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BCHL Today: BCHL reports latest COVID-19 test results, Rivermen and Henderson part ways, and more!

Written by Brian Wiebe on

 

BCHL reports no positive COVID-19 test results for the fifth straight week

The BC Hockey League announced on Friday there were no positive COVID-19 tests after the latest round of testing ahead of this weekend’s action. It is the fifth and final week of testing, with the season set to end next Tuesday.

The league notes that all of the players and staff taking part in the five pods around the province were tested, with all coming back negative.

Henderson parts ways with the Rivermen

The Langley Rivermen announced on Twitter on Friday that the club parted ways with general manager and head coach Bobby Henderson in March.

During Henderson’s time at the helm, Langley went 226-182-41-13 and made the playoffs in eight straight seasons. He was named BCHL coach of the year following the 2013-14 season.

He was only the second head coach in franchise history as the Rivermen. Henderson took over after Steve O’Rourke served in the role for the 2011-12 season.

Express offer free ticket for vaccinated fans

The Coquitlam Express announced on Thursday that all residents of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody who are vaccinated will receive a free ticket to a game when fans are allowed back.

Fans will have to email picture proof of their vaccination card to the team or bring it into the Express office when it reopens in August.

Dobson scores first career BCHL goal

Cranbrook Bucks defenseman Nick Dobson scored his first BCHL goal at 10:40 of the second period on Friday in a 5-4 win over Trail.

The 2001-born Cochrane, Alberta product was playing his 15th BCHL game and now has two points on the season. He had two goals last season with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Weyburn Red Wings.

Willoughby tallies his first in the BCHL

2002-born Trail defenseman Ethan Willoughby notched his first BC Hockey League goal Friday night in the loss to Cranbrook. It came at the 5:43 mark of the second period.

The Chilliwack native now has a goal and two points in 15 games this season as a rookie with the Smoke Eaters.

Carlson gets his first BCHL goal

Nanaimo Clippers 2003-born defenseman Brendan Carlson potted his first BCHL goal on Friday in a 4-3 win against Cowichan Valley.

The goal was Nanaimo’s second of the game, at 16:43 of the second period, and came in Carlson’s 17th career BCHL game.

Rands posts his first BCHL goal

In two and a half seasons with the Virden Oil Capitals of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Logan Rands scored five goals. And on Friday, he scored his first in the BCHL.

The 2001-born defenseman notched Cowichan Valley’s third goal with 4:37 left in the third period to bring the Caps within one in the loss to Nanaimo. It came in Rands’ 19th career BCHL game.

Three Stars of the Night ⭐⭐⭐

First Star: Cranbrook forward AJ Vasko had a hat trick and two assists in the Bucks’ 5-4 win against Trail.

Second Star: Nanaimo goaltender Jordan Naylor made 47 stops, including 23 in the second period as the Clippers edged Cowichan Valley 4-3.

Third Star: Surrey forward Tyson McLean scored a pair of goals as the Eagles doubled Powell River 4-2.

Honourable Mentions: Prince George netminder Jordan Fairlie stopped 15 shots for a shutout. Vernon goaltender James Porter Jr. made 37 saves. Trail forwards Kalen Szeto and Chase Dafoe, Clippers forwards Nolan Hutcheson and Liam Ryan, Nanaimo defenseman Brendan Carlson, Powell River forward Ben Raymond, Surrey forward Brandon Santa Juana, Vernon forward Ryan Shostak, and Prince George forward Hunor Torzsok each had a goal and an assist.