By Derek Harper
There has been quite a lot of news in the past few days from the CHL, but especially in the WHL. Tuesday was especially busy. Next season’s schedule dropped, and rumors started swirling of the Prince George Cougars’ future.
A story was put out by the newspaper in Prince George, the Price George Citizen that the team was up for sale and could be relocated. One name to watch was said to be Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini. It was said that Aquilini wants to purchase the team and move them to Chilliwack, where the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs play.
However, later Tuesday night, a different outlet called My Prince George Now put out a story saying the team had no plans to sell the team and that they plan to stay in Prince George. The other detail that likely got the rumors started is a minority owner is looking to sell his share.
With that, it’s also said there are multiple local ownership groups looking to keep the team in Prince George.
The newest WHL exceptional player, Landon DuPont is expected to sign very soon with the team as they close in on hiring their next head coach.
On Wednesday, the Wenatchee Wild sent out a press release announcing coaching news. Associate head coach Chris Clark received a two-year contract extension.
“It’s hard to think of the Wenatchee Wild and not think of Chris Clark,” Wenatchee general manager Bliss Littler said. “Coach Clark has done a great job adjusting to the WHL as an associate head coach as well as an assistant general manager. Chris brings great integrity, organization, and professionalism, as well as 16 years of experience in coaching at the Junior A and WHL level. Chris has a great hockey mind that I lean on every day. We are lucky to have Chris Clark in our organization.”
Clark said he was extremely grateful to owners David and Lisa White as well as Littler for the opportunity to continue with the organization.
“I look forward to working with our staff and players as we build on the success that we had in our first year in the WHL.”
Additionally, the team announced that they wish Roy Sommer the best moving forward.
“Roy did a nice job coming in at a tough time of the season,” said Littler. “He settled things down and guided our team to home ice in the playoffs. We are very grateful for Coach Sommer’s efforts.”
The team announced a new head coach has been selected and will be announced soon.
In other news, the CHL announced Wednesday that in partnership with USA Hockey’s National Development Team Program, they’ve created a two-game series. It’ll be called the CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota. the CHL USA Prospects Challenge will see the top first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the three leagues under the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) umbrella in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) take on those from USA Hockey’s NTDP in the two-game series. This series is expected to help players raise their draft stock and bring in hundreds of scouts and fans.
Stephen Heisler 