BCHL

BCHL Today: Silverbacks add Matta for 2020-21, Warriors give Ferguson an extension, Spruce Kings mourn Staley, and more

Written by Brian Wiebe on

Silverbacks add defenceman Matta for 2020-21

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks nabbed a commitment from 17-year-old defenceman Lucas Matta for the 2020-21 season.

Matta, who’s committed to Northern Michigan University, has 12 goals and 24 assists in 25 games playing US prep hockey with Lake Forest Academy.

Warriors bet on Ferguson for two more years

The West Kelowna Warriors showed faith in head coach Simon Ferguson by removing the interim tag from his title.

Ferguson took over when Brandon West was fired on Dec. 28 and led West Kelowna to a 9-10-1-1 record. He has signed a two year contract with the Warriors through the 2021-22 season.

Silverbacks solidify front office

The Salmon Arm Silverbacks have re-signed marketing director Russell Day to a two year contract extension. The Backs have also reached an agreement with play-by-play announcer and social media manager Nathan Kanter for the 2020-21 season.

Former Spruce Kings captain Staley passes away

Chad Staley (60 goals, 87 assists in 164 games with Prince George from 2012-15) has died at the age of 25. Staley’s mother posted the news on social media.

He spent this past season playing in Europe where he had five goals and 12 assists in 14 games with Unterland of the Italian second league. Staley started the season with the Hamburg Crocodiles of the German third level league where he had five goals and four assists in nine games.

Former Silverbacks forward Hutchison signs pro deal with Adirondack

Forward Nick Hutchison (23 goals, 29 assists in 63 games with Salmon Arm from 2014-16) has signed with the Adrirondack Thunder of the ECHL for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

Hutchison wrapped up his four year NCAA career at Canisius College this season with 18 goals and 14 assists in 31 games.

Cents jersey auction raises funds for Ty Pozzobon Foundation

The Merritt Centennials third jersey campaign raised just over $5,000, with partial proceeds going to the Ty Pozzobon Foundation.

Former Rivermen forward Torrel released by Florida Everblades

Forward Gage Torrel (36 goals, 52 assists in 82 games for Langley from 2013-15) has been released by the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.  Torrel had no points in two games with the Everblades since joining them in late February.

Former Rivermen forward McLain called up to Iowa of the AHL

Forward Mitch McLain (38 goals, 54 assists in 111 games with Langley from 2012-14) has been recalled by the AHL’s Iowa Wild from the ECHL’s Allen Americans.

In 28 games with the Wild this season, McLain has two goals and two assists. He’s added four goals and two assists in eight games with the Americans.

Fred Page Cup Playoff Picture

INTERIOR DIVISION

#1 Penticton Vees vs. #5 Vernon Vipers

Game 1: Friday, Mar. 13, 7 p.m. – Vipers @ Vees
Game 2: Saturday, Mar. 14, 7 p.m. – Vipers @ Vees
Game 3: Monday, Mar. 16, 7 p.m. – Vees @ Vipers
Game 4: Wednesday, Mar. 18, 7 p.m. – Vees @ Vipers
*Game 5: Friday, Mar. 20, 7 p.m. – Vipers @ Vees
*Game 6: Saturday, Mar. 21, 7 p.m. – Vees @ Vipers
*Game 7: Monday, Mar. 23, 7 p.m. – Vipers @ Vees

#2 Trail Smoke Eaters vs. #3 Salmon Arm Silverbacks

Game 1: Friday, Mar. 13, 7 p.m. – Silverbacks @ Smoke Eaters
Game 2: Saturday, Mar. 14, 7 p.m. – Silverbacks @ Smoke Eaters
Game 3: Tuesday, March 17, 7 p.m. – Smoke Eaters @ Silverbacks
Game 4: Wednesday, Mar. 18, 7 p.m. – Smoke Eaters @ Silverbacks
*Game 5: Friday, Mar. 20, 7 p.m. – Silverbacks @ Smoke Eaters
*Game 6: Sunday, Mar. 22, 5 p.m. – Smoke Eaters @ Silverbacks
*Game 7: Tuesday, Mar. 24, 7 p.m. – Silverbacks @ Smoke Eaters

ISLAND DIVISION

#1 Nanaimo Clippers vs. #2 Cowichan Valley Capitals

Game 1: Friday, Mar. 13, 7 p.m. – Capitals @ Clippers
Game 2: Saturday, Mar. 14, 7 p.m. – Capitals @ Clippers
Game 3: Tuesday, March 17, 7 p.m. – Clippers @ Capitals
Game 4: Wednesday, Mar. 18, 7 p.m. – Clippers @ Capitals
*Game 5: Friday, Mar. 20, 7 p.m. – Capitals @ Clippers
*Game 6: Sunday, Mar. 22, 7 p.m. – Clippers @ Capitals
*Game 7: Tuesday, Mar. 24, 7 p.m. – Capitals @ Clippers

MAINLAND DIVISION

#1 Coquitlam Express vs. #3 Surrey Eagles

Game 1: Friday, Mar. 13, 7 p.m. – Eagles @ Express
Game 2: Sunday, Mar. 15, 7:30 p.m. – Eagles @ Express
Game 3: Monday, Mar. 16, 7 p.m. – Express @ Eagles
Game 4: Wednesday, Mar. 18, 7 p.m. – Express @ Eagles
*Game 5: Friday, Mar. 20, 7 p.m. – Eagles @ Express
*Game 6: Saturday, Mar. 21, 7 p.m. – Express @ Eagles
*Game 7: Monday, Mar. 23, 7 p.m. – Eagles @ Express

*if necessary