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BCHL Today: Caps trade for Simpson, Smokies and Bulldogs add recruits, and more!

Written by Brian Wiebe on

Capitals acquire Simpson from Pickering of the OJHL

The Cowichan Valley Capitals have acquired 2003-born defenseman Owen Simpson from the Pickering Panthers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League for future considerations.

Simpson, who’s committed to the University of Connecticut for September 2022, spent the 2020-21 season with the Boston Jr. Bruins of the National Collegiate Development Conference after the OJHL season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 13 games with the Jr. Bruins, he posted a goal and four points.

Bulldogs bring in blueliner Greaves from Waterloo of the GOJHL

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs added a new player for the second time in two days on Thursday with the announcement of Kai Greaves‘ commitment for 2021-22.

The 2003-born defenseman from Cambridge, ON had five goals and 21 points in 48 games with the Waterloo Siskins of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League in 2019-20.

He didn’t play any games in 2020-21 due to restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic.

Smoke Eaters sign Lake Superior State commit Johnson

The Trail Smoke Eaters have recruited 2001-born forward Luke Johnson for the 2021-22 season.

Johnson, who’s from St. Cloud, MN, had 15 goals and 33 points in 41 games with the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League in 2020-21.

He is committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey at Lake Superior State starting in September 2022.

Spruce Kings add Karapita as their trainer

Spruce Kings Hire Mitchell Karapita As New Trainer

The Prince George Spruce Kings have hired Mitchell Karapita as their trainer for the 2021-22 season. Karapita, who’s from Yorkton, SK, is a recent alumnus of the Mount Royal University Bachelor of Health and Physical Education in Athletic Therapy program in Calgary, AB.

Smoke Eaters are looking for a trainer

The Trail Smoke Eaters are on the hunt for an athletic therapist and trainer for the 2021-22 season.

Details about the job and how to apply are available on the Smoke Eaters website here.

Price and the Montreal Canadiens advance to the Stanley Cup Final

Goaltender Carey Price (2.70 goals-against-average in 18 games with Quesnel in 2002-03) and the Montreal Canadiens advanced to the Stanley Cup Final with a 3-2 overtime win in game six of their semifinal series against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Price, a 33-year-old from Anahim Lake, BC, started all six games for Montreal in the series and finished with a 3,05 goals-against-average and a .933 save percentage.

The Habs will meet the winner of the Tampa Bay Lightning – New York Islanders series for the Stanley Cup.

Lepage leaves Toulouse-Blagnac

Defenseman Julian Lepage (five goals, 18 assists in 58 games with Cowichan Valley in 2014-15) won’t return to Toulouse-Blagnac of France’s FFHG, Division 2 for 2021-22.

The 27-year-old from Baie-Comeau, QC had a goal in seven games with Montpellier of FFHG, Division 1 this past season.

Fraser promoted to Everett Silvertips director of player personnel

Mike Fraser (3.69 goals-against-average in 46 games with Victoria from 1997-99) is the new director of player personnel for the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips.

Fraser, 42, spent the last 16 seasons as a scout in the WHL with the Silvertips, Brandon, and Swift Current. From 2018-21, he was also Everett’s head scout.

Shelast named assistant coach at Michigan Tech

Tyler Shelast (47 goals, 64 assists in 103 games with Salmon Arm and Powell River from 2002-04) has been promoted to assistant coach by the Michigan Tech men’s hockey team.

Shelast, a 36-year-old from Kelowna, BC, has been MTU’s conditioning coach for the last eight seasons. He also played for the Huskies from 2004-08.