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QUESNEL MILLIONAIRES
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Quesnel Millionaires: 2001-2002 STORIES
Millionaires Announce 2001-2002 Schedule
June 21, 2001 With less than three months until the puck drops on the 2001-2002 BCHL season, the Quesnel Millionaires have released their 60 game schedule, complete with games against the two expansion franchises: the Interior Division's Salmon Arm Silverbacks and the Coastal Division's Coquitlam Express, as well as 12 games against bitter rival Prince George.
The Millionaires open this season's BCHL campaign on the road with a three game road trip beginning September 14th in Penticton. From there the club will make one of two trips to Trail for a double header on September 15-16 before returning to Quesnel for the home opener at the Quesnel Twin Arenas on September 21st.
The first look home fans will get at the Millionaires on the 21st will once again be against Trail as the club opens the season with four of its first six games against the Smoke Eaters. The two games that weekend against Trail are sandwiched by a game against the Vernon Vipers.
The first game in the second annual CNC Challenge Cup, the series between the Millionaires and Prince George which the Spruce Kings claimed last year after the teams split ten games and the decision went to goals for and against, is on October 4th in Quesnel. It's the first of 12 games against the Kings, up from ten last year as the schedule has been revamped to accomodate the new franchises in Salmon Arm and Coquitlam. Quesnel will play each of its other division rivals six times while playing the Coastal Conference teams twice each. The Prince George seriis is highlighted by three home-and-home series: November 2-3, January 24-25, and February 13-19.
"Playing Prince George 12 times instead of ten this season will be great for our fans," said Millionaires Marketing Director Kevin Parnell. "The Spruce Kings are our biggest draw and this will allow our fans to enjoy some intense action."
The first time Quesnel will get a look at the Salmon Arm Siverbacks will be October 6th in Salmon Arm. The 'Backs will be in Quesnel for the first time on October 26th. Quesnel travels to visit expansion Coquitlam on November 9th while the Express are in Quesnel October 27.
The Millionaires' busiest months are November and January when they play 12 games in each of those months. Quesnel will wrap up the season on the road with a two game road trip to Salmon Arm and Merritt on March 1-2.
The BCHL schedule, completed at last weekend's BCHL Annual General Meeting, is tentative at this point, but any changes are expected to be minor.
Carberry and Charlton: teammates again
June 27, 2001 As teammates on the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Subways Midget AAA team, they travelled across Canada to Prince George together for the Air Canada Cup Midget AAA Championships in April. Now they will travel back to the British Columbia Interior as members of the Quesnel Millionaires. Teammates Mike Charlton and Mark Carberry have both signed with the Quesnel Millionaires of the BCHL and will suit up in Quesnel this September as 18-year-old BCHL rookies.
"Over the past couple of months, we were talking to each other about what we were going to do," said Charlton, a six-foot, 165 pound netminder who was named the top goalie at the ACC in Prince George. "We're both very happy to be coming to Quesnel."
Over the past two months, Millionaires head coach and general manager Mike Cameron has targetted the two Nova Scotia players as top recruits. "Both of these players are the type of players that I want to have in Quesnel," said Cameron. "They are hard working character players and we're excited about bringing them out to BC."
Carberry and Charlton will join a solid group of returning players in Quesnel. Among the players that will be back in Quesnel, five of them scored 20 goals in the BCHL last season as 18-year-olds: Chris Wellar, Josh Hechter, Kevin Nelson, Mike Kaluzny and Jamie Molendyk.
"I'm excited about how our team is shaping up," said Cameron. "I want our guys to get excited as well. It's very important to begin the season well. Our players need to come to camp well prepared and in top physical shape."
As far as Carberry and Charlton go, the pair will have to make a transition to the best junior A league in Canada as well as from being away from home. Carberry, a five-foot-eight 185 pound sparklug, isn't too concerned about crossing Canada.
"It's going to be exciting to move away and play junior A hockey," he said from his home in ColeHarbour, Nova Scotia. "There are good leagues out here, but the BCHL is more a speed and skill league and I think I can excel out there. Out here, the junior A league is mostly older players who rely on toughness to win, but in BC it's about speed and skill and I feel I can fit in."
