* The Vernon Vipers’ Jones Twins are athletes, not just hockey players. Don’t believe me? Ask the Coure D’Alene Lumbermen who got it good from the Kootenay kids!
Is that KELLEN OR CONNOR?! I can never tell.
* Local Vees power forward Logan Johnston impressed his hometown crowd on Saturday as he potted a pair of goals at the BC HHOF Summer Classic (more than Jarome Iginla). Dave Crompton of the Herald tells us Logan has his sights set on a jump in offensive production this season.
* Kristi Patton of the Penticton Western News gives us the background on Justin Pogge’s rags to riches story (it’s expensive being a goalie). Justin played in the Summer Classic on Saturday and was smiling from ear-to-ear with mother Annet in attendance. Justin was thrilled at the opportunity to give back to minor hockey given his humble roots.
[Insert joke about taking the shirt of his back for charity HERE]
* Brian Weibe has some background on Assistant Coach Luke Pierce of the new and improved Merritt Centennials coaching staff. Don’t expect to see either Port Alberni or Merritt in the basement of their Conference standings this season (where they’ve both been found the past two seasons).
* Somehow I forgot to mention the hockey operations shuffle in Salmon Arm, as Rylan Ferster will now be the full time GM as Matt Hughes takes over the bench duties. Here’s the release from the Silverbacks.
* The Trail Smoke Eaters have officially inked Wade Bennett for the upcoming campaign. Wade is the older brother of Vees recruit Beau Bennett. Both played for the LA Jr. Kings last season.
* A former Alberni Bulldog has been inked by the Vancouver Canucks… But, don’t get too excited Kellan Tochkin apparently played just a single game in the BCHL. Hammer has the follow up.
Kellan in Everett
* Former Salmon Arm Silverback Kris Chucko has re-upped with the Calgary Flames, and will likely play in Abbotsford this season. He scored 28 goals and 51 points last season in the AHL, but he’s no Travis Zajac. Eddie Gregory has more.
