The Cowichan Valley Capitals haven’t played a game since April 6 and the ice has long since been removed from the Cowichan Arena, but the organization remains hard at work building toward next year, making adjustments to the front office and moving players around.
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Caps hire new assistant GM
Last Friday, the Caps announced the appointment of George Musselwhite as their new assistant manager.
“Bringing over 30 years of hockey experience from coaching, scouting and the front office operations, George’s leadership, knowledge, skills and energy will be a welcomed addition to the organization,” the Caps said on their website. “George looks forward to working with the staff, the team and the community in continuing to build strong partnerships and increased success overall.”
The Edmonton Oil Kings list Musselwhite among their coaching staff on their website, and Eliteprospects.com shows that Musselwhite has been a scout with the Edmonton Oil Kings since 2009. He was part of the team that won the Memorial Cup in 2014.
Fudger commits to Lakers
The Caps’ 2021-22 captain Brett Fudger has committed to play for the Oswego State Lakers starting this fall.
The Lakers represent State University of New York at Oswego and play in NCAA Div. 3.
“I’m excited to further my hockey and education at SUNY-Oswego,” Fudger said. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about the program and school. I’m very thankful for the opportunity and hoping to make an impact right away, on and off the ice.”
Fudger spent the last two seasons with the team, serving one year as captain. He tied for second on the team in 2021-22 with a career-high 17 goals, and finished fifth in points with 32 over 45 games. He finished his B.C. Hockey League career with 52 points in 112 games.
The Lakers finished first in the SUNY Conference last season with an 18-7-1 record overall, going 12-3-1 in conference play. The team featured two former BCHLers, including Connor Sleeth, who played with Fudger on the Vernon Vipers in 2019-20.
With Fudger going to SUNY-Oswego, all six graduating 20-year-olds from the 2021-22 Capitals team have now committed to post-secondary institutions. David Jacobs (Princeton), Shane LaVelle (Lindenwood) and Adam Jeffery (Rochester Institute of Technology) will play NCAA hockey, while Colin Campbell (Wilfrid Laurier) and Griffin Wilson) are moving on to USports.
Jordan Edwards traded to AJHL’s Blackfalds Bulldogs
This Tuesday, the Caps announced that they have traded defenceman Jordan Edwards to the Blackfalds Bulldogs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations.
The 2002-born Edwards was acquired the Caps early last season after playing the previous year with the AJHL’s Drumheller Dragons. He played 43 games with Cowichan, scoring one goal and assisting on six more for seven points.
“Jordan was a great teammate, a dedicated Capital and tough as nails,” Capitals GM Brian Passmore said. “He represented the Capitals with pride and integrity. We have to make tough decisions on 20-year-olds and we wanted to situate Jordan with a great organization like Blackfalds.”
Edwards’ brother, 2005-born forward Matty, also played for the Caps last season, posting six points in 43 contests. He has since signed with the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants for next season, but the Caps will retain his BCHL rights.
Upcoming camps
The Caps are holding a pair of camps this month, from June 10-12 at the Summit Centre Arena in Abbotsford, and June 17-19 at Shawnigan Lake School’s Charlie Purdey Arena. For more information and to register visit www.cowichancapitals.com/2022-id-camps