Carberry is no stranger to tough competition. He played for Team Atlantic at the World Under-17 Hockey Tournament last season. In 33 games for his Midget AAA team, he scored 30 goals and added 50 assists. As Carberry's goalie, Charlton had a good look at the player and explains what Quesnel fans can expect.
"Mark is the type of guy that gives 110 per cent every day," said Charlton. "He's grit and determination, he's a very skilled player and he's a great guy."
As for Charlton, who describes himself as a combination of a stand-up 'tender and a butterfly style, who better to ask what type of goalie he is than his captain from last season.
"He's really good under pressure," said Carberry. "He can definitely take the heat. He loves the competition and he's pretty intense."
Wellar Enjoying New Year
Oct 12th. 2001 Last season, lanky forward Chris Wellar came out of nowhere to become the second leading goal scorer on the Millionaires. This season, fans know he's from Saskatchewan, and Wellar is proving his rookie BCHL campaign was no fluke. After 11 games, Wellar is third in team scoring with 5 goals and ten assists and is over a point per game production.
Wellar credits his start to his teammates and the amount of ice time he is seeing. "I've been getting a lot of ice time," said the six-foot-two native of Colonsay, Saskatchewan. "We have a good first two lines. If you have good linemates they're going to set you up and you are going to get assists off of them." As a 19-year-old Wellar is being counted on to provide scoring and leadership for his teammates. He's doing that and more on a young Quesnel team. "We have some very good young players," said Wellar. "They just need to get some experience." After a start to the season that has seen Quesnel fall behind teams and struggle to put a full 60 minutes together, Wellar sees the potential for an excellent season. "I think the team is going to do very well this season," he said. "We have to play 60 minutes. Usually our first 20 minutes is our worst. We can't be getting down four or five goals. We've shown that we can come back from a large deficit, but we have to play a full 60 and we will win some hockey games." Wellar is thriving so far under new head coach and General Manager Mike Cameron and assistant coach Will Verner. He says the attitude in the dressing room is different from his rookie season. 'It's definitely a lot more positive," he said. "Mike makes me want to play where last year I was playing scared a lot of the time." And as the team goes through some personnel changes, Wellar says it's all making for a tighter team, which will allow them to excel as the season moves on. "I think [the changes] have brought the vets closer together. Some of the guys that maybe didn't hang out together last year have come together. As a team, we're closer than last year." Nelson leading by example
From quesnel-millionaires.com: October 26, 2001 Four years ago, a 16-year-old from Quesnel joined the Millionaires for his first season in the BCHL. That kid was Kevin Nelson, now an integral part of the Quesnel Millionaires, in this his fourth BCHL season. Nelson, the hard-working leader of the Millionaires is wearing the captaincy with pride this season, leading in the dressing room on and off the ice. So far this season, he’s done everything asked of him. He’s leading by example, scoring, fighting and hitting.
"It feels good to be the captain," said Nelson, the teams fourth leading scorer with 19 points in 14 games. "There is a lot of pressure, but I’m used to it. I wore an ‘A’ last season and was the captain in minor hockey, but it is different to wear the ‘C’. I’m a talker in the dressing room and on the ice, but on the ice, I mostly like to lead by example."
So far this season, Nelson has done that and more. And his leadership qualities go above and beyond game days. Nelson, along with the other veterans, are showing the young players how to give back to the community, like a visit this week to Dragon Lake Elementary school to talk to grade six and sevens about making the right choices in life and staying away from drugs and alcohol. "It’s fun talking to school kids," he said. "We have to be positive role models for the young kids that look up to us."
On the ice, the Millionaires have struggled to click for a full 60 minutes this season, as they get used to new teammates and a new system. But Nelson sees big things in store for the young and exciting team that takes to the ice in the Mills jersey each night. "This season we started off a little slow," he said. "But we’re starting to pick it up and hopefully things will get moving in the next couple of games. Sure we’ve had a few losses, but we are definitely turning it around. Fans that have seen us know that we always make the game exciting for them. We’re definitely coming together. All the guys are looking forward to tonight’s game."
