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covid testing varies from rink to rink - April 30, 2021
Photo Credit: ERA/Chamila Karunarathne
Story by Steve Erickson
With all amateur sports on hold we continue to follow the WHL and the BCHL “Pod’s” that many feel was set up for draft ratings for those whose careers are coming to an end.
Many still question the fact that Junior A are allowed to play, but nothing was set up for either of the three Junior B leagues in the Province who develop players for the above two leagues.
Strangely enough no one seems to be able to give anyone an answer to the above which many continue to ponder?
Covid testing is on-going with some doing a remarkable job checking everyone out who enters the various buildings.
Other venues simply have you fill out a form which apparently is taken at face value which everyone is thankful for, but you still have to question why this is the overall procedure?
I recently received the following information from the WHL regarding their statement on COVID-19 testing results:
Enjoy the read and thanks to the WHL for the info.
The WHL completed the 12th week of its return to play with zero positive test results for COVID-19 among the 786 tests administered across the WHL from April 25 through April 30, 2021.
In the Central Division, a total of 159 tests were administered for the Calgary Hitmen, Edmonton Oil Kings, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Medicine Hat Tigers and Red Deer Rebels from April 25 through April 30.
Using private PCR testing provided by DynaLIFE, testing was administered once to all members of the team delegations of players and staff.
In the U.S. Division, a total of 467 tests were administered for the Everett Silvertips, Portland Winterhawks, Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs, and Tri-City Americans from April 25 through April 30.
Using private antigen testing, members of the team delegations for Everett, Portland, Seattle and Spokane were tested three times. Tri-City was tested twice using private antigen testing and once using PCR testing.
In the B.C. Division, a total of 141 tests were administered for the Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Prince George Cougars, Vancouver Giants and Victoria Royals from April 25 through April 30.
Using private PCR testing provided by DynaLIFE, testing was administered once to all members of the team delegations of players and staff.
To date, the WHL has administered a total of 9,006 tests for COVID-19 from February 12 through April 30, 2021, with 14 positive test results.
The WHL will continue to provide regular updates on COVID-19 testing results. 
The WHL will not be providing information on the identity of any individuals.
About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta.
The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years.
The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice.
Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.
Hardman signs with hawks - april 28, 2021
Photo Credit - NHL/Chicago Blackhawks News Release
Story by Steve Erickson
Locally the BCHL are playing in various locations around the province in a manner in which to showcase various players who might otherwise not be noticed.
In conversation with various scouts either at or away from the arena they are mentioning “It’s not been easy for us to watch those who might have a chance to get rated higher, but at least the “Pod” makes it somewhat easier.”
Some of the players have come to showcase their talents, while others spend far too much time playing aggressively and end up in the penalty box; all due to their aggressive foolish play.
One would think they might learn from past mistakes but the trend continues to follow them and thankfully these players are far and few between.
I am hearing that former West Kelowna Warrior Mike Hardman made his official NHL debut Tuesday April 27th against Tampa Bay playing 17 shifts for a total time on ice of 10:16.
Photo Credit - Boston College Eagles
He officially signed a two-year entry level contract worth $912,500 (cap hit) about a month ago and had been practicing with the taxi squad prior to being called up.
Hardman only played one season for the Warriors and finished second in the league with 39 goals, 33 assists in 58 games in the 2018-19 season also finishing third in the BCHL with 72 points.
He was what some describe a power forward as he scored 11 times adding 12 assists on the PP, while also managing 2 goals in four play-off games.
He along with Capitals Justin Schultz and Nashville’s Colton Sissons are the only former Warrior players that are currently playing in the NHL.
Kelowna’s Schwartz has played 524 games with a record of 53 goals and 184 assists while North Vancouver’s Colton Sissons has played 373 games managing 52 goals and 54 assists.
Congratulations to Hardman on making his NHL debut against the 2020 Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and it’s hoped that he’s not the only Warrior to make it to the NHL.
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Eagles Outwork kings - April 25, 2021
Photo Credit - Damon James/BCHL
Story by Steve Erickson
Games continue in the BCHL with game action locally at Scotia Barn, formerly Burnaby 8-rinks that has the Kings take on the Eagles in a matinee affair
Both clubs have met five times since April 4th that has the Eagles winning four of the five matches outsourcing their opponents 29-16 while the Kings have won back to back games for the first time this season.
The afternoon game saw Powell River start Jakob Drapeau between the pipes while the Eagles started Max Prazma with both playing a full 60 minutes.
