Saturday, May 30, 2009

Nicholishen Listed by Kootenay

OHA Forward Stefan Nicholishen has had his playing rights listed by the Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League.

The 6’2, 195 lb Nicholishen scored 6 goals and added 9 assists through 44 games for the OHA Major Midget team this past season. Stefan is one of 5 OHA players listed by WHL teams. In addition to being listed by Kootenay, Stefan has also been invited to the Under 17 High Performance Development Camp by BC Hockey.

Stefan is in his second year with OHA, having played for the Midget Development team in his first season.

“Stefan has progressed very quickly. He spent a season playing for our development team before making the jump to our top team this past season. His dedication on and off the ice have been keys to his progression. We are pleased that Stefan’s hard work is paying off.” Alan Kerr, Director of Hockey Operations.

Friday, May 29, 2009

5 Players Selected to U17 Development Camp

The Okanagan Hockey Academy is proud to announce 5 players being selected to attend the 2009 Under 17 Provincial Development Camp.

Jagger Dirk, Luke Fenske, Eric Walker, Brenden Persley and Stefan Nicholishen were among the 52 players selected to attend the 6 day camp held in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The U17 camp is the third stage of the BC Hockey High Performance Program. 18 players will be shortlisted as potential members of Team Pacific at the 2010 Under 17 Hockey Challenge. Of the 18 players shortlisted, 11 will be selected to join players from Alberta Hockey.

The BC Hockey U17 program is the first step towards joining Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence. Players identified from BC Hockey’s High Performance Program have the opportunity to advance and compete for Canada at National U 18 Team, National Junior Team and Olympic Team.

“All the players selected have different skill sets, but have a common denominator. They have a strong commitment to the game and pushed themselves to new levels by working hard every day on and off the ice. We are very pleased for each of these players and wish them success in Nanaimo.“Alan Kerr, Director of Hockey Operations - OHA

Friday, May 22, 2009

Bulldogs Sign Matt Hatch

GM/Head Coach Nolan Graham is excited to announce that (90) Forward Matt Hatch has committed to play for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for the 2009 – 2010 season.

Hatch, a native of Massena, New York, played last season at Philips Exeter Academy located in Exeter, New Hampshire. Hatch was second on team scoring with 19 goals and 52 assists in 35 games. With his strong performance last season, the 6’1” 180lbs forward secured a Division I NCAA Scholarship to Union College (ECAC) for the 2010 – 2011 season.

“Matt is a key addition to our lineup, he is a very strong skater who sees the ice very well. His speed is going make him an offensive threat, but it will also prove to be valuable in penalty killing situations” comments GM/Head Coach Nolan Graham. “Matt’s puck moving, and playmaking abilities will make him a valuable offensive player for our club” adds Graham.

Hatch will make his way to Alberni for the Bulldogs Main Camp scheduled to start August 24th 2009.

A reminder to all current season ticket holders, that the deadline to secure your seats for the 2009 – 2010 season is approaching. Current season ticket holders have until May 29th – 2009 to reserve their seats for next season before they are opened up to the general public for purchase.

For further information regarding this press release please contact GM/Head Coach Nolan Graham at 250.735.0488

OHA Alumni Commits To UAF

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs are proud to announce that goaltender Colin Rundell has committed to attend the University of Alaska – Fairbanks to play for their NCAA Division 1 Nanooks next season.

From Tees Alberta, Rundell joined the Bulldogs at the beginning of the 2008 - 2009 BCHL season. Through his hard work and determination Rundell earned the opportunity to prove himself at the BCHL level. Rundell started 29 games last season for the Bulldogs.

Prior to joining the Bulldogs, Rundell was a cog for the Summerland Sting of the KIJHL. During his tenure with the Okanagan Hockey Academy, Colin established himself as premier goaltender.

