Chilliwack Bruins
Encyclopedia
The Chilliwack Bruins were a major junior ice hockey
team in the Western Hockey League
, based out of Chilliwack, British Columbia
. The 2006–07 season marked the Bruins inaugural season in the WHL. The team played at Prospera Centre
, which was expanded to 5,386 seats for the arrival of the Bruins. The team was sold after the 2010-2011 season
and relocated to British Columbia
's capital, Victoria
to become the Royals.
(Brian Burke
, Glen Sather
and Darryl Porter) to move the Americans to Chilliwack was voted down by the WHL directors. As a result, Burke, Sather, and Porter sold their stake in the Americans and purchased the 21st franchise in the WHL. The arrival of the Bruins displaced the British Columbia Hockey League
(BCHL)'s Chilliwack Chiefs, who relocated to Langley
to become the Langley Chiefs
. They have since been sold to RG Properties to allow them to move the team to Victoria. The previous ownership group had an offer of 7.75 Million from the Chiefs development group including Justin Morneau
and Willie Mitchell
.
The Bruins opened their inaugural season in 2006–07 at Prospera Centre
on September 21, 2006, defeating the Kelowna Rockets
by a score of 3–1. Keith Voytechek scored the first goal in franchise history, while Alex Archibald earned the first win by a Bruins goaltender. A month later, on October 28, Archibald became the first Bruins goaltender to record a shutout with a 3–0 win over the Tri-City Americans
, which also established the first Bruins road win. Forward Josh Aspenlind
established another Bruins first later in the season with the franchise's first hat-trick
on February 23, 2007, against the Kamloops Blazers
. General Manager Darrell May
and the team's first head coach, Jim Hiller
, the Bruins posted an overall record of 25–40–5–2, the third best overall record for a WHL expansion team, and made it to the post-season. In the 2007 playoffs, the Bruins played the eventual Memorial Cup
champion Vancouver Giants
in the first round and lost the series 4–1.
Bruins forwards Mark Santorelli
and Oscar Moller
emerged in the team's second season in 2007–08
, establishing team marks in all statistical categories. Santorelli set team marks with 74 assists and 101 points, earning the team's first major WHL trophy by leading the league in scoring, while Moller scored a franchise-high 39 goals. The Bruins finished in 7th place in the Western Conference and lost to the Giants in the first round. All games were decided by one goal.
After missing the playoffs in 2008–09
, the Bruins fired head coach Jim Hiller. On June 3, 2009, the team named Marc Habscheid
as head coach and general manager.
Initial interest in the team was good, prior to the arrival of the Abbotsford Heat
of the American Hockey League
. Following the Heat's arrival, interest in the Bruins waned and the team was sold to an ownership group from Victoria, British Columbia
.
Junior ice hockey
Junior hockey is a catch-all term used to describe various levels of ice hockey competition for players generally between 16 and 20 years of age...
team in the Western Hockey League
Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada...
, based out of Chilliwack, British Columbia
Chilliwack, British Columbia
Chilliwack is a Canadian city in the Province of British Columbia. It is a predominantly agricultural community with an estimated population of 80,000 people. Chilliwack is the second largest city in the Fraser Valley Regional District after Abbotsford. The city is surrounded by mountains and...
. The 2006–07 season marked the Bruins inaugural season in the WHL. The team played at Prospera Centre
Prospera Centre
The Prospera Centre is a 5,386-seat multi-purpose arena in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, built in 2004. It is the home of the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League after the Quesnel Millionaires were moved from Quesnel, British Columbia for the start of the 2011–12 BCHL...
, which was expanded to 5,386 seats for the arrival of the Bruins. The team was sold after the 2010-2011 season
2010–11 WHL season
The 2010–11 WHL season is the 45th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 24, 2010 and ended on March 20, 2011. The 2010 Subway Super Series, featuring Team WHL versus Team Russia, took place from November 17–18, 2010....
and relocated to British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
's capital, Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 78,000 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 360,063, the 15th most populous Canadian...
to become the Royals.
History
In 2005, the city of Chilliwack was granted a WHL expansion team after an attempt by the owners of the Tri-City AmericansTri-City Americans
The Tri-City Americans are a major junior ice hockey team of the Western Hockey League, based in Kennewick, Washington. The team plays its home games at the Toyota Center...
(Brian Burke
Brian Burke (executive)
Brian P. Burke is an American ice hockey executive, who is currently the President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and was the General Manager for the United States national men's ice hockey team for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.- Early life and playing career :Born in...