The Eagles are riding a four game winning streak with the last meeting between these two clubs saw the Kings jump out to a 3-0 lead mid-way through the second before the Eagles scoring five unanswered goals, one in the second and four in the third.
Surrey opened the scoring while playing shorthanded with Fitzgerald in the box for Boarding that saw Johnson (7th) get an unassisted goal at 7:23.
The Kings solid forechecking saw them get the even strength marker at 11:23 with McWillis getting his third of the season with Neil getting the only assist.
The Kings were unable to get any pressure on Eagles tender Max Prazma allowing the Eagles to get the go ahead goal at 17:48 on the PP with Katzalay getting his 9th of the season with Bliss and Fitzgerald getting assists,
The fast and aggressive period saw the Eagles outshoot the Kings by a 15-10 margin taking a 2-1 lead as both teams headed to the dressing room after 20 minutes.
The 2nd saw the Kings come out with a more aggressive style getting the even strength goal on the PP at 15:18 as Santia (9th) with Hewlett and Raymond getting the assists.
As aggressive as the second was, the teams took a 2-2 tie to the dressing room after 40 minutes with the Kings outshooting Surrey 11-7 in the second.
Being even on the scoreboard means nothing in sport, but the third was all Surrey getting their first 34 second in on the PP getting the insurance goal at 1:01 from Saretzky (4th) while Fitzgerald getting the insurance marker at 6:06 with Blitz and Katzalay setting him up.
The Eagles outshot the Kings 12-6 in the third and 34-27 through 60 minutes and if the Kings were able to only play 40, possibly they could have
managed a win, but we’ll never know.
The match-up saw the Eagles manage 7 minor’s while the Kings were more disciplined and took only 4 minor’s.
FortisBC Player of the Game
Tyden McWillis (1G/0A) Kings
Three Stars:
1st Brett Bliss (3 Assists)
2nd Christian Fitzgerald (2G/1A)
3rd Holden Katzalay (1G/1A)
Canucks outwork leafs - April 21, 2021
Photo credit and story by Steve Erickson
Vancouver enters the second of a pair of games against the Leaf’s in a two day span that saw them pull off a miraculous 3-2 O/T victory and through the six meetings to date they have been split, three each.
Toronto enters the game with a PP% of 21.9 while Vancouver’s PP % is 19.6 with the face-off % is 52.3 to 51.7 for the Canucks.
While even in some of the stats the conditioning % has to be in favor of the Leaf’s who have played 45 games sitting in first with 61 points to the Canucks 37 games played sitting with 38 points.
We were hearing prior to the game that the Leaf’s were starting newly acquired David Rittich (4-7-2 with a SV% of .905 and a GAA of 2.82.
Vancouver on the other hand will be going with Sunday’s game star Braden Holtby (5-6-2) who has a SV% of 8.99 and a GAA of 3.44.
It’s fair to say that Vancouver is still “on the mend” following the infectious bout of Covid which hit the entire team extremely hard and we wish them a speedy recovery to players, staff and their families.
Sport should be placed on the back-burner when it comes to the health and safety of any player and this should also be mentioned in the same context as Leaf’s forward Zack Hyman who was put out of the game on a knee on knee hit..
Canuck Captain Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser lead the team with 16 goals with each playing 38 games followed closely by JT Miller who has 9 goals through 35 games who is looking to catch both.
Tonight’s game is a tribute to the World Autism Acceptance Game which is the first of three special games with the upcoming pair against Ottawa features their first Environment Night on April 22nd and April 24th is their annual Vaisakhi Night.
It will be their fourth annual game night so as to celebrate the South Asian Community promoting diversity and inclusivity under the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone.
To the surprise of many Abbotsford’s Jake Virtanen returns to the line-up that saw the Canucks finish the first period with a FO winning % of 53 to Toronto’s 47 with each team having 4 blocked shots.
Toronto had 9 hits and 2 giveaway’s to Vancouver’s 5 hits and no giveaway’s through the first twenty minutes, but the between period discussion revolved around conditioning in the third.
Vancouver came out with a jump in the second that saw the Canucks throw the puck from the corner, then D to D sending one on net that saw Ritter give up a juicy rebound leaving it for Sutter to tap in his 7th of the season with Boeser and Haminoc getting assists.
In just under five minutes later Vancouver pinned the Leaf’s in their zone that saw Hughes get his third of the season and his first in 21 games putting the Canucks up 2-1 to a shocked Leaf team.
With the second slowly drawing to a close an attempted clearing play was stopped at the line that saw a long shot at the net only to have it tipped in by Tarvares who was just outside the blue paint tying the game at two.