“Colin is a relentless worker and is a dedicated person on and off the ice” comments Tom McEvay Educational Advisor for the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. McEvay adds “…everyone who worked with Colin last season was very impressed by his attitude. He worked hard to put himself in a position to earn an NCAA scholarship. I am very happy that his efforts have paid off and that he will be at an NCAA school in the fall.”

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs organization would like to thank Colin for his contributions to the Bulldogs and to the community of Port Alberni, and wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

“The progression of Colin’s development through the Okanagan Hockey Academy programs is a perfect example for other players to follow. He established himself in midget and junior B before jumping to the BCHL. His accomplishment is something other players can strive to attain.” Alan Kerr, OHA Director of Hockey Operations

For further information regarding this press release please contact GM/Head Coach Nolan Graham at 250.735.0488

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Sting Move to Penticton

The Okanagan Hockey School Ltd. & Kootenay International Junior Hockey League are proud to announce the relocation of the Summerland Sting. The Sting, after playing four seasons in Summerland will move to Penticton beginning the 2009-2010 season.

The move to Penticton is in partnership with Global Spectrum, Penticton Minor Hockey, the Penticton Vees, the City of Penticton and Penticton Secondary School. The team will have a particularly close affiliation to Pen High, adopting the school name, the Lakers, and wearing the school colors, purple and gold.

Based out of the Community Arena, the Lakers, along with the Penticton Vees, will provide the City of Penticton with two junior hockey teams as the anchors of the South Okanagan Events Centre.

With a focus on community ties and school involvement, the Penticton Lakers, will be heavily involved in all aspects of our community and within the Penticton Secondary School and Okanagan College student body. The atmosphere of playing in front of fellow students and peers is a tremendous opportunity for our players.

“On behalf of the Okanagan Hockey School and the players and staff of the Summerland Sting, I would like to thank the District of Summerland’s staff for their hard work and dedication over the years. The professionalism exhibited by all the people we dealt with from the District of Summerland has been immeasurable. From Brenda Ingram and her staff at the Summerland Recreation Department to Mike Federer and the staff at the Summerland Arena, we have been treated in a respectful and professional manner. We would also like to thank Summerland Minor Hockey for their tireless efforts in making each season a success.

This move brings about a tremendous opportunity for hockey players and fans alike in the City of Penticton. The chance for players from Penticton to play junior hockey in their hometown is an exciting prospect, and something we look forward to encouraging.

For the inaugural season, I am pleased to announce Alan Kerr as the Penticton Lakers first Head Coach. Alan will be joined on staff by an Assistant Coach and Athletic Therapist to be announced at a later date.” Andy Oakes, President OHSL

The team will be hosting an invitation only camp held in the second week of July in Penticton.

For questions please contact Andy Oakes at 250-493-1408 ext 3360 or Alan Kerr at 250-493-1408 ext 3364.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Bulldogs Add Assistant Coach/Assistant GM

The Alberni Valley Bulldogs announce the hiring of Bryan Vines as Assistant General Manager/Assistant Coach of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Vines joins the Alberni Valley Bulldogs after serving last season (2008-2009) as the Assistant Coach for Miami University – Ohio RedHawks, while working towards his Masters Degree. Vines was an instrumental part of the RedHawks history making championship season. The RedHawks lost to the Boston University Terriers in NCAA Final last season, the first time in school history the Mens Hockey team has played in the NCAA Div I Finals.

Prior to Miami University – Ohio, Vines spent three seasons as the Video Coach for the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). Vines was responsible for breaking down game film and conducting team video sessions under Head Coach Joel Quenneville.

A defenseman as a player, Vines spent four seasons at Denver University where he led the Pioneers as Team Captain in his senior year to a 32-8-1 (21-6-1 WCHA) record. Following Denver University Vines played two seasons in the minor pro hockey ranks, splitting time between the Long Beach Ice Dogs and the San Diego Gulls of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

“Bryan brings a tremendous amount of hockey knowledge to our program, his coaching experience at the NCAA and NHL levels will be extremely beneficial to our players” comments GM/Head Coach Nolan Graham. “Bryan has been a part of winning programs both as a player and as a coach, he understands the commitment and dedication that is needed to achieve success”, adds Graham.

