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BCHL Today: Premier Horgan asked about relief funds for BCHL teams, Caps add new recruits, and more

Written by Brian Wiebe on

 

Premier Horgan on government funding for BCHL: “Stay tuned”

The official leader of the opposition Shirley Bond asked Premier John Horgan about business relief funds partially going to BC-based Western Hockey League and BC Hockey League teams to the tune of $9.5 million during Question Period in the BC legislature on Wednesday.

Horgan responded that some relief is coming to both leagues. “We are not yet in a position to make a final determination on the funds that have been requested, but there is good news,” Horgan said.

“There’s going to be more news about both hockey leagues. They provide an economic benefit. We understand the issue. We’ve been working on it for a number of months. I regrettably have to say ‘Stay tuned’ at this point.”

The two leagues teamed up to approach the government about funding in January. At the time, Postmedia sports reporter Steve Ewen spoke with Vancouver Giants owner Ron Toigo who says the BCHL and WHL could collectively lose more than $20 million this season.

Capitals add Haymes for 2021-22

The Cowichan Valley Capitals announced the commitment of 2003-born forward Luke Haymes for the 2021-22 season.

The Ottawa product is with Ridley College in the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association in Ontario.

He hasn’t skated in any games this season because of the pandemic but had 12 goals and 31 points in 29 games with Ridley College in 2019-20.

Haymes was also on the roster of the Nepean Raiders of the Central Canada Hockey League during its developmental scrimmages earlier this season but didn’t play any games.

Cowichan recruits Hamming for its blueline

The Capitals have also recruited 2003-born defenseman Sebastian Hamming for the upcoming 2021-22 BCHL season.

Hamming, who’s from Edmonton, scored one goal in four games with St. George’s School U18 Prep this season in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.

As part of the U18 Prep team in 2019-20, Hamming posted six goals and 17 points in 33 games at St. George’s.

BCHL alumni in the running for NCAA senior CLASS award

Three BCHL alumni are among the 10 finalists for the NCAA men’s hockey Senior CLASS award for the 2020-21 season.

University of North Dakota forward Jordan Kawaguchi (120 goals, 122 assists in 213 games with Chilliwack from 2013-17), University of Minnesota goaltender Jack LaFontaine (30-13-1, 2.19 GAA, .923 SV%, and 3 shutouts in 45 games with Penticton in 2018-19), and Quinnipiac University forward Odeen Tufto (25 goals, 40 assists in 57 games with Vernon in 2015-16) are all in the running for the award.

To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be classified as NCAA Division I seniors and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character, and competition.

The winner will be announced during the NCAA’s Frozen Four in April.

Cooley called up to Milwaukee of the AHL

Goaltender Devin Cooley (7-3-0, 2.45 GAA, .887 SV%, 3 SO in 14 games with Wenatchee in 2016-17) has been called up from the ECHL’s Florida Everblades to the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.

Cooley, who hails from Los Gatos, California, is 8-4 with a 2.52 goals-against-average, a .918 save percentage, and one shutout in 13 games with the Everblades this season, his first of pro hockey.

Conway released by ECHL’s Americans

Forward Scott Conway (56 goals, 60 assists in 56 games with Penticton in 2015-16) was released by the ECHL’s Allen Americans after signing with them last Thursday.

The 25-year-old, who’s from Basingstoke, Great Britain, had one goal in three games with the Americans. He added two points in five games with Orlando earlier this season before being released in January.