Monday, January 13, 2014

Kijhl

We didn't lose any players at the trade deadline and managed to have a couple of players return who should be a big help as we approach playoffs  the Storm had Ryan Keis and Brett de Frias return. Ryan played here last year before going to Saskatchewan Junior A. Ryan is another big skilled forward who will help down the stretch.  Brett is a solid dman who will help on the blue line. Brett is a fierce competitor. 

Couple of other teams lost some players at the deadline   Kamloops native Tanner Cochrane returned to Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL. Tanner was playing in North Okanagan. We are told he has also been named captain of the BCHL squad.  Nelson lost a dman to Powell River and was named one of the teams stars in his first game. Nelson did pick up a skilled forward so will remain strong. In a strange move they released their goalie who had been the top ranked tender.  They seem to have picked up where they left off as the new guy has had some great numbers. Also Beaver Valley has released one of their net minders and only have one at present but they continue to play strong hockey. It should be a battle in the west Kootenay division between Nelson and beaver valley although don't count out Castlegar. Despite a fair number of points behind the top two teams they have made some moves that could make them a threat in playoffs. 

In the east Kootenay division Creston has been playing very well. Former Storm goalie Kyle Michalovsky has been solid in net and has helped anchor that team. Creston had been scoring a lot but needed goaltending help. 

Fernie is here next weekend and while a strong team on paper have had some trouble being consistent   In the win column. 

Closer to home kelowna had a big blow when league leading scorer Nick Joseph's joined the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. He will be missed. Although a couple of younger guys will get a chance for more ice time. Summerland also lost Riley Hunt and the loss of those players could make it into a dog fight. Osoyoos is a sleeper and could be a playoff factor as could Princeton who seem to have big games when they need them. I was predicting Summerland to emerge from the Okanagan and still think they will be the team to beat as they are very skilled and fast. 

In our division Chase lost goalie Byer who had been playing very well. It will mean a bigger load for Kamloops native Jake Mattes. Jake is more than capable so don't count out the Heat yet. Sicamous had two demen come in one from Saskatchewan, and Stoski both played for the Eagles previously and should help. Revelstoke is in disarray and the hope is new coach will stabilize things  the few bright lights they did have left. Hascarl  to jr b in Alberta and wilkinson to jr a in Alberta. 

Perhaps the biggest loss I the division was in 100 mile as they lost their goalie Nathan Warren to the BCHL. He will be very hard to replace. Keep following us on Facebook and Twitter as we move to the final part of the season 

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