As for Nelson’s future, he is aiming at a scholarship opportunity this season and would also like to play pro hockey. "I’m hoping for a scholarship this year,"he said. "Other than that, long term, I would like to go play pro hockey, that’s probably my main goal."
Mills aquire veteran goalie
Oct 12th. 2001 The Quesnel Millionaires have acquired a veteran BCHL goaltender. The Millionaires obtained 18-year-old goalie Will Lauder from the Coquitlam Express.
In exchange for Lauder, the Millionaires sent the rights to forward Doug Higginson to Coquitlam. Higginson was sent home last week. At 18, Lauder has already played two years in the BCHL, both with Nanaimo where he compiled an 18-17 record while playing in 49 games. The 6' 175 pound goalie is a native of North Vancouver. To make room for Lauder, the Millionaires released goaltender Jason Forman. "This gives us an experienced netminder that will have the chance to be our number one goalie," said Millionaires coach/GM Mike Cameron. "With his experience in the league, we feel he will help us out." van Dieman among top Blueliners
Oct 12th. 2001 There are some defenseman that are considered stay at home defenseman. Then there are others that are straight offensive blueliners. Others still are those rare birds whom are at their best in both ends of the ice. The Millionaires' Chad van Diemen is one of those players. He's dangerous offensively when he's on the ice but he also takes care of his own end. This season, the 20-year-old is asserting himself as one of the top defenseman in the entire BCHL.
"On the ice, I feel good," says the Kamloops native, who spent time growing up in Quesnel and playing in the Quesnel Minor Hockey system. "I'm playing with a lot more confidence. Mike [Cameron] has been really honest with me. He's going to put me on the ice in every situation. He's giving me a great opportunity." Van Diemen was acquired by the Millionaires last season from PowellRiver. After helping the Millionaires reach the playoffs for the first time, van Diemen has seen a lot of changes this season. But he says it's a positive change and a good group atmosphere. "It's been a bit weird with a lot of guys coming in and out of town and watching guys leaving is kind of tough," he says. "But it's part of the game, I've been traded a couple of times and you just have to roll with it. Last year, it was a different situation. This year there is more of a plan. Mike is a lot more organized and he has a game plan." Another difference is the emphasis on guys working out in the gym. Players not going to school must work out during the week. "You can really see the difference," says van Diemen. "We've been down three goals twice in the third period and we won one and lost the other in overtime. Mike stresses the gym and guys are buying in and you can really tell on the ice." As a 20-year-old, van Diemen is looking at moving on to a higher level of play following this season. Like many in the BCHL, he has his sights set on earning a scholarship to an NCAA school. "I think there are a couple of schools interested. That will work itself out. I have the confidence that I can get a scholarship, I just have to let my play speak for itself. Mills hottest team in BCHL right now
By Al Paterson 01/23/2002 Don’t look now, but the Quesnel Millionaires are the hottest team in the British Columbia Hockey League right now.
A month ago, it was debatable whether the Mills would even make the playoffs. But after winning 12 of their last 16 games, eight in a row at home and eight of their last 10, the Mills are solidly in the hunt for fourth place in the Interior Division.
They pulled into contention the old-fashioned way: beating teams ahead of them.
This past weekend, the Mills hosted the first-place (tied with Vernon) Salmon Arm SilverBacks twice and beat them 7-2 and 7-3. Quesnel also played host to the Trail Smoke Eaters and spotted them the first three goals of the contest before roaring back for a 7-6 victory.
Trail is the team Quesnel has to catch for fourth place and they trail the Smokies 46 points to 51. However, Quesnel has played one less game than Trail.
Tomorrow night the Mills will try and make it nine in a row when they play host to the last-place Prince George Spruce Kings. On Friday night, the Mills are in the Spruce Capital for a rematch.
Head coach Mike Cameron takes no credit for the surge of the Mills, deflecting praise toward his players.
