Vees-Day in Dallas as BCHL shines
Penticton blue-liner Tychonick first of seven players taken from Junior A loop at NHL draft
The BCHL tied a league record Saturday when it had seven players selected in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in Dallas.
The NHL went to its current seven-round format in 2005, and the BCHL established its high water mark under this current configuration in 2007 when Kyle Turris of the Burnaby Express was picked third overall by the Phoenix Coyotes and six others from the Junior A loop were also chosen.
The BCHL also had seven players picked in 2013, led by Adam Tambellini of the Surrey Eagles going to the New York Rangers in the third round.
Penticton Vees’ defenceman Jonny Tychonick was the first BCHL player picked this time around, going in the second round, 48th overall, to the Ottawa Senators.
“I’ve said for years now that it’s not about us versus them,” Vees’ general manager and coach Fred Harbinson, pointing to the WHL, which had 20 players chosen but only three in the first 50 picks.
“It’s about showing there are different avenues. This is a path that’s showing more and more every year that it has credibility, that it’s helping players to develop.”
Trail Smoke Eaters defenceman Seth Barton (Red Wings, third round), Wenatchee Wild defenceman Slava Demin (Golden Knights, fourth round), Wenatchee centre Jasper Weatherby (Sharks, fourth round), Langley Rivermen forward Angus Crookshank (Senators, fifth round), Vernon Vipers forward Brett Stapley (Canadiens, seventh round) and Vernon goalie Ty Taylor (Lightning, seventh round) were also selected.
Next year could be also be strong at the draft for the league.
Victoria Grizzlies forward Alex Newhook, 17, is being touted as a first rounder and the Grizzlies announced earlier this month that Newhook is returning to their lineup next fall.