The third saw the Leaf’s come out with more jump that saw Brooks get his second of the season with helpers going to Mariner and Holl with his 13th assist.
Never count Vancouver out and at 6:43 Hoglander hammered home his 9th with Boeser (20) and Hughes (27) getting the Canucks even putting more pressure on the Leaf’s.
I am hearing from the skeptics that Vancouver should fold the cards and end the season but you would never know it given the way they played in the third peppering the rivals from Ontario.
Pearson managed to get his 7th and 8th of the season that saw Toronto cough up the puck in the neutral zone giving Vancouver a 5-3 lead and they weren’t done yet.
With the third winding down TO pulled the “tender” in hopes of gaining ground but try as they might it was too little too late and with an open net it was Sutter (8th) who threw one down ice getting an empty netter at 19:24 sending the leaf’s home with another loss.
Leaf John Tavares mentioned “We did a lot of good things again and we created opportunities, we grabbed the lead, and we have to do a better job of holding that. It happened to us last game, it happened here tonight. We have to find a way to finish here.”
NOTES:
Zach Bogosian left the game in the second period at 9:08 with a reported upper-body injury after he fell awkwardly into the end boards which Leaf’s coach Sheldon Keefe mentioned “It looks like he’s definitely going to miss some time.”
Canuck forward Antoine Roussel left after the first period with a reported lower-body injury with no update from Canuck Head Coach Travis Green.
Matthew Highmore was +2 having only one shot and one blocked shot in 15:54 playing time after being acquired from Chicago Blackhawks (April 13th) and serving a required seven-day quarantine period.
Three Stars:
1st Quinn Hughes
2md Tanner Pearson
3rd William Nylander
Holtby's Stellar Play - April 18, 2021
Photo Credit and story by Steve Erickson
The long wait of anticipation is finally over for Canuck fans who were missing their entertainment, but when everything is put in proper perspective the health of the players, coaching staff and team personnel is far more important than a game.
It’s been an 18 day delay between games for the players and while all are looking forward to the return we should first understand how this affected not only the players, but also their families.
In addition to the players, one individual who has waited for this night since his previous tribute was postponed is Canuck Equipment manager Pat O’Neill.
Longevity and dedication to your job means more than money and it goes without saying if you love your job good things will come to those who wait and wait.
Pat is currently in his 33rd season with the Canucks as their equipment manager and has seen players go from rookie status to elite level all-star.
The tribute prior to the game was a true professional experience shown by the Canuck organization which was nothing less than first class.
Fast forward to the game and while many thought they or the league should have not changed the schedule, think twice as it might not have happened if JT Miller never spoke to the media.
I for one respect him for speaking up and “telling it as it is” as it was needed for the benefit of the players, the organization and the NHL.
Waiting for an additional couple of days means nothing but watching the first 20 minutes of play you could tell it took its toll on all players.
Reportedly on Saturday we heard that Demko would not be playing and that Windsor Ontario’s Michael Dipetro would be backing up Braden Holtby for the matinee affair.
While the pre-game ceremony took place the Leaf’s stayed in their dressing room while some ventured down the hall to watch the ceremony on the big screen, which showed class by the Leaf’s.
The first started and you could see that the Canucks were a tired group who have not played since March 24th at home all due to a long extended COVID-19 pause.
In a pre-game media availability Canucks Head Coach Travis Green mentioned “I was just looking at our board and think we have eight or nine guys out of the line-up tonight who might have had a good chance of playing.”
One player in the line-up was Tyler Myers who mentioned “We had a pretty good last few skates and we expect to come out hard.”
While some ponder the return, Canucks GM Jim Benning stood up to his conviction last week where he stated “We’re dealing with a different kind of COVID, it’s the P.1 variant which is different and we didn’t know what to expect.”
Vancouver came out to play but they were no match against the Leaf’s at the start but the longer the game went they found their legs, but were unable to manage quality shots on Campbell.
Try as they might they were only able to throw 5 shots on net in the second while the Leaf’s managed 15 on Holtby.
As aggressive as the second was Canuck’s D-man Alex Edler who was assessed a Major and a GM for Kneeing Zack Hyman at 10:16 which forced them to play without a key member of the team.
The Major was served by Jayce Hawryluk which gave the Leaf’s a PP goal putting them up by a 2-0 and ended Edler’s 13 minutes of playing time.
The Canucks continued to press that saw Hoglander send a tape to tape pass to Horvat who broke in on the left side getting his 15 of the season pulling the Canucks within one.
