BCHL Today: Chiefs add a goalie from the USHL, Fleming commits to Northeastern University, and more!

Chiefs add goaltender Riley from the USHL

The Chilliwack Chiefs bolstered their depth between the pipes by adding 2002-born goalie Grant Riley from the United States Hockey League.

Riley split his time in the USHL last season between the Omaha Lancers and the Tri-City Storm. In eight career USHL games, Riley went 1-5 with a 4.71 goals-against-average and a .839 save percentage. 

Riley’s last full season in 2019-20 was spent with the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League. He had a 15-19-2 record, 3.15 GAA, and .911 SV% in 37 games for the Jets.

The product of Rochester, New York is committed to Boston College of the NCAA Division I next fall.

Incoming Centennial Fleming commits to Northeastern

2003-born defenseman Joe Fleming, who signed with the Merritt Centennials back in April, announced his commitment to play NCAA Div. I at Northeastern University.

The Wellesley, Massachusetts native had no points in nine games with the Northern Cyclones of the National Collegiate Development Conference last year. He also suited up for the North Suburban Wings U18 AAA, where he contributed two goals and an assist in six contests.

In 2019-20, Fleming scored two goals and four assists in 28 games with Proctor Academy of the United States High School Prep.

Vipers athletic therapist heads to the CFL

Vernon Vipers athletic therapist Ty Robinson has accepted a position with the Canadian Football League’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. Robinson will be the Riders’ assistant equipment manager this upcoming season.

The 23-year-old from Kamloops has spent three seasons with the Snakes. Before that, he worked with his hometown Thomson Blazers of the BC U18 AAA League.

Pierog signs in Slovakia

Forward Nic Pierog (40 goals, 33 assists in 112 games with Surrey and Penticton from 2012-2014) has signed in Slovakia with HKM Zvolen.

Pierog spent last season with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel, where he racked up 24 goals and 21 assists in 61 games. He is a veteran of 194 professional games in the AHL and ECHL, combining for 81 goals and 58 assists.

Pierog won a BCHL championship with Surrey in 2012-13.

Express announce details for 20th-anniversary celebration

The Coquitlam Express released some details surrounding their 20th-anniversary celebration this season. The first of which, and most noticeable, is their 20th-anniversary logo.

Coquitlam revealed it would be hosting a variety of special events, including honouring some of its alumni. More details on these events should be unveiled throughout the summer.

The Express also highlighted some of their successes through the first 20 years, which includes two BCHL titles and a national championship. An acknowledgment was also given to 10 Express alums who played in the NHL and NCAA scholarships handed out to over 150 of their players.

Betker signs in Austria


Defenseman Ben Betker (five goals, 13 assists in 59 games with West Kelowna in 2011-12) has signed with HC Innsbruck of the ICE HL in Austria.

The 26-year-old from Cranbrook, BC spent the last three seasons playing in Slovakia with HC Detva and HKM Zvolen. He totaled 13 goals and 35 assists in 118 contests during that time.

Betker also played 155 professional games in the AHL and ECHL before heading overseas.