“They’re the ones who deserve the credit,” he said. “They’re the ones who go out there and get it done. I’m just there to guide them. But yes, it was an outstanding weekend. They know what they want and everyone is pulling together to get it. We’re coming together at the right time and we’ve grown a lot as a group.”
One can hear the genuine affection Cameron has for his players. It comes across in his voice: “I would coach any one of these guys again, and twice on Sundays.”
That said, Cameron knows there’s still a lot of hockey to be played this weekend, and the boys can’t let down against Prince George.
“We can’t become complacent,” he admits. “Prince George helped us out by beating Trail so they’re playing hard. We have to be prepared to match that work ethic.”
Cameron says a large crowd would help . “We’re hoping the fans step in and show their support,” he said. “People who don’t come out are missing out on some good hockey and these kids deserve better support than we’ve been getting.”
If you do go out to the game on Thursday night, watch for the Fab Five: Brock Hooton (#22), Jamie Molendyk (#9), Chris Wellar (#23), Kevin Nelson (#11) and Chad Van Diemen (#18). They’re all averaging better than a point per game with Hooton leading the way with 69 points through 46 games. Hooton has scored 29 times this season, four of those goals proving to be game-winners.
Molendyk also has four game-winning goals and 66 points in 45 games.
Wellar, a good bet for the Unsung Hero award, is playing on the second line, and sparkling with 56 points in 45 games.
Nelson, the team captain and the guy centreing the top line with Hooton and Molendyk, has 54 points in 44 games and the next goal he scores will be his 20th of the season.
Van Diemen is clearly the most offensive defenceman the Mills have and it’s showing with 48 points in 46 games.
If Thursday’s game goes into overtime, the Mills are a good bet to at least break even. In eight games this season, the Mills have yet to lose in extra time; winning four and tying the others. --------------------------------------------------------- Nelson leading by example
Four years ago, a 16-year-old from Quesnel joined the Millionaires for his first season in the BCHL. That kid was Kevin Nelson, now an integral part of the Quesnel Millionaires, in this his fourth BCHL season. Nelson, the hard-working leader of the Millionaires is wearing the captaincy with pride this season, leading in the dressing room on and off the ice. So far this season, he's done everything asked of him. He's leading by example, scoring, fighting and hitting. "It feels good to be the captain, " said Nelson, the teams fourth leading scorer with 19 points in 14 games. "There is a lot of pressure, but I'm used to it. I wore an 'A' last season and was the captain in minor hockey, but it is different to wear the 'C'. I'm a talker in the dressing room and on the ice, but on the ice, I mostly like to lead by example." So far this season, Nelson has done that and more. And his leadership qualities go above and beyond game days. Nelson, along with the other veterans, are showing the young players how to give back to the community, like a visit this week to Dragon Lake Elementary school to talk to grade six and sevens about making the right choices in life and staying away from drugs and alcohol. "It's fun talking to school kids," he said. "We have to be positive role models for the young kids that look up to us." On the ice, the Millionaires have struggled to click for a full 60 minutes this season, as they get used to new teammates and a new system. But Nelson sees big things in store for the young and exciting team that takes to the ice in the Mills jersey each night. "This season we started off a little slow," he said. "But we're starting to pick it up and hopefully things will get moving in the next couple of games. Sure we've had a few losses, but we are definitely turning it around. Fans that have seen us know that we always make the game exciting for them. We're definitely coming together. All the guys are looking forward to tonight's game." As for Nelson's future, he is aiming at a scholarship opportunity this season and would also like to play pro hockey. "I'm hoping for a scholarship this year," he said. "Other than that, long term, I would like to go play pro hockey, that's probably my main goal." -------------- Hooton leads Mills to two road victories
By Al Paterson 01/16/2002 It looks like the Quesnel Millionaires are going to make the playoffs. The question now is whether they can catch the Trail Smoke Eaters in the race for fourth place.
Part of the answer to that question will come on Saturday night when the Mills host the Smokies at the Vault.
Heading into this weekend’s action, the Mills trail Trail (no pun intended) by eight points, 40 to 48, but Quesnel has played one game less than the Smoke Eaters.
