Buttazzoni to play NCAA hockey at Clarkson
Alberni Valley Bulldogs rookie forward Mirko Buttazzoni has committed to Clarkson University for September 2023. The 2004-born Langley, BC product has four goals and three assists in nine games with the Bulldogs so far during the 2021-22 season.
Buttazzoni is the ninth NCAA Division 1 commitment on Alberni Valley’s roster. He is currently tied for second among all 17-year-old players in the BC Hockey League this season.
BCHL suspends Capitals defenseman Croucher and forward Fudger
The BC Hockey League department of player safety has suspended 2004-born Cowichan Valley Capitals defenseman Mason Croucher for three games for receiving a major penalty and game misconduct for a blow to the head during Sunday’s 4-2 win over Vernon.
The BCHL DOPS also suspended 2001-born Caps forward Brett Fudger one game for receiving a major penalty and game misconduct for charging during the same game. Both suspensions came as a result of a request for supplemental discipline by the Vipers.
Croucher, who’s from Victoria, BC will miss games on Wednesday in Nanaimo, Friday in Victoria, and Saturday at home against Penticton. He is eligible to return on Nov. 10 for a home game against the Clippers.
Fudger is out for Wednesday’s game at the Clippers, and the Prince Rupert, BC product can return on Friday at The Q Centre against the Grizzlies.
Spruce Kings unveil top franchise goaltenders of the 1970s
As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, the Prince George Spruce Kings unveiled the three goaltenders on the franchise’s 1970s All-Decade Team.
Receiving the honours are Claude Bertoli, Doug Waterhouse, and Cyril Fowlie.
Express announce Salute to Service night
The Coquitlam Express announced a partnership with Coquitlam Legion 263 that will see the team host a Salute to Service night on Nov. 10.
For the game against Langley that night, the Express will wear a special jersey to be auctioned off online with all proceeds being donated to the Coquitlam Legion poppy fund.
Topping recalled by San Jose from Orlando of the ECHL
Salt Spring Island, BC native Kyle Topping (five goals, seven assists in 53 games with Cowichan Valley in 2015-16) has been recalled by the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League from the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL.
Topping, 21, has five assists in three games with Solar Bears this season. He has yet to make an appearance with the Barracuda.
Desbiens traded in the ECHL from Maine to Iowa
25-year-old Rosemere, QC forward Jonathan Desbiens (71 goals, 66 assists in 112 games with the West Kelowna Warriors from 2014-16) was traded in the ECHL from the Maine Mariners to the Iowa Heartlanders for future considerations.
Desbiens got into one game with the Mariners this season and didn’t register any points. He didn’t play in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Springfield reassigns Pierog to Wheeling of the ECHL
Forward Nic Pierog (40 goals, 33 assists in 112 games with Surrey and Penticton from 2012-2014) was reassigned by the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds to the Worcester Nailers of the ECHL on Monday.
Pierog, 28, has posted a goal and an assist in two games with the Nailers this season.
