BCHL Today: Capitals and Clippers handed multiple suspensions and fines, Vees O’Brien named Player of the Week, Bucks sign first player, and more

Capitals-Clippers game brings disciplinary action from the BCHL

As a result of Saturday’s game which saw the two teams combine for 72 minutes in penalties, the Cowichan Valley Capitals and Nanaimo Clippers have had their wrists significantly slapped by the BCHL.

Each franchise has been fined under BCHL regulation 311.6 for being part of any incident or issue that brings the league into disrepute. In case you’re wondering, disrepute is defined as “the state of being held in low esteem by the public”.

Capitals forward Dan McIntyre, who was already serving a four game suspension for a check from behind major during a game on Jan. 19, has been suspended an additional three games under BCHL regulation 306.2, in which any player or players not dressed for the game become involved with other players.  McIntyre is eligible to return to the Cowichan lineup on Feb. 15 at home against Victoria. Meanwhile, Caps forward Josh Lundy is suspended for one game for engaging in a second fight on the same stoppage. He’ll sit out Friday’s game in Powell River.

The Clippers had four players hit with suspensions. Forward Tim Washe and defenceman Trevor LeDonne each got three games for receiving a gross misconduct. They are both eligible to return on Feb. 8 in Chilliwack. Blueliner Devon Mussio is suspended for one game for engaging in a second fight on the same stoppage. He’ll miss Wednesday’s game at home against West Kelowna and can return on Friday vs. Alberni Valley. Forward Brandon Dent received a major penalty and a game misconduct for a blow to the head and as a result, was suspended for two games. He can return to the Clippers lineup on Feb. 7 in Vernon.

Chiefs forward Nelson suspended four games

Chilliwack Chiefs forward Clark Nelson will miss four games as a result of receiving his fourth blow to the head minor penalty plus a ten minute misconduct in Saturday’s game against Prince George. Nelson is eligible to return to the Chiefs lineup on Feb. 7 at home against Victoria. The 19-year-old has two goals and eight assists in in 37 games with Chilliwack this season.

Vees forward O’Brien named BCHL Player of the Week

Penticton Vees forward Jay O’Brien was named BCHL Player of the Week on Monday. The 2018 NHL first round pick posted three goals and two assists in two games for the Vees.

2011-12 Penticton Vees to be inducted into BC Hockey Hall of Fame

This year’s inductees to the BC Hockey Hall of Fame includes the 2011-12 Penticton Vees who went 54-4-2 that season, posting a 42-game winning streak en route to winning the Fred Page Cup, Doyle Cup and Royal Bank Cup. Steven Fogarty, Mike Reilly and Troy Stecher from that Vees team have all played in the NHL this season.

Bucks get commitment from forward Leibel for 2020-21

The Cranbook Bucks announced their first ever player commitment as forward Noah Leibl will join the team for its inaugural season of 2020-21. Leibl has 22 goals and 41 assists in 26 games with the Shawnigan Lake School Prep team of the CSSHL this season. He also has no points in two games with the Vernon Vipers as an affiliate player.

Former West Kelowna forward Pope reassigned from Utica to Kalamazoo

Forward David Pope (52 goals, 62 assist in 131 games with Cowichan Valley and West Kelowna from 2011-14) has been reassigned from the AHL’s Utica Comets to the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL. Pope has no points in six games with the Comets this season and three goals and two assists in eight games with the Wings.

If the playoffs started today…

Mainland Division

(1) Coquitlam vs. (4) Langley
(2) Chilliwack vs. (3) Surrey

Island Division

(1) Cowichan Valley vs. (4) Alberni Valley
(2) Nanaimo vs. (3) Powell River

Interior Division

(1) Penticton vs. (6) West Kelowna
(2) Trail vs. (WC2) Prince George
(3) Salmon Arm vs. (WC1) Victoria
(4) Vernon vs. (5) Wenatchee