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BCHL Today: Bar Lev Wise suspended nine games, Craig scores first BCHL goal, and more

Written by Brian Wiebe on

Warriors forward Bar Lev Wise to sit for nine games

West Kelowna Warriors forward Elan Bar Lev Wise has been suspended for a total of nine games for a multitude of infractions, the BC Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The 2001-born Warriors captain engaged in a fight at the end of Monday’s game against Vernon, which was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct. He also received an instigator penalty and an aggressor penalty.

The first game Bar Lev Wise will miss is Thursday against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. He is eligible to return to West Kelowna’s lineup on Sunday, May 2 in a game that’s also against the Silverbacks.

Warriors coach Ferguson suspended for three games

The BCHL Department of Player Safety also came down on Warriors head coach Simon Ferguson for the actions of Bar Lev Wise at the end of Monday’s game.

Ferguson won’t be behind the bench for West Kelowna for three games because of an instigator penalty assessed to one of his players, in this case – Bar Lev Wise, at the end of the third period.

The second-year coach of the Warriors is out for Thursday’s game against Salmon Arm as well as Friday’s game versus the Vipers and Sunday’s return matchup with the Silverbacks.

He is eligible to return to running the Warriors bench on Sunday as West Kelowna faces Vernon.

Vipers forward Kjemhus suspended for two games

Vernon Vipers forward Kjell Kjemhus is also suspended for two games for receiving a fighting major and game misconduct for fighting Bar Lev Wise after Monday’s final horn sounded.

Kjemhus, a 2001-born forward who’s a veteran of 110 Western Hockey League Games, will sit for Vernon’s games on Wednesday against Salmon Arm and on Friday against West Kelowna. He is eligible to return on Saturday versus the Silverbacks.

Cowichan Valley vs. Nanaimo first career BCHL goals

After putting up a respectable six points in 16 exhibition games last fall, 2002-born Nanaimo Clippers defenseman Michael Craig potted his first career BCHL goal in Tuesday’s 5-2 win over Cowichan Valley.

His milestone goal came at the 11:05 mark of the second period on a power play. The St. Catharines, Ontario product had four career junior A goals before joining the Clippers. They all came during the 2019-20 season with the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.

Lucic plays his 1,000th NHL game

Calgary Flames forward Milan Lucic (nine goals, 14 assists in 50 games with Coquitlam in 2004-05) played his 1,000th game in the National Hockey League on Tuesday.

The Vancouver product’s milestone game came in a 3-2 overtime victory in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. This is Lucic’s 14th season in NHL and he’s suited up for Boston, Los Angeles, Edmonton, and Calgary over the years.

Vegas calls Coghlan up from its taxi squad

The Vegas Golden Knights called up defenseman Dylan Coghlan (no points in two games with Nanaimo in 2013-14) from their taxi squad on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Duncan, BC product has three goals and five points in 23 games with the Golden Knights this season.

Blackhawks summon Hardman from their taxi squad

Forward Mike Hardman was called up by the Chicago Blackhawks from their taxi squad on Tuesday.

Hardman, 22, signed with the Blackhawks as a college free agent on Mar. 30 after spending the last two seasons at Boston College.

The native of Hanover, Massachusetts had 22 goals and 44 points in 58 career NCAA games. He has yet to make his NHL debut with Chicago this season.

Red Wings recall Hirose from their taxi squad

The Detroit Red Wings have brought up forward Taro Hirose (33 goals, 88 assists in 116 games with Salmon Arm from 2014-16) from their taxi squad on an emergency loan basis.

Hirose, 24, has two assists in six games with the Red Wings this season. He’s also posted three goals and 14 points in 13 games with Grand Rapids.

Three stars of the night ⭐⭐⭐

First Star: Nanaimo goaltender Jordan Naylor made 46 saves, including 16 in the first period.

Second Star: Clippers forward Kai Daniells posted a pair of assists in the win.

Third Star: Nanaimo forward Jaeger Murdock scored the eventual game-winner.

Honourable Mentions: Cowichan Valley forward Jacob Brockman scored the Capitals’ first goal, his fourth of the season.