Vines grew up in Ontario and will be moving to the Alberni Valley prior to the Bulldogs training camp in August.

For further information regarding this press release please contact GM/Head Coach Nolan Graham at 250.735.0488

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Alumni Selected in USHL Draft

Sahir Gill has been selected by the Chicago Steel in the USHL Entry Draft in the 5th round.

This accomplishment caps off a junior A rookie season filled with highlights that include winning; The Fred Paige Cup (BCHL Championship), The Doyle Cup (Pacific Championship) and the Royal Bank Cup (National Championship)

Gill, a member of the Vernon Vipers, notched 18 goals and 21 assists in 54 games this season. In the 2009 playoffs, Gill finished 3rd in team scoring with 17 points in 17 games.

Dirk Selected in USHL Futures Draft

OHA Defenseman Jagger Dirk was selected by the Chicago Steel of the USHL.

Chicago, which plays out of the East Division of the USHL, drafted Dirk in the 5th round of yesterday’s draft.

Dirk, a standout defenceman for the OHA Major Midget team, recorded 5 goals and 17 assists through 49 games. A physical presence on the ice, Jagger also added 32 minutes in penalties.
The USHL has 13 teams competing in two divisions.

In the past season, the USHL has committed 173 players to the NCAA and have 93 active NHL alumni.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Alumni Win National Championship

James Kerr and Sahir Gill have helped the Vernon Vipers capture the Royal Bank Cup as the 2009 Junior A National Champions.

The Vipers were a perfect 6-0 throughout the tournament, defeating the Central Representative, Humboldt Bronco's in the final 2-0. For their part, Kerr contributed 3 assists through 6 games, while Gill added 2 goals and 3 assists.

The Vipers are now the winningest team in Junior A history, having captured 5 National Championships.

"It's an amazing feeling. We are all so proud of our accomplishments this season and couldn't have asked for a better ending. The Okanagan Hockey Academy has supported me and helped me every step of the way, leading up to a National Championship." Sahir Gill

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Cetnarowski Goes to NCAA

The Tulsa Rampage are pleased to announce that RJ Cetnarowski will advance to the NCAA in the upcoming season. Cetnarowski, who was traded to the Rampage in early February, will join the Concordia College Cobbers in Moorehead Minnesota in the fall.

Cetnarowski was a star player for one of the Rampage's rival teams at the beginning of the season where he drew the attention of General Manager Julie Wilson. She considered requesting a trade from the Texas Renegades throughout the first half of the year but didn't think they'd consider losing the big scorer. As the trade deadline approached Wilson decided to take that chance. "We had secured a play off spot and the Renegades were looking less and less like they would," she said "so I talked to Coach Vakos before our last series against them, to request that he trade RJ to the Rampage in order to give him a chance to continue to play." Vakos agreed to make that trade after the game and although the Rampage won, Cetnarowski fittingly scored the only goal against the Tulsa team in that game.

Cetnarowski is a Mukilteo Washington native who wanted to begin playing hockey at five years old after seeing the Seattle Thunderbirds play. His parents supported the goal by enrolling him in the youth hockey association and securing additional training during the summer at hockey camps in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. It was there that his natural ability drew the attention of Okanagan Hockey Academy manager Andy Oakes. In a brave move, Cetnarowski's parents agreed to Oakes' request to have RJ join the Academy at 14 years of age. He made the move North where he remained with the program for four years. In his last season in Canada, he gained his first Junior experience by playing with the Summerland Sting Junior B program.

"I'm so pleased to see RJ get an NCAA opportunity," Wilson says "he's a solid player and a really good kid. He was pretty discouraged when he thought he wasn't going to the playoffs and wasn't sure if any college offers would come. Trading for him was great for us and turned out to be good for him as well. It's always nice to see a good kid overcome obstacles to succeed.
 
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