The Chilliwack Chiefs continue to cement themselves as one of the province's most successful hockey organizations.
Ahead of the upcoming NHL season, the BCHL saw 93 current, former and future players taking part in NHL development camps held over the past two weeks – 12 of which were players who, at one point, donned a Chiefs maroon jersey.
It was the second-most players sent to camps from a single team with only the Penticton Vees (27) sending more.
Development camp rosters are made up of draft picks, signees and other invited players. Twenty-eight of the 31 NHL teams holding camps had at least one BCHL player in attendance.
The successful showing, while welcomed, certainly comes as no surprise to Chiefs head coach Brian Maloney.
“Honestly, that’s what this organization is all about,” said Maloney. “Helping kids develop by becoming student athletes while having an opportunity to become a pro.
"It’s a balancing act between winning and developing. The trick is to be able to do both.”
Brad Rihela, director of hockey development and longtime associate coach, echoed Maloney’s sentiments.
“It certainly makes us proud as an organization to see our players moving on and getting opportunities to train and work in front of NHL clubs,” said Rihela. “The one common theme with all of these players that I remember from their time in Chilliwack is the character and commitment they brought to the rink everyday.”
“It’s easy for coaches at this level, or any level to get hung-up on winning at all costs,” added Maloney. “We’ve done a good job at winning while still being able to bring in young talented players and be patient with them.
“We’re proud of all of our athletes that have come through the program.”
The following are past, present or future Chiefs players who were in attendance at this year’s NHL development camps:
Anaheim Ducks
- Joey Larson - F
- Undrafted
Boston Bruins
- Mathieu Caron - G
- Undrafted
Detroit Red Wings
- Kienan Draper - F
- Drafted 187th overall (7th round) in 2020 NHL Entry Draft
- Cooper Moore - D
- Drafted 128th overall (5th round) in 2019 NHL Entry Draft
Los Angeles Kings
- Jack Sparkes - D
- Drafted 180th overall (6th round) in 2022 NHL Entry Draft
Ottawa Senators
- Vladimir Nikitin - G
- Drafted 207th overall (7th round) in 2023 NHL Entry Draft
Vegas Golden Knights
- Connor Milburn - F
- Undrafted
- Abram Wiebe - D
- Drafted 209th overall (7th round) in 2022 NHL Entry Draft
Washington Capitals
- Duncan Ramsay - D
- Undrafted
- Hudson Thornton - D
- Undrafted
Winnipeg Jets
- Kyle Penney - F
- Undrafted