, Glen Sather
Glen Sather
Glen Cameron "Slats" Sather is the President and general manager of the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League . He has also served as the head coach of the Rangers, as well as General Manager and coach of the Edmonton Oilers of the World Hockey Association and later NHL...
and Darryl Porter) to move the Americans to Chilliwack was voted down by the WHL directors. As a result, Burke, Sather, and Porter sold their stake in the Americans and purchased the 21st franchise in the WHL. The arrival of the Bruins displaced the British Columbia Hockey League
British Columbia Hockey League
The British Columbia Hockey League is a Junior "A" ice hockey league from British Columbia under Hockey Canada, a subsection of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Founded in Vernon in 1961, the BCHL now includes 16 teams. These teams play in two conferences, known as the Coastal and the Interior...
(BCHL)'s Chilliwack Chiefs, who relocated to Langley
Langley, British Columbia (city)
The City of Langley is a municipality in Metro Vancouver. It lies directly east of the City of Surrey, adjacent to Cloverdale, and surrounded on the north, east and south by Township of Langley.-History:...
to become the Langley Chiefs
Langley Chiefs
The Langley Rivermen are a junior "A" ice hockey team based in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Coastal Conference of the British Columbia Hockey League . They play their home games at Langley Events Center.-History:...
. They have since been sold to RG Properties to allow them to move the team to Victoria. The previous ownership group had an offer of 7.75 Million from the Chiefs development group including Justin Morneau
Justin Morneau
Justin Ernest George Morneau is a Canadian Major League Baseball first baseman for the Minnesota Twins. At 6 feet 4 inches and 225 lbs, Morneau was originally drafted as a catcher by the Twins in 1999. He converted to first base in the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 2003...
and Willie Mitchell
Willie Mitchell
Willie Mitchell is the name of:*Willie Mitchell , , musician and record producer*Willie Mitchell , MLB player*Willie Mitchell , NHL player...
.
The Bruins opened their inaugural season in 2006–07 at Prospera Centre
Prospera Centre
The Prospera Centre is a 5,386-seat multi-purpose arena in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, built in 2004. It is the home of the Chilliwack Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League after the Quesnel Millionaires were moved from Quesnel, British Columbia for the start of the 2011–12 BCHL...
on September 21, 2006, defeating the Kelowna Rockets
Kelowna Rockets
The Kelowna Rockets are a major junior ice hockey team based in Kelowna, British Columbia. The Rockets play in the Western Hockey League , out of the Canadian Hockey League . They play their home games at Prospera Place....
by a score of 3–1. Keith Voytechek scored the first goal in franchise history, while Alex Archibald earned the first win by a Bruins goaltender. A month later, on October 28, Archibald became the first Bruins goaltender to record a shutout with a 3–0 win over the Tri-City Americans
Tri-City Americans
The Tri-City Americans are a major junior ice hockey team of the Western Hockey League, based in Kennewick, Washington. The team plays its home games at the Toyota Center...
, which also established the first Bruins road win. Forward Josh Aspenlind
Josh Aspenlind
Josh Aspenlind is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League.-Career statistics:-External links:...
established another Bruins first later in the season with the franchise's first hat-trick
Hat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
on February 23, 2007, against the Kamloops Blazers
Kamloops Blazers
The Kamloops Blazers are a junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League based out of Kamloops, British Columbia. They play their home games at Interior Savings Centre.-History:...
. General Manager Darrell May
Darrell May (ice hockey)
Darrell Gerald May is a retired professional ice hockey player who played six games in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues. He was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the 5th round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft.- References :...
and the team's first head coach, Jim Hiller
Jim Hiller
James A. Hiller is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played 63 games in the National Hockey League with the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers, while spending time in the American Hockey League and International Hockey League...
, the Bruins posted an overall record of 25–40–5–2, the third best overall record for a WHL expansion team, and made it to the post-season. In the 2007 playoffs, the Bruins played the eventual Memorial Cup
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
champion Vancouver Giants
Vancouver Giants
The Vancouver Giants are a major junior ice hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League . Inaugurated in 2001–02, the Giants have won one President's Cup in 2006 and one Memorial Cup in 2007 in their ten-season history...
in the first round and lost the series 4–1.
Bruins forwards Mark Santorelli
Mark Santorelli
Mark Santorelli is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League . His older brother Mike currently plays in the Florida Panthers organization...
and Oscar Moller
Oscar Möller
Oscar Möller is a Swedish professional ice hockey right winger who currently plays for the Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Elite League .-Playing career:...
emerged in the team's second season in 2007–08
2007–08 WHL season
The 2007–08 WHL season was the 42nd season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 20, 2007, and ended on March 16, 2008. The WHL Playoffs began on March 21, 2008, and ended on May 7, 2008....
