Vaya CMS

Team News

News:

11 March 2013
Hawks Fall in the First Round

The Hawks season comes to an end after falling in the first round to the Okanagan Rockets. The Hawks took the series to the full 3 games but fell short in the end.

More information to come.
 

4 March 2013
Regular Season Recap

The Hawks finish the 2012/2013 regular season with an official record of 19-15-6 and 44 points which was good enough for 6th in league standings. Discouting forfeit losses levied by the league, the Hawks would have finished 20-13-7 for 47 points which represent a 4 point improvement from last season. Statistically this is the 2nd best finish for the Hawks after the 24-8-8 56 point 2010/2011 season.

The Hawks post-Christmas record of 11-4-1 was second only to the North West Giants (14-0-2) and the Cariboo Cougars (12-1-1).


Off to Okanagan for Round 1

The Hawks will open the 2012/2013 BCMML Playoffs on the road as they travel to Kelowna to face the Okanagan Rockets in the first round, best of 3 series. Game 1 will be webcast by Ryan Watters as the 'Game of the Month' at www.ryanwatters.ca. Game information as follows:

Game 1:
Valley West Hawks @ Okanagan Rockets
Friday, March 8, 2013
7:00pm
Royal Lepage Centre, West Kelowna BC

Game 2:
Okanagan Rockets @ Valley West Hawks
Saturday, March 9, 2013
7:00pm
Royal Lepage Centre, West Kelowna BC

Game 3 (if necessary):
Valley West Hawks @ Okanagan Rockets
Sunday, March 10, 2013
10:00am
Royal Lepage Centre, West Kelowna BC


3 March 2013
40 of 40 in the books

The Hawks wrapped up the 2012/2013 season this past weekend with the weekend and season sweep of the South Island Royals with scores of 5-2 and 8-3. The offense was spread throughout the team while Luke Stripp picked up wins in both games.

The Hawks started game 1 in dominating fasion. The speed, skill and grit that have been the hallmarks of the post-Christmas Hawks was on full display with the play being confined to the Royals' end for the first 5 minutes of the game. Jake Fletcher opened the scoring mid-way through the first off a strong net-drive, Rhett Willcox added his 20th goal of the season with an off-balance shot in the slot and the Hawks led 2-0 after 1. Matt Bradley and Parker Wotherspoon added powerplay markers off shots from the point and Josh Pollock sealed the deal with bar-down snipe from the right circle.

Game 2 was much of the same. 14 different players got in on the scoring with Darien Craighead leading the way notching 1 goal and 4 assists. Matt Cox (1G, 3A) and Jakob Stukel (2G, 1A) also had big games offensively. The Hawks dominated the Special Teams battle scoring 4 powerplay goals, 1 short handed goal and blanking the Royals on 7 of 9 powerplays.


19 February 2013
Hawks Sweep Chiefs

The Hawks continued their winning ways this past weekend with 5-3 and 6-4 victories over the North East Chiefs. This weekend's sweep was a special teams battle that ties the season series at 2-2 between the clubs. Rhett Willcox led the way offensively for the Hawks this weekend notching 3 goals and 4 assists. Matthew Bradley in his first game action in 8 weeks was close behind with 1 goal and 4 assists while Eric Callegari and  Spencer Unger rounded out the top four point getters with 4 points a piece.

Game 1 was a 5-3 victory for the Hawks at the Langley Events Centre. Callegari was sprung for a breakaway by Evan Diamantopoulus and Willcox and made no mistake burying a backhander blocker side for the game's first goal. Spencer Unger ripped a powerplay marker past Jeff Smith in the final minute of the 1st to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead going into the first intermission. The Hawks would never look back scoring a pair of powerplay goals in the second to chase Smith from the net and an even strength marker in the third. The dominated the special teams battle converting 3 of 7 on the PP (43%) and killing off 6 of 9 (66%) which included 2 lengthy 5 on 3 opportunities. Luke Stripp picked up the 29 save win between the pipes. Callegari finished the night with 3G 1A, Willcox had 1G 4A, Unger had 1G 1A, Bradley had 2A and Diamantopoulus had 1A.

