BCHL Today: Smokies forward Johnson scores “The Michigan”, Cents longtime volunteer Brewer honoured by BCHL, and more

Trail’s Kent Johnson scores lacrosse-style goal

Call it the lacrosse-style goal, the Michigan, the Svechnikov…and you can now call it the Kent Johnson!

WHAT.A.GOAL. from the Michigan commit himself!@BCHLSmokeEaters @umichhockey @BarDown pic.twitter.com/diC0y4mHcw

— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) December 21, 2019

2021 NHL Draft prospect Kent Johnson scored one of the prettiest goals of the season on Friday. The Trail Smoke Eaters forward and BCHL leading scorer tried “The Michigan Move” against Cowichan Valley, where he picked the puck up onto the blade of his stick behind the goal and wrapped it around into the top corner.

It’s a move that Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov used to score earlier this season, becoming the first to do it in the NHL. It gained notoriety in 1996 when University of Michigan forward Mike Legg was successful in executing the move in an NCAA game against the University of Minnesota.

Centennials volunteer Brewer honoured by BCHL

The BCHL and LNG Canada are proud to present the first-ever BCHL Volunteer Award to Phyllis 'Rusty' Brewer, a longtime member of the Centennials family who has gone above and beyond for the team for over 30 years!

Congrats Rusty!

Read more: https://t.co/5Xoh8K97iR pic.twitter.com/iunge0u5j1

— BC Hockey League (@GoBCHL) December 20, 2019

The BCHL announced on Friday that Merritt Centennials volunteer Rusty Brewer has been named the recipient of the first ever BCHL Volunteer Award. Brewer has worked with the Cents, which is the BCHL’s longest continuously run franchise, for over 30 years. She also won the league’s Distinguished Volunteer Award as the Interior Conference’s Best Volunteer in 1991.

West Kelowna Director of Marketing and Game Day Operations Schell moves on

The Warriors would like to bid farewell to Mike Schell as he works his final game with the Warriors this evening. Be sure to come out tonight and show Mike your support.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/h83P9ELFF9#BCHL pic.twitter.com/69mlFXyK54

— West Kelowna Warriors (@BCHLWarriors) December 20, 2019

West Kelowna Warriors Director of Marketing and Game Day Operations Mike Schell has left the organization. He was with the Warriors since August 2018.

Vees add another Niedermayer brother as an affiliate

Two Niedermayer’s on the same team, sounds familiar…

Josh Niedermayer makes his @GoBCHL debut tonight alongside his brother, @jniedermayer27!

We drop the puck against Powell River at 7 PM from the @SOEC!#BCHL pic.twitter.com/M7ka1H7SW2

— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) December 21, 2019

Josh Niedermayer has signed with the Penticton Vees as an affiliate player and the 15-year-old made his debut in the BCHL on Friday against Powell River. His brother Jackson is a first year forward with the Vees this season. Josh is a defenceman for the Okanagan Hockey Academy Red Midget Prep team. He has 6 goals and 9 assists in 20 games with OHA so far in 2019-20.

Spruce Kings add forward Minten as an AP

Here is tonight's lineup in Surrey!

Fraser Minten of @WestVanWarriors slots into the lineup, making his BCHL debut.

Cameron and Brodziak return to the lineup!#GetInTheMix pic.twitter.com/7AGViEL8fq

— Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) December 21, 2019

15-year-old Fraser Minten made his BCHL debut with Prince George on Friday in Surrey against the Eagles. The forward has 14 goals and 24 assists in 21 games this season with the West Van Academy Midget Prep team in the CSSHL.

Former Vees/Express/Eagles forward Shaw signs AHL pro tryout

UPDATE: @BlueJacketsNHL assign Marko Dano, Brady Shaw signs PTO https://t.co/HzhlkkRDej

— Cleveland Monsters (@monstershockey) December 20, 2019

Brady Shaw (71 goals, 68 assists in 113 games with Penticton, Coquitlam and Surrey from 2011-13) has been signed to a pro tryout by the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. Shaw has 11 goals and 21 assists in 25 ECHL games this season with the Fort Wayne Komets.

Former Chiefs forward Pearce signs in Ireland

WELCOME TO BELFAST ELGIN PEARCE @elgin_pearce (throw him a follow #FF

Hear from the latest @BelfastGiants signing RIGHT NOW!

Elgin will wear the number 15 jersey and becomes the 221st All Time Giant.https://t.co/OvjMLRL8N3 pic.twitter.com/lFe1lx6Hfv

— A View From The Bridge (@AVFTB) December 20, 2019

Forward Elgin Pearce (5 goals, 5 assists in 40 games with Langley in 2008-09) signed with the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League in the UK. Pearce had 12 goals and 13 assists in 33 games with the Dundee Stars this season before being released last week.

Three Stars of the Night

First Star: Prince George forward Preston Brodziak scored two goals and an assist.

Second Star: Trail’s Owen Ozar potted a goal and two assists.

Third Star: Merritt goaltender Ryan Winter made 38 saves for the Centennials.

Honourable Mentions: Alberni Valley’s Mitch Deelstra notched a pair of goals. Penticton’s Lukas Sillinger and Cowichan Valley’s Cruz Cote each had a goal and an assist for their respective teams.

BCHL Trade Tracker (since Dec. 1)