Jack Gorton in front of West Kelowna’s net (Garrett James Photography)
The B.C. Hockey League Showcase at the Chilliwack Coliseum is a one-stop shopping centre for more than 100 NCAA and NHL scouts looking for that unearthed potential gem among players not yet committed to U.S. university teams.
Each BCHL team will play two league games in the Fraser Valley city through 18 games Thursday. The Victoria Grizzlies (2-4-2) and West Kelowna Warriors (5-1-2) started it all off in the jamboree on Monday morning in a game won 5-3 by the Warriors, who built a 3-0 lead. Olivier Picard of the Grizzlies was named second star with two goals and Nolan Hayes of West Kelowna first star with three assists. Jack Gorton had the other Victoria goal. The Grizzlies pressed but were denied in a 28-save performance by third-star and Warriors goaltender Justin Katz. Victoria goaltender Ansel Holt faced only 17 shots.
“This event gives many of our players their first chance to display their skills in front of NHL scouts and NCAA coaches,” BCHL deputy commissioner Steven Cocker said in a statement.
“For many, it’s also their first opportunity to start discussions with schools and begin taking steps towards achieving their goals of playing college hockey.”
The Grizzlies continue this afternoon at the Showcase by playing the Merritt Centennials at 4 p.m. The Cowichan Valley Capitals met the Cranbrook Bucks on Monday and play the Trail Smoke Eaters at 2:30 p.m. today. The Nanaimo Clippers play the Bucks at 10 a.m. today and Smoke Eaters at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The Alberni Valley Bulldogs will meet the Vernon Vipers at 1 p.m. Wednesday and Penticton Vees at 1 p.m. Thursday.
“This is the big event of the year for us with lots of scouts there and lots of eyes on you,” said Grizzlies defenceman Justin Gibson, who is among those players in the hunt for an NCAA Div. 1 scholarship.