Despite the lay-off the Canucks never quit throwing shot after shot at Campbell and it wasn’t until the 12:03 mark of the third when Hoglander (8th) tying the game with Horvat and Jalen Chatfield getting his first assist in the NHL.
Both teams traded chances with Holtby being more of a work-horse faced 39 shots allowing two while Campbell was only tested on 24 allowing three with the third coming in OT.
Three on three at times is far more entertaining than the previous 60 minutes and such was the case on this night where Captain Horvat ignited the team by scoring his 16th and the game winner at 1:19 with Myers (11) and Boeser (18) getting assists.
Vancouver remains on the home stand facing the Leaf’s on Tuesday (6pm) and the Senators on Thursday and Saturday with both at 7 pm
covid concern - April 11, 2021
Photo Credit - CJHL
Story by Steve Erickson
Focusing on the WHL we are hearing that Kelowna Rockets suspended play for two weeks after half a dozen players were put on COVID protocol.
The suspension in play was made official as the Rockets had six (6) players and staff tested positive within Team Chort keeping them inactive until April 15th with other teams in the bubble saw their tests come back negative.
The scheduled game number 178 between the Giants and PG was postponed out of concern for caution.
The players and staff were immediately isolated for further testing and the BC Health officials were contacted by the WHL.
Those involved were asked to self quarantine and be monitored for symptoms for next two weeks that will see the Rockets assist B.C. Health officials on this crucial matter and as one can expect league is in consultation with B.C. Health Authorities.
The Rockets and the WHL will not be providing further comment on this at this time and continue to work with the Health authorities
From one Junior League to another where it was announced last week that the BCHL posted a league statement on social media that they were confirming that the league are leaving the CJHL.
https://www.cjhlhockey.com/en/cjhl-league-of-the-week-bchl
This is the league that controls the operation of Junior A hockey in Canada working with Hockey Canada.
If and should the BCHL leave the CJHL there will be nine remaining teams in the league to which the league (BCHL) mentioned that they are not withdrawing from BC Hockey or the parent body Hockey Canada.
While I have been trying to make contact with the BCHL offices it’s interesting to note that the phone rings and rings never getting the chance to leave a message or even get a reply.
On the official league website there are six (6) listed under the league staff with the only one having an email is Jesse Adamson – Coordinator, Content Services.
We were attempting to obtain media accreditation for the BCHL Pod games in 8-rinks as well as Chilliwack and although it took a while I did eventually get a reply.
We have been covering the games in both centers having communication with Tali Campbell which we greatly appreciate.
If you focus on the withdrawal of the league from the CJHL to no surprise League Commissioner Chris Hebb has declined to comment on the statement.
The President of the CJHL is Brent Ladds who has been involved for numerous years whom I met a number of years back at an AGM which was hosted by the BCAHA, so yes it was years back.
It’s interesting that he mentioned “Hockey Canada has indicated that the classification of the BCHL is a matter yet to be determined by BC Hockey.
Understandably the CJHL believe this topic will need further clarification and according to Cameron Hope CEO of BC Hockey he indicates that ‘we’ll take it one step at a time.”
In part the concern revolves around interprovincial trades and affiliating with lower-level teams.
Should the BCHL move so as to look like Junior B would be a conflict with the three other Junior B Leagues in the Province.
Years back the Province had two Junior A Leagues both operating out of the lower mainland, one being the BC Junior Hockey League (BCJHL) and the Pacific Coast Junior Hockey League with one team being the Kerrisdale Couriers coached by Bill Wilms.
So for those who think this is a “done deal’ – think twice!!!
Surrey Eagles' tribute to Jaxon Joseph - APril 6, 2021.
Photo Credit - D. Laird Allan
Story by Steve Erickson
Tragic, sad, horrific and appalling are only four words to describe the feeling that we are feeling as the hockey world remembers the third Anniversary Of Humboldt Bus Crash in Saskatchewan. The Humboldt Broncos Junior A hockey was on route to play yhe Nipawin Hawks.
Today marks the third anniversary of the tragedy that took the lives of 16 team personnel that were tragically killed along with 13 injured, 29 total individuals who were on route to a SJHL playoff game.
I was fortunate to be working for the Surrey Eagles on the night they had their tribute for Jaxon whose Parents were on hand that listened to his Father thank the BCHL, the Surrey Eagles as well as those on hand showing their respect for young Jaxon and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!!