Game 2 was a 6-4 victory for the Hawks at Planet Ice Coquitlam. The Hawks controlled play for most the game but had trouble getting the puck past Nick McBride until Matthew Bradley mid-way through the period. Jakob Stukel led a 2 on 1 rush off a Chief turnover and pulled the defender to him before firing the pass across to Bradley for the goal. Stukel buried a similar goal in the second off a magnificent cross-ice pass from Darien Craighead. Rushing into the zone at the tail end of a powerplay, Craighead patiently waited for the lane to open before sending the puck to Stukel for the slam dunk. The Hawks would give up the 3-2 lead to the Chiefs on the first shift of the third period; however, the line of Matt Cox, Bradley and Stukel were quick to answer the very next shift. The trio dominated play in the offensive zone before Cox rifled home a statement goal off a Bradley rebound. The Hawks gave up the lead again but answered back when Rhett Willcox hammered home a one-timer at the side of the net off a set play on the 5 on 3 advantage. The game winning goal came soon afterwards with the teams playing 4 on 4 hockey. Cole Plotnikoff pitched the puck wide to Mitch Newsome whom gained the offensive line at the wall. Ian Bennet joined the rush and drove hard to the net in time to re-direct Newsome's centering pass into the cage. Willcox would add the insurance empty net goal with less then a minute to go in the game. Parker Wotherspoon added 2 assists on the powerplay while Cox, Bennet and Unger added a single assist each. Cole Forbes picked up the win between the pipes.


Silvertips up Next

The Hawks now prepare for their final road trip of the regular season as a date with the North Island Silvertips in Nanaimo approaches.

Game 1:
Hawks @ North Island Silvertips
Saturday, February 23rd
5:15pm
Nanaimo Ice Centre 1

Game 2:
Hawks @ North Island Silvertips
Sunday, February 24th
10:30am
Nanaimo Ice Centre 1

16 February 2013
Hawks back in action

The Hawks are back in action after their second bye weekend of the season with a weekend match up with the North East Chiefs. The North East Chiefs boast one of the best offenses led by league leader Matthew Barzal with 97 points in 32 games and Colton Kehler who has just set a new league record with 41 goals in 36 games. The Hawks will get a big boost in the lineup this weekend with the return of forward Matthew Bradley. Bradley has been on the shelf with an upper body injury since early December but is ready to get back in the action.

Game 1
Hawks vs North East Chiefs
Saturday, February 16th
7:00pm
Langley Events Centre

Game 2
Hawks @ North East Chiefs
Sunday, February 17th
11:45am
Planet Ice Coquitlam



Bevan Signs with the Broncos

The Valley West Hawks are pleased to announce that Captain Cole Bevan has signed with the Swift Current Broncos of the WHL. Bevan, '96 Defenseman, has put up 3 goals, 14 assists and 69 PIMS this season in 32 games. 



31 January 2013

Wotherspoon gets the Call

The Valley West Hawks are proud to announce defenseman Parker Wotherspoon has been recalled by the Tri-City Americans of the WHL for a pair of games this weekend. Wotherspoon will travel with the Americans to take on the Everett Silvertips on Friday, February 1st and the Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday, February 2nd. These two games will be the first regular season games for Wotherspoon in the WHL. Wotherspoon was originally selected by the Tri-City Americans in the 1st round, 21st overall in the 2012 Bantam Draft.

Good luck Parker! 

29 January 2013

Klimek Commits to Northern Michigan

The Valley West Hawks are proud to announce former Captain Jordan Klimek has committed to play for the Northern Michigan University Wildcats starting with the 2014/2015 season. Jordan Klimek is currently playing his Rookie Season with the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL and has 5 goals and 11 assists in 39 games; this includes 3 overtime game winners. Klimek spent two seasons with the Hawks from 2010 - 2012. His 15 year old season saw him score 6 goals and 20 assists for 26 points in 40 games. The following season Jordan put up league-best numbers with 8 goals and 34 assists for 42 points in 40 games. 

Congratulations Jordan!

