Daily Dose

DUB’s Daily Dose: Josephson joins Rebels for rest of the season, Hutchison makes first DUB start, Four DUB alumni claim Canada West awards, and more!

Written by Kevin Shaw on

 

Josephson joins Rebels for the remainder of 2021-22

2006-born Ollie Josephson has joined the Red Deer Rebels for the remainder of the 2021-22 DUB season. The Victoria, BC product signed a WHL Standard Player Agreement with the Rebels back on December 14th after being selected fifth overall in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. he made his debut on December 15th versus the Swift Current Broncos.

The 5-ft-11, 170 lb. forward played 28 games with the South Island Royals U18 AAA team where he picked up 53 points (28G-25A). He had also appeared in five BCHL games with the Victoria Grizzlies where he scored once.

Hutchison makes first start for Giants

Matthew Hutchison made his first DUB start for the Vancouver Giants on Wednesday night when they traveled to Spokane to play the Chiefs. He allowed 4 goals on 32 shots in 59:38 in a 5-2 loss. The 50th overall pick in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft signed a WHL Standard Player Agreement with the Giants on December 18, 2021.

The 15-year-old from Nanaimo, BC played 13 games for the North Island Silvertips U18 AAA team with a 1-9-1 record and 4.52 goals-against average. He has also played five games for the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals where he is 1-3-0 with a 4.69 GAA and .886 SV%.

Four DUB players win Canada West Awards

Nolan Yaremko (Tri-City 2014-19) was named Canada West’s Player of the Year and UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy winner (Sportsmanship and Ability) for the 2021-22 season. The Spirit River, AB product averaged almost two points per game with 39 points (19G-20A) in just 20 games for the Mount Royal University Cougars, leading USports Men’s hockey in scoring.

“From start to finish his season was, in a word, exceptional. He did it all for us and was an impactful player every time he hit the ice. Nolan was remarkably consistent in his productivity throughout the regular season and playoffs while playing and contributing in all situations of the game.” MRU head coach Bert Gilling said.

The Mervyn ‘Red’ Dutton Trophy Winner (Defenceman of the Year) was fourth-year Alberta Golden Bear Clayton Kirichenko (Saskatoon, Vancouver, Medicine Hat 2013-17). The Sherwood Park, AB product played 20 games for the Golden Bears where he had 18 points (2G-18A).

“A well deserved honour for Clayton! It shows the respect the other programs have for him. Clayton is a player whose work ethic and dedication to the program sets a powerful example for every current and future Golden Bear hockey player. First to the rink every day, Clay’s attention to detail and his commitment to improve – combined with his natural skills – have made him an impactful player this entire season. Clay’s positive attitude and drive will serve him well in his future pro hockey career.” Ian Herbers the Alberta Golden Bears head coach said via the Canada West website.

Riley Sawchuk (Tri-City, Edmonton 2015-20) was named the U of A Hockey Alumni Trophy as Canada West Rookie of the Year after he collected 38 points (15G-23A) in 20 games with the Mount Royal University Cougars.

“You knew Riley was going to be special as soon as he stepped on the ice for the first time at MRU. This is a fitting achievement for the high level of play that he performed at for the entire season. At any given moment Riley could be either a play making or a scoring threat that is reflected in his high point totals consistently achieved throughout the year.” said MRU’s head coach Gilling.

Canada West’s Goaltender of the Year, Rylan Toth (Red Deer, Seattle 2014-17) went 11-5-1 with the University of British Columbia with a 2.34 goals-against average, .920 save percentage, and 4 shutouts.

“We’ve always known his potential and what he’s capable of doing, it’s great he’s getting recognition from the Canada West, he’s deserved everything. He’s here early, he’s on the ice before everybody, he’s a fifth year guy that takes nothing for granted. His habits are very professional which will give him a great chance to play at a high level of pro. He’s just been a great leader for the young goalies as well.” Sven Butenschön, UBC’s head coach told Canada West.

Flodell on the move again

Logan Flodell (Seattle, Saskatoon, Swift Current, Lethbridge 2013-18) is on the move again after signing a professional tryout with the Belleville Senators.

Flodell joined the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL on December 29, 2021, from Acadia University (USports) had signed a professional tryout with the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL on January 17, but was released from that tryout on February 10. He was traded to the Reading Royals on February 23, 2022.

So far this season:

Acadia (USports): played 14 games going a 4-9-0 with a 3.97 GAA and a .890 SV%. South Carolina (ECHL): played six games going 1-4-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .886 SV% and 1 shutout. Henderson (AHL): no game action. Reading (ECHL): played 6 games with a 5-0-1 record 2.09 GAA and .932 SV%. Up next: Belleville (AHL)

The Regina, SK product played 161 games over his WHL career going 86-53-13 with a 2.92 GAA, .908 SV%, and nine shutouts.

Lang traded to Fuel

Chase Lang (Calgary, Vancouver 2012-16) was traded to the Indy Fuel by the Norfolk Admirals in exchange for Ryan Valentini and Joe Widmar. The 25-year-old forward played 43 games for the Admirals where he collected 28 points (17G-11A). He had also played two games with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) where he was held off the scoresheet during a tryout earlier in the season.

The four-year DUB veteran played 244 games (all but 55 played with the Hitmen). The Nanaimo, BC product had scored 66 goals and added 89 assists in those 244 games.

Johnson reassigned to Rockford

Reese Johnson (Red Deer 2014-19) was reassigned to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs by the Chicago Blackhawks. The 23-year-old forward has spent time with both clubs this season. With the Blackhawks, he has skated in 18 games where he has four points (1G-3A). With the IceHogs, he has two points (1G-1A) in five games.

The Regina, SK product played 187 career DUB games where he notched 100 points (55G-45A).

Andrusiak back with Cyclones

Zack Andrusiak (Tri-City, Prince Albert, Seattle, Everett 2014-19) was released from his tryout from the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL (he joined on March 3). The 23-year-old forward started the season with the Idaho Steelheads before a January 25th trade to the Cincinnati Cyclones. With the Steelheads, the Yorkton, SK product has 23 points (9G-14A) in 36 games. He caught fire when he got to Cincinnati where he has 23 points (10G-13A) in 15 games. He played two games with the Roadrunners and was held off the scoresheet.

In his DUB career, the left-winger suited up for 202 games where he collected 149 points (80G-69A) most of which came as a member of the Thunderbirds.