BCHL Today: Vees alternate captain McDonald suspended one game, Kehler goes camping with Rapid City, and more!

 

BCHL suspends Vees forward Casey McDonald

The BC Hockey League department of player safety has suspended 2001-born Penticton forward Casey McDonald for one game after he was handed an instigator minor, a fighting major, and game misconduct in the Vees 4-3 win over Trail on Friday.

The infractions happened with 9:36 seconds left in the second period when Smoke Eaters rookie defenseman Joel Barton and McDonald dropped the gloves. The Vees alternate captain will miss Penticton’s game on Wednesday at the BCHL Showcase in Chilliwack against Langley.

He is eligible to return for Thursday’s game at the Showcase when the Vees face Surrey.

Kehler goes from Winnipeg to Rapid City

Goaltender Cole Kehler (18-24-0, 3.84 goals-against average, .898 save percentage in 43 games with Merritt in 2015-16) is in training camp with the Rapid City Rush of the ECHL.

The 23-year-old from Altona, MB played three games for the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose in 2020-21, finishing with a 2-1-0 record to go along with a 2.52 goals-against average, and an .861 save percentage.

Jermain traded from Kalamazoo to Fort Wayne

Forward Nick Jermain (29 goals, 25 assists in 54 games with Merritt in 2015-16) has been traded in the ECHL from the Kalamazoo Wings to the Fort Wayne Komets for future considerations.

The 25-year-old from Cos Cob, Connecticut had a goal and 13 points in 13 games for the Coventry Blaze in the Elite Ice Hockey League’s mini-season this past spring.

Three Stars of the Night ⭐⭐⭐

First Star: Victoria forward Connor Eddy finished the night with two goals and four assists as the Grizzlies dumped Cowichan Valley 7-3.

Second Star: Langley forward Tyler Schleppe had a hat trick as the Rivermen doubled Chilliwack 6-3.

Third Star: Coquitlam forward Arlo Merritt notched two goals and an assist and the Express rolled over Surrey 7-4.

Honourable Mentions: Grizzlies forward Matthew Wood posted two goals and two assists. Express forward Ryan Tattle, Prince George forward Nick Rheaume, and Victoria forward Ellis Rickwood each had a goal and two assists.