Click here for the press release from the Surrey Eagles



Hawks Grounded by League's Best

The Valley West suffered their first losses in almost a month this past weekend losing 3-0 (with an empty net goal) and 1-0 to the league leading North West Giants. The Hawks execution was nearly flawless; however, 'nearly flawless' was not enough to prevent the Giants from capitilizing on the few mistakes the Hawks made. Luke Stripp was phenomenal in both games and made close to 60 saves on the weekend. The three goals Stripp let in were off odd-man rushes and poor defensive coverage. One of the positives out of the weekend was the improved play of the Hawks' Penalty kill. The PK went 100 percent killing all 16 short handed situations they faced last weekend including an extended 5 on 3 on Sunday. The Hawks stay in 5th place with a 3 point lead on 6th place Greater Vancouver Canadians and nine points back of 4th place North East Chiefs.

The Hawks look forward to their upcoming weekend series against the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds.


24 January 2013

Craighead Commits to Rivermen 

The Valley West Hawks are pleased to announce '97 Forward Darien Craighead has commited to the Langley Rivermen of the BCHL for the 2013/2014 season. Craighead currently sits third in team scoring with 16 goals and 12 assists for 28 points in 30 games. Darien will walk down the hall next season and join Hawks Alumnus Austen Bietenbeck with the Rivermen next season.

Check out the press release here


21 January 2013
Hawks Overwhelm Opposition

The Hawks continued their second half push with 11-2 and 12-3 wins over the visiting Kootenay Ice. The Ice battled hard in both games but could not handle the Hawks' 4-line, 6-pair onslaught of speed, skill and size. The wins strengthened the Hawks' hold on 5th place extending the gap on 6th place Greater Vancouver Canadians to seven points and keeps them in striking distance of the North East Chiefs in 4th place.

Game 1 was dominated by the line of Eric Callegari, Rhett Willcox & Spencer Unger. The trio combined for 6 goals and 8 points and dazzled the crowd at LEC with lightning fast puck movement. Leading the way were Willcox with 2 goals and 3 assists, Unger with 1 goal and 3 assists and Darien Craighead with 3 assists. The Hawks were perfect on both the Powerplay and Penalty Kill this game going 5 for 5 and 6 for 6 respectively. The Penalty Kill unit also chipped in 3 shorthanded goals courtesy of Addison Bazian, Josh Pollock and Mitch Newsome. Cole Forbes picked up the win in net with 24 saves on 26 shots.

Game 2 saw a different Forward unit step up to carry the offensive load as Matt Cox, Jakob Stukel & Cole Plotnikoff combined for 5 goals and 13 points. Offensively the Hawks were led this game by Plotnikoff whom tallied 4 goals and 2 assists. His 6 points are a single game high for points by a Hawk this season. Darien Craighead added to his weekend point totals with 2 goals and 3 assists. Jakob Stukel rounded out the top three scorers with 1 goal and 3 assists. The Hawks found themselves in penalty trouble early in the game giving Kootenay an extended 5on3 powerplay. Thankfully for the Hawks Luke Stripp was there whom made 27 saves enroute to the 12-3 win.


Hockey Night in Langley
         
The Hawks will now spend the week preparing for one of their toughest test this season as a weekend series with the League Leading North West Giants is on the horizon. The Giants sport an impressive 26-2-2 record in 30 games this season and are currently ranked as the number 1 Midget Team in Canada. While a date with the Giants would be daunting for most teams, the Hawks have reason to expect wins this weekend. The Hawks are one of only three teams to deny the Giants points this season with a 3-3 tie back in October and have been playing inspired hockey as of late. The promise and potential of the youthful Hawks has been rounding into form since the end of December and is ready to be put to the test.

The Hawks invite the lower mainland to the Langley Events Centre this Saturday, January 26th for our Second Annual Hockey Night in Langley. The big screen will be going and the spot lights will be shining for this tilt with the Giants.

Game 1 - Hockey Night in Langley
Hawks vs North West Giants
Saturday, January 26th
3:15pm
Langley Events Centre

Game 2
Hawks @ North West Giants
Sunday, January 27th
9:30am
Burnaby Winter Club


All-star Game Re-cap



The BCMML's annual All-star Game took place at the Langley Events Centre last Friday. Check out the highlight reel put together by the great staff at the Langley Events Centre:  





16 January 2013
Hawks Host All-Star Weekend

The Hawks welcome the BC Major Midget League to the Langley Events Centre for the Annual All-Star Weekend. The Hawks are well represented at Friday's All-Star sending forwards Matt Cox & Jakob Stukel, defensemen Ian Bennett & Cole Bevan, goaltender Luke Stripp to the game. Head Coach Tom Spencer and trainer Kim Penner will also be behind the bench.

