BCHL Today: Silverbacks captain is off to school, Eagles name leaders for 2020-21, Spruce Kings blueline takes a hit, and more

 

Silverbacks defenseman Sansbury commits to Sacred Heart

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks announced on Tuesday that captain Hunter Sansbury has committed to Sacred Heart University starting in September 2021.

The 2000-born defenseman from Lomita, California is entering his second BCHL season with the Silverbacks. He has two assists in 13 games this season during the extended training camp.

Sansbury is the 10th player listed on Salmon Arm’s roster with an NCAA commitment.

Eagles announce captains for 2020-21

The Surrey Eagles announced their captains for 2020-21 on Monday. 2000-born defenseman Kieran O’Hearn will wear the ‘C’ for the Eagles. The Delta, BC product is entering his third full season in the BCHL.

2000-born defenseman Owen Nolan, 2001-born blueliner Jimmy Darby, and 2001-born forward Carter King will each don an ‘A’ as alternate captains for Surrey. The three have combined for 203 career games of junior A hockey.

Spruce Kings defenseman Main breaks his leg

The Prince George Spruce Kings are without 2000-born defenseman Tanner Main for a minimum of a month-and-a-half after he broke his leg during a game against Cranbrook on Sunday.

Main, who Prince George acquired via trade with Wenatchee in September, has a goal through seven games of the BCHL’s extended training camp.

In an article in the Prince George Citizen by Ted Clarke, Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes says the injury is “a fracture in the fibula above the ankle. It’s actually better than if he even sprained his ankle, believe it or not. (The break) didn’t go all the way through but he’s certainly going to be in a cast for a period of time and we’re hoping to get him back sometime in January.”

Bucks confirm no fans allowed to games

The expansion Cranbrook Bucks came out with a statement on Tuesday that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans won’t be allowed in attendance when the 2020-21 BCHL season starts next month.

The Bucks sent an email to season ticket holders with options on how to move forward with tickets purchased to this point.

The BCHL confirmed earlier this month that the season will run for 32 games within a regional cohort.

Spruce Kings add Makow for 2021-22

The Prince George Spruce Kings have added 2004-born Linden Makow for the 2021-22 season.

Makow, who’s from Vanderhoof, BC, had 23 goals and 14 assists in 26 games with the U16 AAA Cariboo Cougars in 2019-20. He also played six games with the U18 AAA Cougars but didn’t score any points.

Johnson makes an impact in Big Ten Hockey

Forward Kent Johnson (61 goals, 86 assists in 112 games with Trail from 2018-20) is off to a hot start in his NCAA career.

The 2002-born sniper from Port Moody, BC had a goal and four assists in two games for the University of Michigan to be named the Big Ten Hockey third star of the week.

McGovern moves up a tier in Sweden

Forward Sean McGovern (19 goals, 20 assists in 59 games with Surrey in 2011-12) has been loaned by IK Guts to Nyköpings SK.

IK Guts plays in Division 2, which is the fourth tier of pro hockey in Sweden, while Nyköpings SK plays in HockeyEttan, which is the third tier.

McGovern, 27, has six points in three games with IK Guts this season, his fifth straight in Europe.