“Yeah, I think we can do it (catch Trail),” said Mills assistant coach Will Verner. “That was our goal coming back after Christmas. But to do it we’ll probably have to win both our remaining games with them.”
Quesnel is playing well lately, winners of four of their last five, including two of three on the road over the weekend. The Mills nipped Penticton 5-4, got thumped by Vernon 7-3 and shaded Merritt 4-3 in Merritt.
Most, but not all, the Mills are off until Friday when they will host the Salmon Arm Silver Backs.
However, Brock Hooton, Jamie Molendyk and Chad Van Diemen will be off only until Wednesday. That’s because they’re in Nanaimo for the B.C. Hockey League’s annual all-star game.
In Merritt on Saturday night, the Mills spotted the Cents the first goal of the game, but roared back with the next four before holding on for the win.
Chris Wellar, with two, and Van Diemen along with Hooton, potted the Quesnel markers while Will Lauder turned aside 36 shots for the goaltending win.
It was a different story one night earlier before 2192 fans in Vernon as Viper captain Jason Williamson had two goals and two assists while newly-acquired Rod Pelley added two goals and one assist in a 7-3 Vernon romp.
Hooton, with two, and Molendyk collected the Quesnel markers.
With an outstanding nine-point weekend, Hooton took over the individual scoring lead on the team and moved into a tie for 15th place in league scoring with 60 points (25 goals) in 43 games.
Nine points in three games was also enough to earn Hooton the BCHL’s Player of the Week honours.
The Mills swing back into action at the Vault on Friday night with a game against Salmon Arm. Following their Saturday game against Trail, the Mills complete a three-game homestand with a rematch against Salmon Arm Sunday afternoon (2 p.m. start). ----------------------------------------------------- Mills continue to shine at home
By Al Paterson January 9, 2002 The Quesnel Millionaires proved they can run with the big dogs over the weekend, handing the high-flying CowichanValley Capitals a 6-4 setback at the Twin Arenas.
One night later, the Mills improved their home record to 13-6 and 3 with a 3-1 victory over the Langley Hornets.
That home record is significant in that it ties the team’s all-time best and the Mills have nine more home games in which to improve on that mark.
The victory over the Caps was a confidence booster for the Mills because the Valley boys went into the contest in first place in their division with 27 wins in 40 tries.
“We’re real happy with what we have now and the way everybody’s playing,” said Mills head coach and general manager Mike Cameron. “We’re 4-1 in our last five games and 7-3 in our last 10. I’ve never coached a team that’s this close. Every guy in that dressing room can call all the others his best friend.”
That’s the reason Cameron is unlikely to pull the trigger on any trades prior to Thursday’s league-wide deadline.
“No, I’m not looking to make any trades,” said Cameron. “If anything, we might buy one more defenceman or maybe a forward,” said Cameron. “But we’re not going to deal, just buy. The way the team chemistry is in that dressing room right now, who am I to go in there and change it?”
Cowichan bounced back after losing to Quesnel with a 6-4 victory in Prince George and an 11-2 thrashing of the Merritt Centennials in Merritt.
Chris Wellar and Brock Hooton led the Mills past the Caps, each player scoring twice, while Will Lauder kicked out 38 shots to preserve the win.
Wellar continued his fine play against Langley, potting the eventual game-winning goal. Jamie Molendyk and Scott Roy added the other Quesnel markers while Daryl Bowers replied for the Hornets.
Cowichan’s Matt Ellison was relatively quiet in Quesnel, collecting only one assist, but he made up for it in three other games this week. Ellison took over the lead in the individual scoring race and earned his second Player of the Week award in less than a month. That after the 20-year-old piled up 12 points on four goals and eight assists in four games this week.
That offensive explosion vaulted the Duncan, B.C. native to first place among all scorers with 83 points in 42 games thus far this season.
While the Mills have been quite effective at home, they face a stern test starting tomorrow when they start a three-game road swing through the Interior. On Thursday night, the Mills are in Penticton. On Friday night, the Mills are in Vernon, one night before stopping in the NicolaValley to meet the always tough Merritt Centennials.
