BCHL, Coastal Conference, Interior Conference, NCAA

BCHL Today: Vees add defenceman Marsella, Chiefs forward Willits to attend NMU, Cents cancel spring camp, and more

Written by Brian Wiebe on

Vees get Ivy League-bound blueliner Marsella

The Penticton Vees added a blue chip to their blue line with the addition of 17-year-old Jason Marsella. The defenceman is a prospect for the 2021 NHL Entry Draft who had three goals and 13 assists in 27 high school prep games with Avon Old Farms this season.

Marsella is committed to attend Yale University in September 2021. He was drafted by Chicago in the sixth round, 87th overall in the 2018 USHL Futures Draft. The Halifax Mooseheads also selected him in the 8th round, 142nd overall at the 2018 QMJHL Entry Draft.

Chiefs veteran Willits off to Northern Michigan

Chilliwack Chiefs forward Brett Willits secured his post-BCHL future by committing to Northern Michigan University. He is the 18th member of this season’s Chiefs team to commit to an NCAA school.

Willits, who turned 21 on Monday, had 12 goals and 22 assists in 58 games with the Chiefs this past season. He added three goals and three assists in Chilliwack’s first-round playoff series against Surrey.

Warriors add highly touted Princeton commit Cronin

The West Kelowna Warriors secured their second player commitment in as many days with the addition of forward Jack Cronin. Cronin, who played prep hockey with Noble & Greenough School this season, had 22 goals and 14 assists in 27 games.

The 18-year-old was set to attend Princeton University this fall, but will play in the BCHL for the Warriors before heading to the Ivy League school in September 2021.

Centennials cancel spring camp

The Merritt Centennials joined the ranks of many other junior hockey clubs across North America and cancelled their spring camp in the wake of the coronavirus.

Three Stars of the Night Rewind ⏪ (March 17, 2009)

First Star: Victoria forward Evan Pighin had two goals and an assist as Victoria beat Cowichan Valley 6-0 to win the first-round series in seven games.

Second Star: Grizzlies forward Jonathan Milhouse had a goal and two assists in the win.

Third Star: Victoria forward Brian Nugent notched three assists.

Honourable Mentions: Capitals goaltender Chris Rawlings made 43 saves, including 21 in the first period. Grizzlies goaltender Anthony Grieco stopped 37 shots for the shutout victory.