The British Columbia Hockey League announced its selections for all-star teams. First, second and all-rookie teams replaced the game which has last played after the 2009-10 season.
On the first team for the Vees is Wade Murphy and Troy Stecher. During Thursdays Coach's Corner, Vees coach-GM Fred Harbinson said Murphy has been really consistent for most of the year.
"He's kind of done a little bit of everything," said Harbinson. "He has killed penalties, put up a good portion of points, both on the power play, even strength. Well deserved to be on the first team."
Vees play-by-play broadcaster Fraser Rodgers talked about his impressive point production despite missing games. Part of Harbinson's response had to do with the World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, N.S.
"I think the junior A challenge this year was a tough tournament on all our players just because of the travel," he said. "Had an effect for probably a month."
Murphy was joined on the first team by Stecher, the Vees captain. Harbinson said there's not many teams that wouldn't love to have Troy in their lineup.
"He is just a well-rounded individual," said Harbinson. "A great leader. He's a player that we're definitely going to miss after this year."
Stecher is three points behind former Vees Shane Hanna of Salmon Arm, who leads defenceman with 49 points in 52 games. Devon Toews was also in the mix, but the Surrey blue liner is suspended for the final two games of the regular season.
John Siemer was selected to the second team. Siemer, who has 18 points in 17 games with the Vees, including 15 assists, was chosen for the second all-star team. Harbinson said the former Coquitlam Express forward had his best game in a 5-4 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters March 2. He collected three assists in that game and according to Harbinson, could have had more points if it weren't for chances missed. Harbinson also praised his play away from the puck.
On the all-rookie team is Brad McClure, who sits 30th in BCHL scoring, made the all-rookie team. With 27 goals and 45 points in 52 games, Harbinson said, "He's one of my favorite players."
"He plays really hard game in game out," said the coach. "I love his energy. His tenacity along the boards, in the corners, in front of the net. He gets to the dirty areas. He's really growing his game. He should be a real force in our league for the rest of this year and next."
Below is a list of each team:
BCHL First Team
Interior Conference
F – Marcus Basara, West Kelowna Warriors D – Shane Hanna, Salmon Arm SilverBacks
F – Seb Lloyd, West Kelowna Warriors G – Tyler Steel, Merritt Centennials
Coastal Conference
F – Mario Puskarich, Langley Rivermen D – Devon Toews, Surrey Eagles
F – Brady Shaw, Surrey Eagles D – Craig Wyszomirksi, Surrey Eagles
F – Luke Esposito, Chilliwack Chiefs G – Mitch Gillam, Chilliwack Chiefs
BCHL Second Team
Interior Conference
F – Regan Soquila, Merritt Centennials D – Brett Corkey, Vernon Vipers
D – Josh Monk, West Kelowna Warriors
F – Brent Baltus, Trail Smoke Eaters G – Tyler Briggs, West Kelowna Warriors
Coastal Conference
F – Adam Tambellini, Surrey Eagles D – D.J. Jones, Victoria Grizzlies
F – Austin Plevy, Chilliwack Chiefs D – Bo Pellah, Alberni Valley Bulldogs
F – Phil Zielonka, Chilliwack Chiefs G – Michael Santaguida, Surrey Eagles
All Rookie Team
D – Jarrett Brown, Cowichan Valley Capitals
F – Phil Zielonka, Chilliwack Chiefs D – Dane Birks, Merritt Centennials
F – Luke Esposito, Chilliwack Chiefs G – Michael Santaguida, Surrey Eagles