BCHL Today: Sorace nabs NCAA commitment, Vipers move Mercer to Brooks, and more!

 

Sorace commits to Quinnipiac University

2004-born Chilliwack Chiefs defenseman Lucas Sorace has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Quinnipiac University.

The Port Moody, BC product has played one game for the Chiefs thus far this season. He was with the Vancouver NE Chiefs U18 AAA of the BC Elite Hockey League U18 last season posting two assists in five exhibition games.

Vipers trade Mercer to Brooks

The Vernon Vipers have traded 2002-born forward Ethan Mercer to the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for future considerations.

Mercer, who’s from Slave Lake, AB, played two games with the Snakes this season but didn’t register any points. He had two assists in 16 games with Vernon during the 2020-21 BCHL pod season.

Prince George vs. Wenatchee first career BCHL goals

2001-born defenseman Dylan Schives scored five goals over the course of the last three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League but got his first in the BCHL on Wednesday as his Prince George Spruce Kings dumped Wenatchee 4-1.

The milestone marker came at the 10:19 mark of the third period and it closed out the Spruce Kings’ scoring in the opening game at the BCHL Showcase at the Chilliwack Coliseum. It extended the Tilbury, ON product’s point streak to three games.

Wenatchee forward Cade Stibbe provided all the offense for the Wild on Wednesday when he scored his first BCHL goal 7:59 into the third period. It came in the third game of the season for the 2001-born Arizona State University commit.

Coquitlam vs. Salmon Arm first career BCHL goals

Salmon Arm Silverbacks rookie forward Mathieu Cobetto-Roy scored with 3:10 remaining in the first period on Wednesday against Coquitlam at the BCHL Showcase.

The 2003-born Outremont, QC native’s goal gave the Silverbacks a 2-1 lead en route to a 5-2 win over the Express. The tally came in Cobetto-Roy’s third BCHL game after he notched his first point – an assist – on Oct. 9 against Merritt.

Lakewood, IL product Ethan Ullrick also found the back of the net for his first career BCHL goal in the win against Coquitlam.

The 2003-born rookie right winger has played all four games this season for Salmon Arm, helping the Silverbacks garner seven of a possible eight points so far.

Langley vs. Penticton first career BCHL goals

Despite being a veteran of 22 BCHL games, 2003-born Langley Rivermen defenseman Josh Wessels scored his first goal in the league on Wednesday.

The milestone tally came with 11:25 remaining on the clock in the second period of the Rivermen’s 4-1 loss to the Penticton Vees. His goal tied the game 1-1. The Richmond, BC native posted five assists in 18 games for Powell River last season.

Sulpico joins the Fraser Valley Bandits

Justin Sulpico announced on Wednesday that he has joined the Fraser Valley Bandits of the Canadian Elite Basketball League as their digital manager.

Sulpico spent one season as the Powell River Kings’ broadcast and director of media relations, joining the team in October 2020 before departing the Sunshine Coast earlier this year.

Three Stars of the Night ⭐⭐⭐

First Star: Salmon Arm forward Brandon Santa Juana posted a goal and two assists in the Silverbacks 5-2 triumph over Coquitlam at the BCHL Showcase.

Second Star: Prince George defenseman Ben LeFranc had a pair of goals, including the insurance marker as the Spruce Kings dumped Wenatchee 4-1.

Third Star: Penticton veteran forward Luc Wilson notched two goals in the Vees’ 4-1 waxing of Langley.

Honourable Mentions: Silverbacks forward Mathieu Bourgault, Vees forward Josh Nadeau, Spruce Kings forward John Herrington, and Penticton defenseman Grayson Arnott each finished with two assists. Langley goaltender Ajeet Gundarah stopped 34 shots, including 16 in the third period. Prince George forward Kolton Cousins had a goal and an assist.