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BCHL Today: League unveils pay-to-play scenario, Warriors add NHL draft pick, and more

Written by Brian Wiebe on

 

BCHL governors approve alternative scenario which includes pay-to-play

The BC Hockey League announced on Friday that the Board of Governors approved an alternative plan in the event the league’s pitch to have 25 percent capacity in its arenas for 2020-21 isn’t approved by the Provincial Health Officer.

The plan includes no fans in the arenas with costs partially covered by players paying a fee this season. In an interview with BCHLNetwork, commissioner Chris Hebb noted the league is also looking to subsidize expenses with corporate and government support.

Hebb also mentioned that the league plans to start the season with the Wenatchee Wild in tow, but only if the team is able to cross the border. If the border doesn’t allow it, the Wild will be invited back in as soon as possible.

Warriors ink NHL third round draft pick

The West Kelowna Warriors made a massive player announcement on Friday evening, bringing in 2000-born forward Matthew Stienburg of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Stienburg spent the 2019-20 season in the NCAA as a freshman at Cornell University and scored 10 points in 27 games.

He was a third round pick of the Colorado Avalanche, 63rd overall, in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft after he put up 75 points in 56 games as the captain with St. Andrew’s College prep school.

Warriors trade Pigeon to Saskatchewan

In a subsequent move, the Warriors traded 2001-born forward Brendan Pigeon to the La Ronge Ice Wolves of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for future considerations.

Pigeon, who’s from Williams Lake, BC, had 26 points in 56 games as a rookie in West Kelowna this past season.

Cents bring in Thurston from the CSSHL

The Merritt Centennials signed their seventh rookie in as many days on Friday with the addition of 2003-born forward Mark Thurston from the Delta Hockey Academy U16 Wild of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.

Thurston is from Delta, BC, and was also an affiliate player for the Delta Academy prep team in 2019-20, with no points in eight games.

Vees unveil leadership core

The Penticton Vees announced their leadership group for the 2020-21 season. 2003-born forward Finlay Williams will act as captain for the Vees with 2001-born forward Jackson Niedermayer, 2000-born forward Tyler Ho, and 2000-born defenseman Ethan Martini as assistant captains.

Brandt and Trott transfer to Grant MacEwan

Forward Riley Brandt (42 goals, 40 assists in 176 games with Trail and Vernon from 2013-17) and defenseman Cameron Trott (15 goals, 50 assists in 131 games with Salmon Arm and Vernon from 2015-18) have transferred to Grant MacEwan University for the 2020-21 season.

Brandt had 21 goals and 15 assists in 30 games with Royal Military College over the last three seasons. Trott has posted seven points in 45 games with the University of Lethbridge from 2018-20.

Gellert signs extension in Asiago

Defenseman Alex Gellert (33 goals, 38 assists in 117 games with Westside and Cowichan Valley from 2007-09) has signed an extension with Asiago of the Alps Hockey League.

The 30-year-old from Kelowna has played in Asiago for the last three seasons and is entering his seventh season in Italy.

Three Stars of the Night ⏪ September 12, 2010

First Star: Williams Lake centre Jake Morissette tallied two goals and two assists, including the overtime winner as the T-Wolves edged Victoria 6-5.

Second Star: Salmon Arm defenseman Craig Switzer had two goals and an assist in the Silverbacks 4-3 overtime win against Vernon.

Third Star: Nanaimo right winger Brandon Kushniruk posted a pair of goals and an assist in the Clippers 7-3 thumping of Alberni Valley.

Honourable Mentions: Chilliwack forward Tyler Burton scored twice as the Chiefs doubled Surrey 4-2. Spruce Kings forward Tyler Scofield had a goal and two assists as PG topped Trail 4-1.