The BCMML All-star game will take place Friday, January 18 2013 at the Langley Events Centre with puck drop scheduled for 7:00pm.


Redemption on the Mind

The Hawks will look to continue their second-half re-resurgence with a 2-game series with the visiting Kootenay Ice. 4 points will be on the line as the Hawks look to close the gap on the North East Chiefs and 4th place.

Game 1:
Hawks vs Kootenay Ice
Saturday, January 19th
5:15pm
Langley Events Centre

Game 2:
Hawks vs Kootenay Ice
Sunday, January 20th
11:45am
Langley Events Centre



15 January 2013
Week 15 Highlight Reel

Checkout the highlights from this weekend's action:



14 January 2013
Hawks Sweep and Move to 5th

The Hawks posted back to back 3-2 wins over the Greater Vancouver Canadians and moved into sole possession of 5th place in league standings this weekend. Luke Stripp notched both wins between the pipes and Rhett Willcox scored 3 times to pace the wins.

Game 1 saw the Hawks open with a period to forget. The quick puck movement and relentless attack that has keyed the Hawks' second half resurgence was noticeably absent and goaltender Luke Stripp was left to hold the fort and keep his team in the game. The Hawks would spot the Canadians a 2-0 lead just 1:30 into the second period but that would prove to be short lived. Rhett Willcox got the Hawks on the board mid-way through the period with a glove-high snipe from the high slot off a feed from Spencer Unger; a veritable carbon copy of the goal he scored last weekend in Prince George. Jakob Stukel knotted the game at 2 just over five minutes later burying the rebound off a 2 on 1 rush with Darien Craighead. The Hawks would close out the second period with some penalty trouble; the Hawks finished the final 20 seconds of the period down 2 men. Luke Stripp made the save of the game, perhaps of the year, going post to post and making a spectacular blocker save off a cross-crease 1-timer to preserve the 2-2 score. Mitch Newsome buried the game winning goal 5 minutes into the third period off a mad goal-mouth scramble. 

Game 2 was in many ways the mirrored image of game 1. The Hawks dominated the first and second periods of the game racing out to a 3-0 lead before weathering the storm through the third to hang on for the 3-2 win. Jakob Stukel opened the scoring on a spectacular end to end rush worthy of inclusion on TSN's plays-of-the-year. Stukel picked up the puck just inside the Hawks zone, beat the first 2 Canadians players wide with his speed through the neutral zone, turned the next inside-out with a toe-drag and split the D before burying it past the goalie. Rhett Willcox was sprung for a semi-breakaway from the blueline off a 2-zone pass from Eric Callegari and scored his first of the day beating Taz Burman low to the blocker side. Willcox notched the game winner off a tic-tac-toe play in the second period to seal the deal.



9 January 2013
Pivotal Match-up; Game 1 Rescheduled

The Hawks prepare this week for a pivotal match-up this weekend against the Greater Vancouver Canadians. The 12-10-2 Canadians are tied with the 10-10-6 Hawks for 5th place in the BCMML standings. The winner of this series will push ever closer to the coveted 4th-place threshold which carries with it Home ice advantage for the first round of playoffs.

Please note due to a scheduling error, Game 1 of this weekend's series has been rescheduled. Game information as follows:

Game 1:
Hawks vs GVC
Saturday, January 12, 2013
8:15pm
Richmond Oval

Game 2:
Hawks @ GVC
Sunday, January 13, 2013
10:00am
Richmond Oval

7 January 2013
Hawks Earn the Split and move to 5th

The Hawks begin 2013 with a hard-earned split in Prince George and move into a tie for 5th place in league standings. Luke Stripp earned the start in both games and posted 56 saves over the two games.

