Castagna named BCHL player of the week
Alberni Valley Bulldogs forward Stephen Castagna is on a tear this season and his efforts over the last seven days earned him the BC Hockey League’s player of the week award on Monday.
The 2001-born uncommitted forward from North Vancouver, BC had six goals and nine points in three games as the Bulldogs went 1-2 on the week but managed to pile up 13 goals-for.
Castagna’s efforts included a four-goal, five-point game on Sunday against Victoria.
Chiefs defenseman McBay suspended two games
Chilliwack Chiefs defenseman Tyler McBay is suspended for two games for receiving a major penalty and game misconduct for kneeing during Sunday’s 3-2 win over Merritt.
The 2000-born St. Lawrence University commit was assessed the penalties at the one-minute mark of the third period with the Chiefs up 3-0.
The veteran of 60 junior A games in Ontario was required to sit out last night’s game against Prince George, which the Chiefs lost 5-3, and Wednesday’s return match-up with the Centennials.
McBay is eligible to return to Chilliwack’s lineup on Thursday versus the Spruce Kings.
Silverbacks forward Lindblad to sit out two games
Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Aidan Lindblad was suspended for two games after receiving a major penalty and game misconduct for kneeing during Sunday’s 5-3 win over West Kelowna.
The 2004-born Lindblad, who has no points in three games with the Backs this season, received the penalties with 7:41 left in the third period and Salmon Arm up 4-2.
Lindblad will sit out Wednesday’s game against Vernon and Thursday’s matchup against the Warriors. He is eligible to return to Salmon Arm’s lineup on Saturday versus the Vipers.
Vernon vs. West Kelowna first career BCHL goals
After the Buzzer for Planet Bee is up now!https://t.co/yfhYvTTjMZ#OneGoal pic.twitter.com/6vBR6oqyB2
— VernonVipers (@VernonVipers) April 13, 2021
Vernon Vipers freshman forward Luke Pakulak was happy to score his first career BCHL goal on Monday, but not happy it happened in a 5-1 loss to the West Kelowna Warriors.
The 2003-born Surrey product spoiled Warriors netminder Johnny Derrick‘s shutout bid with an unassisted marker with only 3:21 remaining in the third period. The goal came in Pakulak’s second regular-season BCHL game.
Coquitlam vs. Powell River first career BCHL goals
🚨Bonkowski🚨
Jacob Bonkowski scores his 1st BCHL goal into an empty net to give the Kings a 5-3 lead with 25 seconds left in the game!#OurKingdom pic.twitter.com/wxIG9fFsJm
— Powell River Kings (@BCHLKings) April 13, 2021
Powell River Kings rookie forward Jacob Bonkowski scored his first career BCHL goal as an insurance marker with one second left on the clock in the third period of a 5-3 win against Coquitlam.
The 2003-born Richmond, BC product found the back of the net in his eighth BCHL game after playing a pair as an affiliate in 2019-20. He is off to a solid start this season with six points in six games.
Benn traded from Vancouver to Winnipeg
OFFICIAL: #NHLJets acquired defenceman Jordie Benn from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Winnipeg’s sixth round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
DETAILS ➡ https://t.co/P3BVZRTq9P pic.twitter.com/Yi8iIFQhmj
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) April 12, 2021
Defenseman Jordie Benn (24 goals, 90 assists in 172 games with Victoria from 2005-08) was dealt at Monday’s National Hockey League trade deadline from the Vancouver Canucks to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a sixth-round pick in this year’s NHL draft.
The 33-year-old pending unrestricted free agent from Victoria had a goal and eight assists in 31 games with the Canucks this season.
Capitals shuttle Carr to their taxi squad
NHL → Taxi Squad
Daniel Carr (LW) | WSH#ALLCAPShttps://t.co/Zs9i9GIpig— CapFriendly Transactions (@CF_Transactions) April 12, 2021
Forward Daniel Carr (10 goals, 17 assists in 22 games with Powell River in 2009-10) was sent from the Washington Capitals to their taxi squad on Monday.
The 29-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alberta has one assist in four games with the Capitals this season after signing with them last October.
Sterzer commits to Lindenwood University
I am beyond excited to announce my commitment to play NCAA Division 1 college hockey at Lindenwood University. No words can describe how thankful I am for all the support I have received from my family, friends, teammates and coaches along the way. #SamePrideNewHunt pic.twitter.com/9v7Jd1IsXA
— Caige Sterzer (@CaigeSterzer) April 12, 2021
Forward Caige Sterzer (16 goals, 40 assists in 154 games with Surrey and Alberni Valley from 2017-20) has committed to Lindenwood University for this fall.
The 2000-born product of Kimberley, BC has three goals and six points in 19 games with the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League this season.
Lindenwood University is set to join the ranks of NCAA Division I hockey starting with the 2022-23 season.
DeKeyser clears NHL waivers
Cleared Waivers
Danny DeKeyser (LD) | DET#LGRWhttps://t.co/gzFyPRzsfi— CapFriendly Transactions (@CF_Transactions) April 12, 2021
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Danny DeKeyser (eight goals, 17 assists in 58 games with Trail during 2008-09) cleared NHL waivers on Monday without another team claiming him.
The 31-year-old from Detroit has two goals and six points in 10 games with the Red Wings this season, his eighth in the NHL.
Three stars of the night 
First Star: West Kelowna alternate captain Carter Wilkie had two goals and an assist as the Warriors beat Vernon 5-1.
Second Star: Powell River forward Adamo Santia scored a pair of goals in a 5-3 win over Coquitlam.
Third Star: Penticton forward Jacob Quillan notched two goals, including the winner, as the Vees blanked Cranbrook 4-0.
Honourable Mentions: Spruce Kings forwards Nick Rheaume and Carter Cochrane, and Chilliwack forward Tanner Andrew each had a pair of goals. Vees goaltender Kaeden Lane stopped 16 shots for the shutout.
