BCHL Today: Warriors forward Cristall secures NCAA future, CJHL teams up with Tim Hortons, Canada West is out at WJAC and more

West Kelowna forward Cristall off to St. Lawrence University

A month after being acquired by the West Kelowna Warriors from Chilliwack, forward Tyler Cristall has committed to an NCAA school. Cristall heads to St. Lawrence University in Sept. 2021. He has 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in 28 games with the Chiefs and Warriors this season.

Warriors vet Harrison out until the new year

The West Kelowna Warriors extended the injured reserve status of 20-year-old defenceman Jake Harrison by 15 days. He is eligible to return on Jan. 2. The Warriors play their first game of 2020 on Jan. 3 at home against Coquitlam. Harrison only got into one game with West Kelowna so far this season and hasn’t played since Sept. 6 against Vernon.

Wenatchee dman Usher’s IR status extended

The Wenatchee Wild will be without defenceman Drake Usher until at least New Year’s Eve. The Wild extended Usher’s injured reserve status by 15 days and he is eligible to return Dec. 31. Wenatchee’s last game before Christmas is Dec. 21 and the Wild don’t play again after that until Jan. 3.

Spruce Kings netminder Alexander’s charitable work recognized

Prince George Spruce Kings goaltender Jett Alexander was announced as the first ever recipient of Shaw BCHL Community Hero Award, which is awarded monthly during the 2019-20 season to a BCHL player who goes above and beyond in his community.

Canadian Junior Hockey League teams up with Tim’s

The Canadian Junior Hockey League struck a partnership deal with Tim Hortons, with the coffee giant coming on board as the presenting sponsor of the Centennial Cup National Junior A Championship. The CJHL also officially announced Penticton and Estevan, Saskatchewan as hosts of the tournament inย 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Canada West is out at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge

The BCHL clubs with players away for the World Junior Challenge will get a boost as those players will return to their member teams following Canada West’s 4-3 loss to the Czech Republic on Thursday. Canada East, the Czechs, Russia and the United States are the four teams battling for two spots in the semifinals.

Former Grizzlies forward Newhook cut from Team Canada

Colorado Avalanche first round draft pick Alex Newhook (60 goals, 108 assists in 98 games for Victoria from 2017-19) was cut from Canada’s World Junior Hockey Championship team on Thursday as it looked to get down in numbers ahead of the tournament starting on Boxing Day.

Newhook, 18, has 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 15 games as a freshman at Boston College this season.

Express add Hanzel as an AP

After making his BCHL debut Dec. 8, Vancouver NE Chiefs defenceman Jeremy Hanzel has joined the Coquitlam Express for their road trip to Prince George this weekend. The 16-year-old has 22 points (2 goals,ย  20 assists) in 21 BCMML games for the Chiefs this season.

Express bring Wall along for the ride as an AP

The Express also added another BCMML player as an AP, bringing Fraser Valley Thunderbirds forward Nolan Wall with them to PG. The 17-year-old has 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) in 22 games with the T-Birds in 2019-20.

Coquitlam takes Richmond forward Parent on road trip

Coquitlam also has Richmond Sockeyes forward Gabriel Parent on the bus to Prince George for the Express’ games against the Spruce Kings this weekend. The 17-year-old has 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) in 29 junior B games this season.

Cents sign Whalers dman Margetson as an AP

The Merritt Centennials have added 17-year-old defenceman Bryce Margetson from the White Rock Whalers of the Pacific Junior Hockey League as an affiliate player. He has 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists) and 125 PIM in 29 games with the Whalers so far in 2019-20.

BCHL Trade Tracker (since Dec. 1)
Trades Made: 4
Trades Made Within BCHL: 3
Trades Made With Teams Outside BC: 1
Players: 6
Future Considerations: 3
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Forwards: 4
Defencemen: 2
Goaltenders: 0
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1999-born: 0
2000-born: 5
2001-born: 1
2002-born: 0
2003-born: 0