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Mills D-man inks college pact
By Al Paterson 03/24/2002 As weeks go, this was a tremendous one for Chad van Diemen.
He was voted the best defencemen by the Quesnel Millionaires at the team’s annual wind-up banquet this week, and it turns out others were paying attention to the success he was having during the season.
It was a huge week for the offensively gifted 20-year-old Kamloops rearguard who accepted a Div 1 scholarship to play hockey at IonaCollege, about 20 minutes by car from New York City.
The slick defenceman with a cannon for a shot had his best year in junior hockey this past season, finishing with 53 points in 56 games for the Mills. The 53 points is a team record.
“This season Chad established himself as one of the top defencemen in the BCHL, “ said his coach Mike Cameron. “We wish him all the best in his future.”
Others walking away with hardware at the banquet included Kevin Nelson, Brock Hooton, Rob Pritchard, Brett Gilmour, Brad Lueck, Mike Di Stefano, Jamie Molendyk, Tyrel Lucas and Chris Wellar.
Nelson, in fact, was called to the podium twice: once to accept the Most Valuable Player award and again to accept the President’s award.
Hooton was the top scorer, Pritchard most dedicated, Gilmour most improved, Lueck the scholastic Player of the Year, Di Stefano the fan favourite, Molendyk the Coaches award winner, and Wellar the Playoff Performer.
The Rookie of the Year was Tyrel Lucas
Nelson sets Millionaires career scoring record
For immediate release: February 19, 2002 Quesnel Millionaires forward Kevin Nelson has established two new career scoring records for the Quesnel Millionaires. With a goal and an assist Tuesday in Prince George, Nelson surpassed Gerald Overton as the all time Quesnel Millionaires scoring leader.
Nelson, 19, has 161 points in his four seasons with the Millionaires. In three seasons, Overton had amassed 159 points.
The Quesnel Minor Hockey product has also passed Overton's career assists mark with 96 to Overton's 93. And he is one goal behind Overton's 66 career goals.
"Kevin Nelson is the heart and soul of our hockey club," said Millionaires coach/GM Mike Cameron. "He is the glue that holds our team together. These records are an indication of his stability with the Quesnel organization. He has y progressed from his first season when he didn't play a lot to this season where he is one of the top players in the BCHL. And he has done it all through hard work."
Mills place three on all-star squads
By Al Paterson 03/17/2002 The Quesnel Millionaires didn’t fare very well in the playoffs, but three of them made the British Columbia Hockey League’s all-star teams.
Brock Hooton, the Mills leading scorer during the regular season, led the way in terms of all-star balloting, being selected to the first all-star team.
Hooton’s linemate, Jamie Molendyk, was voted to the second dream team.
In addition, Molendyk shaded Vernon’s David Morelli in voting for the Interior division’s Most Sportsmanlike Player this season.
High-scoring defenceman Chad van Diemen made the second dream team in his final year of junior hockey eligibility.
Rounding out the first all-star squad is Merritt forward Mike Ouellette and his teammate, defenceman Steve Weidlich and three Vernon Vipers; goaltender Tyson Motz, forward Rod Pelley and defenceman Brad Farynuk.
Named to the second dream team, besides Molendyk and van Diemen, are Penticton forward Mike Prpich, Salmon Arm’s Andrew Ebbett, Penticton’s Kyle Hood and goaltender Isaac Reichmuth of the Trail Smoke Eaters.
The Interior division’s Most Valuable Player award went to Prpich who edged out Ouellette in balloting by coaches and general managers.
Prpich was only fourth in his team’s scoring with 33 goals and 24 assists, but he proved to be the Panthers’ heart and soul on special teams with 12 powerplay goals, five shorthanded markers and nine game winners.
In the Coastal division, Chilliwack Chiefs super sniper Jeff Tambellini, who tied with Matt Ellison of the CowichanValley Capitals for the league scoring title, was the MVP.
Both Tambellini and Ellison ended up with 117 points, but Tambellini only played in 54 games, compared to 60 by Ellison.
