The Cowichan Valley Capitals have added a standout goalie and a promising young defenceman for the 2014/15 season.
Netminder Lane Michasiw comes from the Telus Cup national champion Prince Albert Mintos of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League, while blueliner Mitch Stapley joins the Caps from the Vancouver Northwest Giants of the BC Major Midget League.
The 18-year-old Michasiw had a record of 12 wins, eight losses and one tie with a 2.37 goalsagainst average and .911 save percentage and two shutouts over 22 appearances with the Mintos last season.
With Robin Gusse aging out, the Caps have an opening in net, and Michasiw is excited to be joining the team.
"From what I've heard it's a great organization, a good coach in Bob Beatty and it's a good spot and I'm really excited for this season to start," he said. "I hope to bring some consistency. I want to establish myself as a starting goalie and really show that I can play in the league right off the bat and just show off my skills and that I can be a premiere goalie in the league."
Michasiw played three games for Prince Albert at the Telus Cup tournament, with a record of 2-0-1, a GAA of 0.33, and .988 save percentage and two shutouts. He was named the tournament's MVP and top goalie.
"Lane's performance in the Telus Cup was something that our team's coaching staff was extremely impressed with," Capitals head coach and general manager Beatty said. "Lane's accomplishments and winning track record speak for themselves; he has a reputation as a solid goaltender with great character and we are excited to announce his commitment."
A 17-year-old Campbell River product, Stapley scored 33 points on five goals and 28 assists in 39 games with the Vancouver Northwest Giants of the BCMML last season, seventh among blueliners in the circuit, and is ready to bring his offensive touch to the Caps.
"I'm very excited and I look forward to suiting up for the [Capitals] next season," Stapley said. "I'm a puck moving defenseman, I like to be up ice on the rush and I bring a lot of skill and I hope to bring that to the team."
Stapley played his bantam hockey with the North Shore Winter Club and was named Defenceman of the Year in 2011/12. That same year, he was picked by the Vancouver Giants in the ninth round of the WHL Bantam Draft.
"We are very happy that Mitch has committed to play for us next season," Beatty said. "He is a highly skilled, smooth skating defenceman that has great offensive instincts and a high hockey IQ. We feel Mitch will develop into one of the top college prospects in the BCHL."