Game 1 saw an energized Hawks squad come out with purpose and poise. Although the Hawks surrendered 9 shots and were credited with 3, the scoring chances were evenly split. The Hawks pressed for much of the second and third period but failed to convert on several glorious scoring chances. Jake Fletcher buried the Hawks only goal off a rebound after extended pressure in the Cougars zone. Assists went to Josh Pollock and Mitch Newsome. 3-1 was your final score in favour of the Cougars.  

Game 2 was eerily similar to Game 1. The Hawks split scoring chances with the Cougars through 20 minutes and were again out shot 8-3. The difference was the conversion rate; the Hawks cashed in twice and led 2-1 after 1. The Cougars led 1-0 early in the first but '97 call-up defenseman Carter Dickson pulled the Hawks even when he stepped into a loose puck in the high slot and blasted a slap shot off the crossbar and in for his first goal in the BCMML. Cole Plotnikoff pounced on a turnover at the Cougars  blueline, walked in alone and ripped a snap shot shortside beating the tendy glove side to put the Hawks ahead 2-1. The Cougars tied the game mid-way through the second off a defensive miscue before Plotnikoff struck again. The Hawks held sustained pressure in the Cougars' zone for over a minute before a Parker Wotherspoon point shot was re-directed into the net by Plotnikoff for his second of the game. Rhett Willcox sealed the deal in the third period off a Spencer Unger feed with a glove-side snipe that beat the tendy high. 4-2 was your final in favour of the Hawks.                 


5 January 2013
Second half push begins in Prince George

The Hawks start the second half push with games today and tomorrow against the Cariboo Cougars. The Hawks look to continue their momentum from a successful showing at the Richmond International Tournament. The Cougars sit in 3rd place while the Hawks look to improve on their 6th place standing. The Hawks sit 2 points back of the Greater Vancouver Canadians for 5th place.

Click here for the live streaming broadcast of both games.

Game 1:
Hawks @ Cariboo Cougars
Saturday, January 5, 2013
1:00pm
CN Centre

Game 2:
Hawks @ Cariboo Cougars
Sunday, January 6, 2013
10:15am
CN Centre
 

21December 2012
Rossignol gets the call

The Hawks are proud to announce defenseman Royce Rossignol has been re-called by the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL and will be with the club from December 26 2012 until early January. A player's first game in the WHL is always a memory to be cherished; however, Rossignol's may prove to be extra special. Royce's first game looks to be the December 27th tilt vs the Regina Pats...and his brother and Hawk Alumnus Adam Rossignol. Good luck in the Dub Royce! We'll see you in the new year!



Redmond signs with the Silverbacks

The Hawks would like to congratulate alumnus Angus Redmond for signing with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the BCHL. Redmond played for the Hawks in the 2011/2012 season.

Read the press release here.


19 December 2012
Richmond International Midget Tournament up Next

The Hawks turn their attention to the upcoming Richmond International Midget Tournament from December 27 - 31. The Hawks face a quartet of unknowns; four teams from South of the 49th Parallel and will look to re-find their game from earlier in the season.

Schedule:
Game 1:
27 Dec 2012
Valley West Hawks @ Littleton Hawks
Richmond Oval South
12:15pm

Game 2:
28 Dec 2012
Valley West Hawks @ Mission AZ Ice U18
Richmond Ice Centre: Forum
7:00am

Game 3:
28 Dec 2012
Valley West Hawks vs Compete Hockey Academy Rams
Richmond Oval North
1:00pm

Game 4:
29 Dec 2012
Valley West Hawks vs United Cycle Midget AAA
Richmond Ice Centre: Forum
12:00pm

Check out the tournament website here.


Hawks Trio gets the Nod



The Valley West Hawks are pleased to announce Forwards Matthew Cox, Jakob Stukel and Defenceman Ian Bennett have been named to the BCMML All-Star game. They will represent the Hawks in the All-Star game and Skills Competition taking place at the Langley Events Centre on Friday, January 18th at 7:00pm. Teams were selected by a panel of coaches and team officials throughout the BCMML.

Check out the BC Hockey Press Release here.


Rossignol Signs with the Warriors



The Valley West Hawks are pleased to announce that Defenseman Royce Rossignol has signed with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. Rossignol was originally selected by the Warriors in the 7th round of the 2011 Bantam draft. He has 1G 7A 8Pts 100 Pims in 24 games this season.

