Nanaimo Clippers defender Ethan Mistry‘s skills were identified early on by a Hockey Hall of Fame member. The Toronto product recalls being a centre early in his hockey career. Around the age of eight, Mistry moved and tried out for a new team. The squad’s coach – Paul Coffey – […]
COVID-19
Three former Victoria Grizzlies currently on Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League teams
For junior hockey players, making a junior A roster is a big accomplishment, potentially a path toward a future college commitment to an NCAA school. However, not every player stays in junior A. Different opportunities open up for players on other teams and at different levels. Most often, players advance […]
From the Kings to the Seawolves: Powell River and the University of Alaska-Anchorage
Last year, two Powell River Kings players were recruited to the University of Alaska-Anchorage. In July 2022, defender Dylan Finlay was recruited to the school and teammate Karter McNarland committed to the Seawolves. The Seawolves program has a long history with the BCHL as several former players and coaches have […]
Revisiting Alberni Valley’s acquisition of Arlo Merritt
Last season, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs were preparing for a deep playoff run and on January 5, 2022, made a trade with the Coquitlam Express. The Bulldogs acquired 2001-born forward Arlo Merritt from the Coquitlam Express for 2004-born forward Mirko Buttazzoni and future considerations. For both teams, the trade served […]
Even more Major Junior players in the BCHL
Previously, I wrote about former Major Junior players who joined BC Hockey League rosters and the 2022-23 season has seen several more. Olivier Picard came from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Aidan Campbell came from the Ontario Hockey League, and Aiden Reeves came from the Western Hockey League. Those […]
Examining Cowichan Valley’s acquisition of Pier-Olivier Allard
On Nov. 27, the Cowichan Valley Capitals struck a trade with the Hawkesbury Hawks of the Central Canada Hockey League. In exchange for 2004-born forward Brandon Clarke, the Caps acquired 2004-born defender Pier-Olivier Allard. This trade is the latest in several transactions made by the team recently. Currently, they are […]
Examining six former BCHL players with North American Hockey League ties
For some players, the BC Hockey League is a destination to play, and come from across North America to join one of its teams. One league the BCHL gets players from often is the North American Hockey League. The opposite is also true as NAHL clubs often bring in players […]
Capitals Update: The return of Mike Vandekamp
On Nov. 16, there was a change behind the bench in Cowichan Valley. Brian Passmore was relieved as head coach and general manager. Replacing him is Mike Vandekamp. Vandekamp is familiar to Capitals fans as he coached the team from 2018 to 2020. After the 2020 playoffs were canceled, Vandekamp […]
New goalies guarding the den: A look at Ansel Holt and Oliver Auyeung-Ashton
With a new season comes a new goalie tandem for the Victoria Grizzlies. Kyle Kelsey has joined the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels and Cole Schwebius aged out of junior hockey and is now playing at the University of British Columbia for the Thunderbirds men’s team. New head coach and general […]
The recent history of the Cowichan Valley Capitals
For the Cowichan Valley Capitals, their recent history has been eventful. During the 2019 playoffs, the Capitals pulled off an upset win against the powerhouse Penticton Vees. In 2020, the Caps were ready for a deep playoff run. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic robbed Cowichan Valley of the […]