by Brian Wiebe on

Cents add White Rock Whalers leading scorer Fortems

Just like the Centennials did back in 1974, Chris Fortems is headed from White Rock to Merritt as the Cents received a commitment from the 17-year-old for the 2020-21 season.

Fortems was the leading scorer on the White Rock Whalers of the Pacific Junior Hockey League with 15 goals and 33 assists in 43 games this past season. His 48 points was tied for first among all PJHL rookies in scoring.

Spruce Kings add two recruits for 2020-21

The Prince George Spruce Kings secured the commitment of two new players for the 2020-21 BCHL season. Joining the Spruce Kings are forward Kilian McGregor-Bennett and defenceman Connor Elliott.

McGregor-Bennett, 17, had eight goals and ten assists in 34 games with the Delta Hockey Academy Midget Prep team of the CSSHL this season. He had no points in four games with the Spruce Kings as an affiliate player.

Elliott notched nine goals and 18 assists in 40 games with the Okanagan Rockets of the BC Major Midget League in 2019-20. The 17-year-old also played four games with the Penticton Vees as an affiliate player, but didn’t register a point.

Former Chiefs captain Kawaguchi named USCHO Player of the Year

University of North Dakota forward Jordan Kawaguchi (120 goals, 122 assists in 213 games for Chilliwack from 2013-17) is the 2019-20 US College Hockey Online Player of the Year.

Kawaguchi was second in the nation in scoring with 15 goals and 30 assists in 33 games. He is one of ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey.

Former Vees defenceman Poolman signs with Calgary Flames

Defenceman Colton Poolman (three goals, 37 assists in 57 games with Penticton in 2015-16) has signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames.

Poolman was a college free agent, eligible to sign with any NHL team. He had 18 goals and 57 assists in 146 games over the last four seasons with the University of North Dakota.

BCHL Alumni March Madness Round 2 underway

Over at the Twitter account of our managing editor Brian Wiebe (twitter.com/Brian_Wiebe), Round 2 of his BCHL Alumni March Madness is underway.

The above poll between Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price (Quesnel Millionaires) and St. Louis Blues great Brett Hull is one of the closest races in the Round of 32. Voting continues until Sunday afternoon.

Three Stars of the Night ⏪ March 21, 2006

First Star: Salmon Arm forward Matt Dyck notched two goals and an assist in a close 5-4 win against Vernon.

Second Star: Chilliwack forward Trevor Hunt had a pair of goals, including the overtime winner in a 4-3 decision over Coquitlam.

Third Star: Penticton defenceman Justin Krueger posted a goal and two assists in an 8-1 drubbing of Merritt.

Honourable Mentions: Vipers forward Erik Felde scored two goals. Vees forward Deron Cousens along with Grizzlies forwards Tyler Bozak and Tommy Grant each had a goal and an assist.