Rossignol was recently the subject of the Warrior's "Prospect Watch" feature. Check it out here.



14 December 2012
On the Road Again

The Hawks hit the road tomorrow morning and put their undefeated roadtrip-record on the line as they head to Kelowna for a date with the Okanagan Rockets. The Hawks are undefeated in their last 6 games and look to post their first win in 3 and start the climb back up the league ladder. Losses have been few and far between the Rockets this season as they sport a 16-2-4 record good for 2nd place in the standings; however, the Hawks have given them all they can handle. The first two games of the season series saw the Rockets take a 7-6 win in game one and the Hawks a 3-1 win in game two.

The Saturday match between the Hawks and the Rockets is Local Kelowna Sports Authority Ryan Watters' Game of the Month and will be streamed live here.
Check out the "Coaches Show" here.


Game 1:
Valley West Hawks @ Okanagan Rockets
Saturday, December 15, 2012
3:00pm
Capital News Centre, Kelowna

Game 2:
Valley West Hawks @ Okanagan Rockets
Sunday, December 16, 2012
10:00am
Capital News Centre, Kelowna


Wotherspoon makes the Squad



The Valley West Hawks would like to congratulate Alumnus Tyler Wotherspoon, brother of current Hawk Parker Wotherspoon, on being named to Canada's National U20 Junior Team. Team Canada will kick off the quest for Gold in Ufa, Russia on boxing day vs Germany.

Good luck to Tyler and the rest of Team Canada!


4 December 2012
Former Hawks Battle for World Juniors' Spot

The Valley West Hawks congratulate Alumni Tyler Wotherspoon and Laurent Brossoit on being invited to the Canadian National Junior Team Selection camp. Wotherspoon and Brossoit, Hawks teammates in 2008/2009, are among thirty-seven of Canada's best under-20 hockey talent that will battle for a spot on Canada's final twenty-one man roster.

The World Junior U-20 Championships takes place December 26 - January 5 in Ufa, Russia.
Click here for the full selection camp roster

3 December 2012
Hawks keep rolling with another 3-point Weekend

The Hawks kept the ball rolling picking up another 3 points with an 8-3 win and 3-3 tie over the Kootenay Ice.

Game 1 saw an offensive onslaught from the line of Josh Pollock (2G 2A), Darien Craighead (3G 1A) and Mitch Newsome (1A). The duo of Pollock and Craighead has arguably been the Hawks' hottest over the last 3 weeks and helped pace the win. The trio of Matt Cox (2A), Matt Bradley (2A) and Jakob Stukel (2G) was also effective all night. The goal scoring was rounded out by affiliate player Darius Davidson who scored his first BCMML goal cashing in a rebound generated by an Addison Bazian net drive. Luke Stripp notched the win between the pipes.

Game 2 saw the Hawks race out to the early lead. Eric Callegari buried a shot from the slot off a terrific feed off the wall from Rhett Willcox on their first shift of the game. Josh Pollock and Darien Craighead continued their points streak combining for a goal with 6 minutes left in the 1st. Ian Bennett would round out the scoring for Hawks tallying his first BCMML goal on the Powerplay. Not to take anything away from the Kootenay Ice for their hard working, gritty effort but the Hawks could not help but feel robbed of a win in Game 2 and the extra point. The lack of video review failed to help the officials who were out of position on 3 apparent Hawk goals, which were subsequently called off. The Kootenay Ice play-by-play announcer said it best, "The Hawks have had their third goal waved off, and I don't think any of them should have been."

The Hawks finish the first half of the schedule sporting a record of 9-7-4 for 22 points.


Hawks Host the Blazers in South Surrey

The Hawks now look to forward to the start of the second half of the regular season. The Hawks will host the Thompson Blazers this upcoming weekend playing their first game of the year at the South Surrey Arena. Please note that the location for Game 2 has been changed to Surrey Sports & Leisure Complex (Fleetwood).

Come out and support your Valley West Hawks this weekend as they look to rise through the standings in a second half push!

Game 1:
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Valley West Hawks vs Thompson Blazers
South Surrey Arena
6:30pm

Game 2:
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Valley West Hawks vs Thompson Blazers
Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex (Fleetwood Arena)
9:00am