Rivermen Relocate/Cap’s Get New Ownership

With the 2016-17 BCHL season set to drop the puck this weekend; changes in the off-season were major for some teams.

One move saw the Langley Rivermen relocated to the George Preston Arena, formerly known as the Langley Civic Centre all due to the relocation of the Vancouver Giants from the Coliseum.

Changes at George Preston include an overhaul of the overall complex, which are too numerous to mention, but to get a greater perspective you’ll have to attend one of the upcoming games.

The facility was originally opened in 1973 and over time, as with most buildings has begun to show some deterioration along the exterior of the building, exposing the building envelope to the elements of nature.

The work is (apparently) completed and cost $700,000, although the Township has applied for federal funding through the Canada 150 Fund and we are hearing that the application for $500,000 June 21^st.

Other News:

The Cowichan Valley Capitals are pleased to announce Ray Zhang has taken over as the new majority owner, which is the first time someone from China has purchased an overseas hockey franchise.

Zhang mentioned “It will open a door for hockey families in China to learn about Canadian hockey first hand. This link to Canadian hockey will prove valuable to encourage all of our young hockey players in China.”

BCHL Commissioner John Grisdale told the media “Ray is as passionate about hockey as anyone and he will be playing a leading role in the growth of hockey in China.” “We are pleased to have him join our league and take a place at the board of governors table. His input and insight from a new perspective will be extremely valuable.”

Last season was the first time in three years that the team qualified for playoffs and the Cap’s are hoping this will add energy to the program.

Caps Head Coach Bob Beatty mentioned “Ray is looking forward to working with the local ownership and has ambitious visions for the team.”

Zhang mentioned “I am extremely honored and excited to be involved with the Cowichan Valley Capitals as the Capitals have a reputation of having the best fans in the league and my family and I look forward to being part of the community.”

Zhang is from Beijing, China and his family will be relocating to Duncan.

Trail Smoke Eaters have hired Cam Keith (35) as the new bench boss and welcome him back to the area.

Last season he was an assistant coach for two seasons with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League, which is a farm-team for the Nashville Predators.

He played NCAA Div. I hockey at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks where he accumulate 100 points with 41 goals and 59 assists in 144 games.

He finished in the Nanooks top-six in scoring during each of his four seasons.

He (Keith) played for the Victoria Salsa in the 1997-98 and 1998-99 seasons and played for the Smoke Eaters in the 1999-2000 campaign.

He is originally from Nelson he feels brings a sense of confidence and pride to be able to recruit players that reflect the area and what the Smoke Eaters stand for.

SDMHA

South Delta Minor Hockey Association announces the launch of a new website and over the past year a committee undertook the redevelopment of this challenge.

The work involved the review and selection of a website platform, the soliciting of feedback and input from key stakeholders in the association, and the creation of a concept and design along with development of the site itself.

The site has been built on the WordPress platform and is integrated with TeamSnap.

The association also purchased a TeamSnap site license for all 50 teams in the association with the key objectives having to be followed.

The committee was led on a volunteer basis by Murray Pratt, and our Association Administrator Tracey Derrheim.

Content was created and written by members of the SDMHA with specific knowledge in key areas – coaching, managing, officiating and administration.

North Delta MHA hired Craig Sherbaty in a new role, which we will have more info on at a future date and time.

We congratulate all of the above individuals as well as each franchise and wish them all the success moving forward.

Oh yea – Milan’s an Oiler!!