BCHL DOPS drops the hammer on staged fight
The BC Hockey League Department of Player Safety came down hard on the Express following a staged fight at 9:20 of the first period of Saturday night’s game between Coquitlam and the Chilliwack Chiefs.
With the Chiefs taking a very early 4-0 lead, Express forward Christian MacDougall fought Kienan Draper just two seconds after the fourth goal was scored. Because the fight was deemed staged by the BCHL DOPS, MacDougall was given one game for receiving his first instigator penalty of the season, one game for receiving his second fighting major of the season, and five games for receiving an instigator penalty in a staged fight.
MacDougall was handed two games for receiving a major penalty and game misconduct for a blow to the head on Nov. 13 and sat for two games for receiving his third double-minor penalty for kneeing this season back on Oct. 28.
In total, MacDougall has been suspended for 11 games this season.
The BCHL DOPS also suspended Express head coach Brandon Shaw for two games for MacDougall receiving an instigator penalty in a staged fight.
Cunningham to sit for two games
2001-born Trail Smoke Eaters forward Corey Cunningham has been suspended for two games following a five-minute major and game misconduct for a blow to the head. The infraction occurred at 1:24 of the third period of a 5-3 loss to the Cranbrook Bucks.
The Prince George, BC native will sit out Wednesday night’s game in Vernon as well as Friday night’s game at home against the Spruce Kings. He is eligible to return to Trail’s lineup on Saturday for the second of three straight for the Smokies against PG.
BCHL DOPS hands Fontaine two game suspension
2002-born Alberni Valley defenseman Jeremy Fontaine has been suspended for two games following a major penalty and game misconduct for charging. The penalty has since been changed to a blow to the head. The infraction occurred at 19:38 of the third period in a 4-0 win over the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Fontaine will miss Wednesday night’s home game against Nanaimo as well as Friday’s road game against Powell River. He is eligible to return on Saturday night, also in Powell River.
Cochrane given two game suspension by BCHL DOPS
2002-born Coquitlam forward Carter Cochrane has been suspended for two games following a major penalty and game misconduct for a blow to the head. The penalty occurred at 3:57 of the first period in a 4-3 loss to the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Cochrane will miss Friday and Saturday night home games against the Chilliwack Chiefs and is eligible to return to the ice on Jan. 26 in Langley against the Rivermen.
Croucher handed one game suspension
2004-born Cowichan Valley defenseman Mason Croucher is suspended for one game for receiving an instigator penalty, fighting major, and game misconduct. The penalties occurred at 19:38 of the third period in a 4-0 loss to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Croucher missed Sunday night’s game against Langley and will be eligible to return to the ice on Friday on the road against the Nanaimo Clippers.
Hardman called up to the Blackhawks taxi squad
Forward Mike Hardman (39 goals, 33 assists in 58 games with West Kelowna in 2018-19) was called up to the Chicago Blackhawks taxi squad from the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League on Sunday.
The 22-year-old from Hanover, MA, has three goals and three assists in seven games with the IceHogs this season. He has also collected two assists in 19 games with the Blackhawks in 2021-22.
Kozlowski recalled to the Iowa Wild
Goaltender Trevin Kozlowski (9-16-0, 3.98 goals-against-average, .892 save percentage, one shutout in 29 games with Salmon Arm in 2016-17) was recalled from the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL to the Iowa Wild of the AHL on Sunday.
The 24-year-old from Valencia, CA is 5-6-2 with a 3.59 goals-against average, and a .899 save percentage in 14 games with the Heartlanders this season. He is also 1-1-0 with a 2.53 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage in three games with the Wild.
Brandt joins Cardiff Devils
Forward Riley Brandt (42 goals, 40 assists in 176 games with Trail and Vernon from 2012-17) has joined the Cardiff Devils of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom.
The 25-year-old from Trail, BC, played 10 games with the Grant MacEwen Griffins of U SPORTS this season, scoring seven goals and three assists before heading overseas.
Danis signs with Pontiacs
Forward Alex Danis (no points in one game with Wenatchee in 2021-22) has signed with the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
The 20-year-old from Calgary, AB, played in 15 games with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons before being released earlier this week. He had two goals and six assists with Fort Mac.
