Early Trade Analysis and Rumour

I'm hearing that the Salmon Arm Silverbacks are stepping into the game tonight. A former Interior Conference forward could be on his way back from the coast... but this time as a Silverback. I felt like the one thing they'd really want to upgrade is their forward depth. Another scorer on the second line to compliment Cseter. If what I'm hearing is legit, I think they've got someone who will be a very good fit in that role. Will this be Salmon Arm's one move? I suspect not.

I feel like Eklund today. Crosby to Trail (M4)

Here is my analysis of some of the moves we've seen so far as the BCHL heads towards Saturday's trade deadline. We've seen some big moves throughout the season, but I expect some of the contenders are still very active as we get closer to Saturday.

EDIT: I'm only half done for now, but my girlfriend has suffered enough. Time to take her out to a movie and get away from the computer for a while! Back with more analysis, rumours, weekend hype and an interview with a Smoke Eaters fan from across the pond who is going to check out their first Trail game this Saturday. It's a very cool story!

*The Vernon Vipers Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Cameron Brodie (D)(88) and Mike Leidl (D)(88) from the Burnaby Express Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of John Digness (F)(89) and future considerations.

*The Merritt Centennials Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Steve Tresierra (D)(90) from the Vernon Vipers Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

Analysis: The first two trades are somehow linked in a way we have yet to discover. I've commented on them and posted an interview with Mark Ferner of the Vipers. However, there is more analysis to be had. Check out Eddie Gregory's Burnaby Expressions Blog for an interview with Burnaby GM Darcy Rota on the deal. You can also visit Brian's Making Cents Blog for the Merritt perspective.

*The Merritt Centennials Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Alex Valenti (F)(89) to the North Bay Skyhawks of the NOJHL in exchange for future considerations.

Analysis: It's just part of the yearly sell off in Merritt. The big question is how many guys are going to go. Will the likes of Goodship, Grant, Bourke, Geerin, May and others follow Valenti out the door? The last place Cents obviously are completely out of playoff contention, so how many vets are going to be left on the roster after Saturday? Forster and Kightley are their only 20 year olds left though. More on this deal is also available on the Making Cents Blog.

*The Powell River Kings Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Justin Hogan (F)(90) from the Newmarket Hurricanes Hockey Club of the OJHL in exchange for future considerations.

Analysis: Check out Hogan's bio from the Newmarket website. He had 34 points in 35 games this season in the OJHL. It's not as good or as deep as the BCHL, but still a comparable level of hockey. Hogan looks to perhaps be the skilled forward that can step into the Kings line-up to replace Brooks Robinson as it appears he won't be back with Powell River. Where will Brooks end up? I think we all know Powell River can score, but the question is do they have the horses on the blue line. I also think the Kings should look at getting a reliable back-up goaltender. I see an Ian Curtis listed on their roster. Perhaps he is their solution to that problem. Ketting's save percentage of less than 85% isn't going to cut it if he's called upon in the playoffs. Either way, this move signals that Powell River is one small market team that is ready to go for it. I'm glad to see that.

*The Alberni Valley Bulldogs Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Ethan Gartner (89)(F) from the Fort William North Stars Hockey Club of the SIJHL in exchange for future considerations.

Analysis: I don't know much about this guy. Check out the Bulldogs release for a brief view on the deal from their perspective. Does Alberni Valley still believe that they have a shot at the playoffs? Nanaimo is in a free fall, but that just doesn't seem likely. I'd think they would still be sellers. A guy like Evan Witt could be huge for any team in contention. A goaltender like Wong would also be excellent insurance between the pipes. The Bulldogs should be thinking about building for next year as much as they can. Gartner is an 89 so he could be back next year anyway.

*The Penticton Vees Hockey Club acquire the playing rights of Kaare Odegard (90)(D) from the Canmore Eagles Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

Analysis: You can get all the details on Pinder's Vees Blog including an interview. There was some question on the BCHL message board on the number of import cards the Vees were allowed to use. I think after the Nick Goyens saga he didn't end up counting against them. Odegard was on an excellent scoring pace for a pretty poor Camrose team this season. The Vees have a lot of mobility on their blue line, but Odegard seems like the type of guy who could really upgrade their power play. He may be a 90 but he's a rental as he'll be headed to Alaska to play NCAA hockey next season.

*The Cowichan Valley Capitals Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Scott Jacklin (90)(F) and Jimmy Geerin (89)(D) to the Merritt Centennials Hockey Club in exchange for the playing rights of Curtis Gedig (91)(D).

*The Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club transfer the playing rights of Stephen Simms (88)(F) to the OCN Blizzard Hockey Club of the MJHL in exchange for future considerations.

*The Langley Chiefs Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Wyatt Wasclenchuk (G) to the Nipawin Hawks Hockey Club of the SJHL in exchange for future considerations.

*The Nanaimo Clippers Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Mark Trousdell (G)(90) to the LaRonge Ice Wolves Hockey Club of the SJHL in exchange for the playing rights of Jonathan Jobin (G)(90) and future considerations.

*The Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club transfers the playing rights of Joe Rodwell (G)(88) to the Langley Chiefs Hockey Club in exchange for future considerations.

*The Salmon Arm Silverbacks Hockey Club transfer the playing rights of Jordan Berks (88)(D) to the Ft. McMurray Oil Barons Hockey Club of the AJHL for future considerations.