The British Columbia Hockey Conference announced today the coaches and staff that will be a part of the first annual BCHC Prospects Game on Tuesday, November 22nd at the Sardis Sports Complex in Chilliwack, BC.
The PJHL’s Top Prospects team will be led by head coach Brad Bakken, whose Langley Trappers currently sit in top spot in the Harold Brittain Conference. Last season, Bakken and the Trappers captured the 2022 PJHL championship before defeating the host Delta Icehawks in the gold medal game to hoist the Cyclone Taylor Cup.
Chilliwack Jets assistant coach Cam Campbell and Langley Trappers assistant coach Gary Mahesh will serve as assistant coaches under Bakken, while Ridge Meadows Flames general manager Derek Bedard has been named the team’s Operations Manager and Abbotsford Pilots trainer Krista-Lee Walchuk has been named Athletic Trainer & Equipment Manager.
“a lot of discussions and planning has gone into this event by everyone involved. We are really looking forward to a great couple of days” says Trevor Alto PJHL Commissioner. “Our responses of support from various teams and scouts from all levels across the country has been great. We look forward to putting on a great event for them also whether in person or watching on HockeyTV ”
Meanwhile, the KIJHL Top Prospects team staff includes head coach Dave Hnatiuk (Grand Forks Border Bruins), assistant coaches Mark Readman (Princeton Posse) and Ty Valin (Fernie Ghostriders), operations manager Lance Morey (Nelson Leafs) and athletic trainer Nicholle Auger (Fernie Ghostriders).
Hnatiuk has led the Border Bruins to a startling turnaround in his second season behind the bench, with Grand Forks currently atop the Neil Murdoch division standings with a 9-4-1 record.
Team rosters for the inaugural BCHC Prospects Game will be announced on Monday, November 7th.
