BCHL Today: CJHL trade freeze in effect, former Kings forward Nogard leaves ECHL for Germany, and more

CJHL holiday trade freeze in effect until New Year’s Day

If you’ve noticed a lack of trades between teams in the Canadian Junior Hockey League, you’re not just imagining things. A trade freeze took effect on Dec. 10 and is in place until Jan. 1.

The freeze only affects transactions between teams in different leagues though, meaning BCHL teams are still free to trade with each other during this time. If a BCHL team wants to trade a player to, or acquire a player from, outside of the league, it has to wait until the calendar flips to 2020 and the freeze is lifted.

There’s only been one trade in the BCHL since Dec. 1, it came on the 6th with Merritt sending Josh Kagan to Nanaimo for Evan Benwell and future considerations. It’s not abnormal to see only a few trades during this time of year. In fact last season, there weren’t any at all.

Former Kings forward Nogard signs in Germany

Neuverpflichtung Luke Nogard.#DEL2 #EISHOCKEY #WEISSWASSER #SIMPLYSAXONY #LAUSITZERFÜCHSE #HOCKEYTOWNhttps://t.co/a5wtqaF0xy

— Lausitzer Füchse (@lausitz_fuechse) December 19, 2019

Forward Luke Nogard (32 goals, 32 assists in 110 games with Powell River from 2012-14) has signed with Lausitzer Füchse of DEL2, which is the second tier hockey league in Germany. Nogard had 8 goals and 6 assists in 20 games with Atlanta of the ECHL this season.

Former Clippers/Spruce Kings/Grizzlies forward Fitzgerald leaves Hungarian club

Forward Myles Fitzgerald (89 goals, 130 assists in 238 games with Nanaimo, Prince George and Victoria from 2009-14) has mutually agreed to part ways with Ferencvárosi TC of the Erste Liga in Hungary. Fitzgerald had 13 goals and 7 assists in 17 games with Ferencvárosi this season.

Former Vees AP Rigby named Osoyoos Coyotes head coach

We are pleased to announce that Coyotes Alumni Carter Rigby has taken over Head Coach position. Welcome to The Den, Carter! https://t.co/CKXb1y80nl

— Osoyoos Coyotes (@KIJHLCoyotes) December 19, 2019

Carter Rigby (1 goal, 6 assists in 10 games with Penticton in 2010-11) has joined the Osoyoos Coyotes of the KIJHL as their head coach. Rigby takes over from Grant Williams, who joined the Coyotes’ as interim coach about a month ago.

BCHL Trade Tracker (since Dec. 1)