BCHL welcomes US-based Wenatchee Wild to league for 2015-16 season
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The BC Hockey League is getting another team — its 17th franchise starting with the 2015-16 season.
The Wenatchee Wild was announced as the latest team to join the BCHL during a press conference Monday in the Washington State City.
The franchise is the first American team in the BCHL since Bellingham Ice Hawks, operated from 1990 to 1995.
“The BCHL is gaining a strong franchise in the Wenatchee Wild and we value the passion and professionalism they bring to our league,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale in a press release.
“The Wild will quickly develop rivalries with our existing franchises and I believe they will be a big draw in opposing buildings.”
The Wild are no strangers to junior hockey, having been a member the North American Hockey League (NAHL) since the 2008-09 season, playing out of Wenatchee’s Town Toyota Center
During 2008, the Wild have had six players on their roster committed to National Collegiate Athletic Association Div. I programs.
“We could not be more excited or humbled to be joining the BCHL,” said said head coach Bliss Littler, a native of Minot, N.D., is entering his 22nd year as a junior hockey coach.
“Knowing the history and reputation of the league, be it sending players to play NCAA Division I hockey, NHL draft picks or the professionalism of the member teams and league have, we look forward to being a good league member on and off the ice.”
As a U.S.-based club, the Wild will be allowed to roster a maximum of four Canadian players.
BLUELINES: Trail Smoke Eaters completed its spring camp this past weekend at the Whistler Park Sports Centre in Whistler, BC. The team opens training camp in September for the 2015-16 season. . . .The BCHL will hold Bauer Showcase September 24-27 in Chilliwack at Prospera Centre.
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