, establishing team marks in all statistical categories. Santorelli set team marks with 74 assists and 101 points, earning the team's first major WHL trophy by leading the league in scoring, while Moller scored a franchise-high 39 goals. The Bruins finished in 7th place in the Western Conference and lost to the Giants in the first round. All games were decided by one goal.
After missing the playoffs in 2008–09
2008–09 WHL season
The 2008–09 WHL season was the 43rd season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 18, 2008, and ended on March 15, 2009. The WHL Playoffs commenced on March 20, 2009, and the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge series, featuring Team WHL versus the Russian Selects, took...
, the Bruins fired head coach Jim Hiller. On June 3, 2009, the team named Marc Habscheid
Marc Habscheid
Marc Joseph Habscheid is a former National Hockey League forward and current head coach and general manager of the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League. He was drafted in the 6th round, 113th Overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers...
as head coach and general manager.
Initial interest in the team was good, prior to the arrival of the Abbotsford Heat
Abbotsford Heat
The Abbotsford Heat are a professional ice hockey team based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. The Heat began play during 2009-10 season, and are the affiliate of the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames...
of the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
. Following the Heat's arrival, interest in the Bruins waned and the team was sold to an ownership group from Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 78,000 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 360,063, the 15th most populous Canadian...
.
Season-by-season record
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, OTL = Overtime losses, SOL = Shootout losses, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against| Season | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | GF | GA | Points | Finish | Playoffs |
| 2006–07 | 72 | 25 | 40 | 5 | 2 | 169 | 260 | 57 | 4th B.C. | Lost Western Conference quarter-final |
| 2007–08 2007–08 WHL season The 2007–08 WHL season was the 42nd season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 20, 2007, and ended on March 16, 2008. The WHL Playoffs began on March 21, 2008, and ended on May 7, 2008.... |
72 | 28 | 35 | 4 | 5 | 206 | 241 | 65 | 3rd B.C. | Lost Western Conference quarter-final |
| 2008–09 2008–09 WHL season The 2008–09 WHL season was the 43rd season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 18, 2008, and ended on March 15, 2009. The WHL Playoffs commenced on March 20, 2009, and the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge series, featuring Team WHL versus the Russian Selects, took... |
72 | 19 | 46 | 2 | 5 | 154 | 267 | 45 | 5th B.C. | Out of playoffs |
| 2009–10 2009–10 WHL season The 2009–10 WHL season is the 44th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 17, 2009 and ended on March 14, 2010... |
72 | 32 | 33 | 2 | 5 | 215 | 239 | 71 | 4th B.C. | Lost Western Conference quarter-final |
| 2010–11 2010–11 WHL season The 2010–11 WHL season is the 45th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 24, 2010 and ended on March 20, 2011. The 2010 Subway Super Series, featuring Team WHL versus Team Russia, took place from November 17–18, 2010.... |
72 | 33 | 31 | 4 | 4 | 227 | 255 | 74 | 3rd B.C. | Lost Western Conference quarter-final |
Team records
| Team records for a single season | ||
| Statistic | Total | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Most points | 74 | 2010–11 2010–11 WHL season The 2010–11 WHL season is the 45th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 24, 2010 and ended on March 20, 2011. The 2010 Subway Super Series, featuring Team WHL versus Team Russia, took place from November 17–18, 2010.... |
| Most wins | 33 | 2010–11 2010–11 WHL season The 2010–11 WHL season is the 45th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 24, 2010 and ended on March 20, 2011. The 2010 Subway Super Series, featuring Team WHL versus Team Russia, took place from November 17–18, 2010.... |
| Most goals for | 227 | 2010–11 2010–11 WHL season The 2010–11 WHL season is the 45th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 24, 2010 and ended on March 20, 2011. The 2010 Subway Super Series, featuring Team WHL versus Team Russia, took place from November 17–18, 2010.... |
| Least goals for | 169 | 2006–07 |
| Least goals against | 239 | 2009–10 2009–10 WHL season The 2009–10 WHL season is the 44th season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 17, 2009 and ended on March 14, 2010... |
| Most goals against | 267 | 2008–09 2008–09 WHL season The 2008–09 WHL season was the 43rd season of the Western Hockey League . The regular season began on September 18, 2008, and ended on March 15, 2009. The WHL Playoffs commenced on March 20, 2009, and the 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge series, featuring Team WHL versus the Russian Selects, took... |
| Individual player records for a single season | |||
| Statistic | Player | Total | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most goals | Ryan Howse | 51 | 2010-11 |
| Most assists | Mark Santorelli Mark Santorelli Mark Santorelli is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League . His older brother Mike currently plays in the Florida Panthers organization... |
74 | 2007–08 |
| Most points | Mark Santorelli Mark Santorelli Mark Santorelli is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League . His older brother Mike currently plays in the Florida Panthers organization... |
101 | 2007–08 |
| Most points, rookie | Mark Santorelli Mark Santorelli Mark Santorelli is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League . His older brother Mike currently plays in the Florida Panthers organization... |
82 | 2006–07 |
| Most points, defenceman | Nick Holden Nick Holden Nick Holden is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets organization.... |
60 | 2007–08 |
| Best GAA (goalie) | Matt Esposito | 2.97 | 2006–07 |
| Goalies = minimum 1500 minutes played | |||
NHL draftees
- Oscar MollerOscar MöllerOscar Möller is a Swedish professional ice hockey right winger who currently plays for the Skellefteå AIK of the Swedish Elite League .-Playing career:...
