BCHL Bulletin, Coastal Conference, ECHL, Interior Conference, NCAA, NHL Draft, SPHL, USHL, WHL

BCHL Today: Major alumni update including an Ivy League commitment, a stand against racial injustices and inequities, a retirement, and more

Written by Brian Wiebe on

 

Herzog commits to Yale

Defenseman Dylan Herzog (five goals, 16 assists in 99 games with Wenatchee from 2018-20) has committed to Yale University for September 2021.

The 2001-born blueliner from Auburn, Washington is with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the US Hockey League this season. He has an assist in four games so far.

Weatherby to take a knee during US national anthem

Forward Jasper Weatherby (49 goals, 57 assists in 104 games with Wenatchee from 2016-18) will take a knee during the US national anthem before the University of North Dakota’s season opening game on Wednesday.

Weatherby, 22, and teammate Jacob Bernard-Docker explained to Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald that they are “kneeling to demonstrate against racial injustices and inequities that exist both in America and elsewhere around the world.”

He is entering his third season at UND and was a fourth round draft pick of the San Jose Sharks in 2018.

Urban announces retirement

Defenseman Zach Urban (12 goals, 54 assists in 176 games with Vernon, Powell River, Penticton, Victoria, Salmon Arm, and Langley from 2010-14) posted a message on Twitter on Tuesday announcing his retirement from pro hockey.

Urban, 27, had 13 points in 42 games with the Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League in 2019-20. He added a goal and an assist in eight ECHL games split between the Kalamazoo Wings and the South Carolina Stingrays.

Skinner signs with Orlando Solar Bears

Forward Ethan Skinner (no points in one game with Merritt in 2016-17) signed with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL for the 2020-21 season.

The 22-year-old had 22 points in 25 USPORTS games with the University of Windsor during the 2019-20 season. Skinner also notched 21 points in 27 games with U of W in 2018-19.

Clifford released by Florida Everblades

Defenseman Jake Clifford (12 goals, 32 assists in 102 games with Merritt from 2013-15) has been released by the ECHL’s Florida Everblades.

Clifford, 25, signed with the Everblades in September after being acquired from the Tulsa Oilers last season. He finished 2019-20 with 13 points in 50 ECHL games between the Blades and Oilers.

Nachbaur steps down as SC Bern’s head coach

Don Nachbaur (22 goals, 27 assists in 54 games with Merritt in 1976-77) stepped down as head coach of SC Bern in the National League for personal reasons. The NL is the top level of hockey in Switzerland.

Nachbaur, 61, signed with Bern earlier in June and leaves the team with a 4-7-1 record. He was the head coach of HKM Zvolen in Slovakia last season and spending parts of two years as an assistant coach for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.

Former Express forward Geoff Irwin is missing

According to West Shore RCMP, Geoff Irwin (88 goals, 97 assists in 173 games with Cowichan Valley, Victoria, Prince George, and Burnaby from 2002-06) has been missing since September.

The 35-year-old’s black 2017 Ford Escape was recovered by West Vancouver police near Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver on November 25.

If you have any information about Irwin’s whereabouts, contact your local police immediately or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.