Tambellini, the son of Vancouver Canucks executive Steve Tambellini, will be heading off to the University of Michigan next year on a scholarship.
In other news, a former member of the Quesnel Millionaires finds himself having the “time of my life” in American collegiate hockey.
Randall Smisko, who came to the Mills in a trade involving the Powell River Paper Kings last year, has helped the Wisconsin @ Superior squad to the NCAA Division 3 Final Four hockey tournament.
“This has been the most amazing run, with so many highs and lows,” said Smisko. “I’m having the time of my life and getting my education at the same time.” -------------------------------------------------------------
Millionnaires reach career milestones
By Al Paterson 02/24/2002 The Quesnel Millionaires won more than a hockey game in Prince George on Tuesday night.
Two players achieved team milestones during the Mills’ 6-5 overtime victory in what proved to be a huge win because it meant the Mills officially clinched a British Columbia Hockey League Interior division playoff spot.
Team captain Kevin Nelson became the club’s all-time scoring leader with a goal and one assist to overtake Gerald Overton as the most prolific scorer in Mills’ history.
Nelson, a 19-year-old who could be back next year, now has 161 points in four seasons with the Mills.
In three years, Overton had 159 points, including 93 assists. Nelson upped that assist total recently to 96 with four games remaining in the regular season. He needs one more goal to match Overton’s career 66 tallies.
“Kevin Nelson is the heart and soul of our hockey club,” said Mills head coach and general manager Mike Cameron. “He is the glue that holds our team together. These records are an indication of his stability with the Quesnel organization. He has progressed from his first season when he didn’t play a lot to this season where he is one of the top players in the BCHL. And he has done it all through hard work.”
A ton of hard work has also paid off for defenceman Chad van Diemen who set an all-time single-season record for points by a defenceman. With two helpers against Prince George, the 20-year-old Kamloops native beat the total put up by his partner last year, Mike Kirby who racked up 51 points.
Kirby’s record came in 59 games while van Diemen earned his 52nd points in 53 games.
“Chad has established himself as one of the premier defencemen in the BCHL this season,” said Cameron. “He has really improved defensively and has exceptional offensive talent.”
Mike Di Stefano was the scoring hero in Prince George, tying the game up and then winning it in overtime.
The win also clinched the CNC Cup for the Mills. The CNC Cup is the reward to the winner of the season-long series between the Mills and Spruce Kings.
“We want to dedicate the CNC Cup to the people of Quesnel,” said Cameron. “But the big thing for us was to break that eight-game losing streak.”
The Mills finish off the regular season with their final four games on the road. Friday night, they were in Salmon Arm and Saturday night the Mills paid a visit to Trail.
Next weekend, the Mills are in Salmon Arm and Merritt before starting the playoffs.
Millionaires extend contract of coach/general manager The Quesnel Millionaires are pleased to announce that the club has extended the contract of coach and general manager Mike Cameron for two years.
Details Posted on 07/16/2002 Millionaires sign top pick from WHL bantam draftThe Quesnel Millionaires are pleased to announce the signing of Gilbert Brule, the number one pick in this season's Western Hockey League draft.
Details Posted on 07/10/2002 Gilmour snares scholarship deal after stellar seasonThe Quesnel Millionaires are pleased to announce that defenseman Brett Gilmour has signed an NCAA scholarship. Gilmour will play hockey and attend school next season at Plattsburgh State University of New York.
Details Posted on 07/09/2002 Kit Collins Resigns as Millionaires' PresidentAfter twelve seasons on the Quesnel Millionaires board of directors, eight of those in the role of president, Kit Collins has resigned her position and is stepping away from the club that she helped build from the ground up. Collins announced her resignation at the Millionaires Annual General Meeting Monday night.
Details Posted on 06/24/2002 Hooton selected by Senators in NHL Entry Draft The Ottawa Senators select, from the Quesnel Millionaires of the BC Hockey League, Brock Hooton. With those words, Brock Hooton became the first player ever to be selected in the NHL entry draft directly from the Quesnel Millionaires of the BCHL.
Details Posted on 06/24/2002 |
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