(Drafted by Los Angeles KingsLos Angeles KingsThe Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in 20072007 NHL Entry DraftThe 2007 NHL Entry Draft was the 45th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted at Nationwide Arena in the city of Columbus, Ohio, United States on June 22, 2007. The draft consisted of seven rounds with rounds two through seven taking place on June 23, 2007...
; second round, 52nd overall) - Mark SantorelliMark SantorelliMark Santorelli is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League . His older brother Mike currently plays in the Florida Panthers organization...
(Drafted by Nashville PredatorsNashville PredatorsThe Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in 2007; fourth round, 119th overall) - Ryan Howse (Drafted by Calgary FlamesCalgary FlamesThe Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
in 20092009 NHL Entry DraftThe 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or...
; third round, 74th overall) - Roman HorakRoman Horak (ice hockey b. 1991)Roman Horak is a Czech ice hockey player for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League . He previously played nine games in the Czech Extraliga with HC České Budějovice before coming to North America to play in the Western Hockey League with the Chilliwack Bruins for the 2009–10 WHL season...
(Drafted by New York RangersNew York RangersThe New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
in 20092009 NHL Entry DraftThe 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or...
; fifth round, 127th overall) - Kevin Sundher (Drafted by Buffalo SabresBuffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
in 20102010 NHL Entry DraftThe 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in...
; third round, 75th overall) - Tyler Stahl (Drafted by Carolina HurricanesCarolina HurricanesThe Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
in 20102010 NHL Entry DraftThe 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in...
; sixth round, 167th overall) - Dylen McKinlay (Drafted by Minnesota WildMinnesota WildThe Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
in 20102010 NHL Entry DraftThe 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of 11 American-trained players were selected in...
; seventh round, 189th overall)
Transactions
- Keith Voytechek traded to the Moose Jaw WarriorsMoose Jaw WarriorsThe Moose Jaw Warriors are a major junior ice hockey team of the Western Hockey League which are based out of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The team plays its home games at Mosaic Place. The franchise moved to Moose Jaw from Winnipeg after the 1983–84 season, where they had previously been named the...
for Defenseman Dylan Chapman - October 8, 2006 - Stephen Lenoski traded to the Spokane ChiefsSpokane ChiefsThe Spokane Chiefs are a major junior ice hockey team that plays in the Western Hockey League based out of Spokane, Washington. The team plays its home games at the Spokane Arena. Their uniforms are similar to those of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens. Spokane consistently ranks in the top 10 in the...
for Defenseman Matt McCue - December 28, 2006 - Myles StoeszMyles StoeszMyles Stoesz is a professional ice hockey left winger who is currently playing for the Albany Devils in the American Hockey League...
traded to the Regina PatsRegina PatsThe Regina Pats are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the Western Hockey League. The Pats are based out of Regina, Saskatchewan and the Brandt Centre is their home arena.-History:...
for Forward Brayden Metz - January 10, 2007 - Bruins traded a 5th round 2007 Bantam Draft pick to the Brandon Wheat KingsBrandon Wheat KingsThe Brandon Wheat Kings are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in Brandon, Manitoba. They compete in the Western Hockey League, and joined the league in the 1967–68 season. Prior to that they played in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and were known as the Brandon Elks for a short time in the...
for Forward Michael Proudley - Bruins traded a 4th round 2007 Bantam Draft pick to the Everett SilvertipsEverett SilvertipsThe Everett Silvertips are a major junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League that plays in Everett, Washington. They joined the league as an expansion team for the 2003–04 WHL season. The team name comes from the silvertip bear...
for Goaltender Matt Esposito - Goaltender Alex Archibald and Bruins list player Tyler Halliday were traded to the Edmonton Oil KingsEdmonton Oil KingsThis article refers to the original Oil Kings franchises that existed until 1978. For the current team that began play in 2007, see Edmonton Oil Kings...
in lieu of Edmonton selecting a player from the Bruins unprotected list for their expansion draft pick