Islanders sign homegrown talent
The Kerry Park Islanders have signed four players, including Liam Downie, son of the late assistant coach Phil Downie, to their 2025/26 roster.
"This unbelievably strong individual continues to amaze us by standing tall in challenging circumstances both on and off the ice," said the team in his signing announcement. "His perseverance, courage and commitment to his family and his teammates is commendable, and we are honoured to see him return to an orange and blue uniform."
Downie has already played with the team, amassing 15 games last season as an AP while playing full-time as a member of the Shawnigan Lake School prep hockey program.
The Isles also have announced the signing of forward Brodie Kenney. The Penticton-born sniper impressed coaches at the Islanders' camp and combined with his 78 goals and 58 assists in 43 games last season, the Isles didn't waste any time inking the 17-year-old.
"With a lightning release, local family ties, an incredible stat record and a killer smile we have no doubt that this young athlete will be a KP fan-favourite this upcoming season," said the team.
After a three-game stint with the Islanders last season, defender Connor Cohen will also join the Isles for the 2025/26 season. The 19-year-old American played most of last season as the captain of the PJHL's Aldergrove Kodiaks.
And finally, gritty defender William Harrison has committed to the Islanders for the upcoming season.
"Harrison is a D-man that any team would value at every level," said the team.
Meanwhile, Islanders owner Brandon Cox has signed on as the next assistant general manager of the Nanaimo Clippers.
Cowichan Valley Capitals sign players
The Cowichan Capitals have acquired 2007 forward Brendyn Van Oene from the Chilliwack Chiefs to complete a previous future considerations trade. In 45 games with the Chiefs, Van Oene had 12 goals and 10 assist for 22 total points.
Van Oene grew up in the Shawnigan Lake area and was a Shawnigan Lake School graduate after playing for four years in the schools prep hockey program.
Caps and friends alum to play Appollos alumni
The Lake Cowichan Appollos will play a team made up of BCHL/Cowichan Valley Capitals alumni in a special end-of-summer game. The event is open to the public. The puck drops at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Cowichan Community Centre.
Former Cowichan player now NHL's top coach
Former Cowichan Valley Capital Spencer Carbery has won the 2024/25 Jack Adams Award as the NHL's top coach.
Carbery has been the head coach of the Washington Capitals for the past two seasons. Prior to that he was an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
He played 68 games for the Cowichan Valley Capitals over the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
Former Capitals sign pro deals
Former Capitals defenceman Mortiz Kukuk has signed a professional hockey contract in Germany with Düsseldorfer EG in the DEL 2.
In 61 total BCHL games with the Caps during the 2024/25 season, Kukuk scored seven goals and had 18 assists for 25 total points.
Meanwhile, former Cap Lucas Vanroboys has signed a one-year deal with AHL's San Jose Barracuda. Vanroboys played 27 games during the 2018/19, scoring seven goals and eight assists for 15 points overall.
Vanroboys has played parts of the last two seasons with the Barracuda.