The event that gripped the team, the community and the hockey world unfolded when a Semi-Trailer ran a stop sign at the intersection striking the bus near Tisdale Saskatchewan.
Closer to home it hit the community hard as former Surrey Eagle and Bronco player Jaxon Joseph was among those who lost his life cutting his career short. We are hearing that the City of Humboldt are planning a memorial tribute to the Bronco’s which includes a $25 Million centre reported to have a gallery, an arena and a fitness and physiotherapy area.
City Manager Joe Day mentioned that “Committee members dearly recognize that there is an opportunity to do more that build a simple memorial” which were welcome words to the community
We are hearing that money for the project has to be raised and it will take at least a couple years before the actual construction begins.
While the accident involved a Bus, I for one can say that the drivers are professional and follow all rules and regulations that are in place at that time.
The issue arose around the instruction and direction from Province to Province which makes no sense to anyone and forced changes to Provincial Driving Rules and Regulations, which are long overdue.
The scars suffered by everyone for this tragedy will never be forgotten by anyone, but mostly the hockey community and the City of Humboldt.
Sportswave Remembers and it’s a night we won’t forget as Bruce, Laird and I are saddened by this tragic event. R.I.P.
Humboldt Broncos' Remembrance - April 6, 2021
Photo Credit & story by D. Laird Allan
The Sportswave crew passes on our continued condolences and support to the Humboldt. Broncos' family at this time of sadness and remembrance.
Health means more than playing - April 4, 2021
Photo Credit - NHL
Story by Steve Erickson
Being involved in sports as I am means enjoying what the world has to offer for everyone who takes part in the game of their choice, but at times it takes a turn for the worse forcing a stoppage for various reasons.
Such is the case as we are currently hearing about how the Virus has hit more than 20 Vancouver Canuck players and coaches have tested positive for variant symptoms which include cramping, vomiting and dehydration which we are now hearing has hit Family members.
Given the extent of the serious nature of this sport means nothing as our thoughts should be focused on the health of the players, coaches and their Family members.
It’s reported that some have had fever, fatigue, mild headaches as showing a lack of energy or weakness and hearing reports of vomiting.
I am hearing from my sources that some on the list include Captain Bo Hovat, Thatcher Demko, Alex Edler, Adam Gaudette, Zack MacEwen, Braden Holtby, Travis Boyd, Jayce Hawryluk, Tyler Motte, Brandon Sutter, Tyler Myers, Quinn Hughes, Antoine Roussel, and Travis Hamonic.
One thing everybody can agree on is that the situation remains very serious.
The few Canucks that have had worse symptoms, according to the training staff, are said to be feeling better and just one player has had an IV administered.
Sport will wait and be there when this is finished and for those asking if I’m frustrated the answer is YES, but I am not an expert so don’t mention things I don’t know!!
We listen to some, but not all team personnel in leagues continue to criticize BC’s Provincial Health Minister Dr. Bonnie Henry who has more knowledge than those making the comments and clearly frustrated herself.
I was asked by someone who shall remain nameless “If leagues are getting provincial funding and team personnel are criticizing the Government, why are they getting funding” and far be it for me to give an answer.
Sad to even think of individuals who make comments such as this but I’m not really shocked as they remind me of either pushy parents or some politicians who spout off just to hear themselves talk and that’s a reality check!!
Politics aside after asking several hockey parents what they want for executive members or politicians and their reply is “someone who is honest and doesn’t sugar coat it” and truer words were never spoken.
There is no doubt that the past year has taken its toll on everyone and those who understand it will be patient and those who don’t walk away without talking and are only losers and that’s how they have been all of their lives.
Winter sport has turned to everyone focusing on spring and summer sport for not just the fresh air and the fun but rather overall development for today’s youth developing them to better citizens.
The NHL and all pro sports are more focused on one thing and that’s money with all sports trying to
recoup their losses over the past year.
Some have come up with unique and ingenious ideas by using cutouts as spectators that are “socially distanced” in the stands giving us the thought that everything is fine, which it isn’t.
Those who are currently playing should be thankful for being allowed to play rather than criticize those who have given them the “green light” to play.
The only saving grace for minor sport is the dedication of the numerous volunteers who are working hard to have some sort of season for the overall development for today’s youth.
Many get involved in minor sport either because their Son or Daughter wanted to play, but after finishing their career these “unsung heroes” continue to help our youth and should be given commended and not criticized!!
For those wanting to know the Canucks next road trip is slated be April 10th in Calgary and April 12th and 14th in Edmonton.
As you enjoy your Easter Sunday and above STAY SAFE!!!
