BCHL sends tweet taking aim at detractors
As much as other leagues wish it were true, the demise of the BCHL is only in their imaginations. We will be playing hockey as soon as we are cleared to play. See you all soon! pic.twitter.com/ZHLWTsZgrl
— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) May 2, 2020
The BCHL sent out an interesting tweet on Saturday afternoon. The tweet, posted above, appears to take aim at other junior leagues talking about the demise of the BCHL.
When the league made the announcement that it would seek financial support from the government of BC, there was speculation online and social media about the health of many BCHL franchises.
Saturday’s tweet appears to try to put to bed rumours about the league not being able to play in 2020-21 due to financial problems. Commissioner Chris Hebb is on the record stating that all 18 teams have declared they are planning to play this coming season.
Penticton Vees president, general manager and head coach Fred Harbinson also posted a tweet on Saturday afternoon that seemed to align with the message the league sent.
Attention advisors, scouts, coaches, No need to call & ask if the BCHL is PLANNING to play this Fall – WE ARE! Our Commish was simply trying to see what Govt Funding was available for our Business; Leagues or Teams that tell you they know the exact start date are simply lying
— Fred Harbinson (@FredHarbinson) May 2, 2020
The BCHL and the other nine leagues in the Canadian Junior Hockey League are on pause due to the COVID-19 until Hockey Canada gives the green light for sanctioned activities to start back up.
Fecteau commits to Stevenson University
NEWS: The Eagles are proud to congratulate @jjfecteau10 on his commitment to Stevenson University (@SUMustanghky) for next season! #NCAA #alumni #SoarWithUs
🔗: https://t.co/OTGPxZvtoL pic.twitter.com/kcOdDAokRY
— Surrey Eagles (@SurreyEagles) May 2, 2020
Surrey Eagles forward JJ Fecteau has committed to NCAA Div. III Stevenson University for the 2020-21 season. Fecteau, 21, had a goal and seven assists in 52 games with the Eagles this past season.
Niedermayer, Malmquist, and Perets set to return to Vees
Per this article, Liam Malmquist (Wisconsin), Jackson Niedermayer (ASU), and Yaniv Perets (Quinnipiac) are set to return to Penticton in 2020-21. https://t.co/Ur5puj6hVI
On the Vees roster, they are still listed as committed to school this fall. https://t.co/6qAgnNi1Is#BCHL
— Brian Wiebe (@Brian_Wiebe) May 1, 2020
The Penticton Vees are due to get a big boost for the 2020-21 season with the return of forwards Jackson Niedermayer and Liam Malmquist, along with goaltender Yaniv Perets, according to Jesse Day of the Penticton Western News.
Arizona State commit Niedermayer had 23 goals and 22 assists in 52 games last season. Malmquist is committed to the University of Wisconsin and he had 16 goals and 23 assists in 58 games during 2019-20. Perets, who’s committed to Quinnipiac, went 25-8-0 with a 2.19 GAA, a .918 SV% and five shutouts this past season.
All three players are still showing on the Vees roster as being committed to attending school this September. Day’s story is here.
Diamond transfers to SUNY-Canton
Looking forward to announcing our incoming class! First up transfer goalie Pierce Diamond. The Edmonton Alberta native ended his junior career with the Cowichan Valley Capitals of the BCHL during the 18/19 season. Pierce will wear number 70 for us next year, Welcome Pierce! pic.twitter.com/R6322468x5
— SUNY Canton Hockey (@CantonRooHockey) May 1, 2020
Goaltender Pierce Diamond (5-6-0, 3.34 GAA, .886 SV% in eleven games with Cowichan Valley in 2018-19) has transferred NCAA Div. III schools from Albertus Magnus College to SUNY-Canton.
Diamond went 2-13-2 with a 3.82 GAA and a .894 SV% in 23 games as a freshman with Albertus Magnus in 2019-20.
Three Stars of the Night ⏪ May 3, 2016
First Star: West Kelowna forward Brian Basilico had two goals as the Warriors beat Portage 3-2 in overtime in game six of the round-robin at the 2016 Western Canada Cup.
Second Star: Warriors forward Jonathan Desbiens scored the winner 2:23 into the first overtime period.
Third Star: West Kelowna goaltender Keelan Williams made 26 saves in the win.
Honourable Mentions: Terriers netminder Nathan Park stopped 34 shots in the loss. Warriors forward Garrett Forster helped set up Desbiens’ winning goal.
