All summer we’ll be going team-by-team to profile new players coming in for the 2019-20 season with recaps of offseason commits and acquisitions. We will also have interviews and scouting reports from the coaches.
Next up is the Langley Rivermen.
The Rivermen finished fourth in the Mainland Division last season, but proved to be a tough out for the regular-season champion Chilliwack Chiefs in the first round of the BCHL playoffs. Langley actually took a 3-0 series lead over Chilliwack, but the Chiefs ended up winning four straight to take it in seven and advance to the second round.
This offseason, the Rivermen have made a pair of trades for players who played in the league last season. Head coach Bobby Henderson is hoping these new additions can use their BCHL experience to his team’s advantage in 2019-20
Will Dow-Kenny (2000, D)
Hometown: Abbotsford, B.C.- Previous team: Vernon Vipers
Dow-Kenny split last season with Chilliwack and Vernon, making it all the way to the Fred Page Cup finals with the Vipers. He had nine points in 47 games last year.
Henderson’s scouting report:
“I had some familiarity with him already. He started last season with Chilliwack and played major midget here in the Valley the year before, so we got to see plenty of him the last couple years. He was the captain of his major midget team, so he’s got some leadership ability. One thing I liked about him is he’s tough to play against. Our forwards were always aware when he was on the ice. We thought a little bit of sandpaper was something we’d like to add to our back end.”
Jonathan Stein (1999, F)
Hometown: Delta, B.C.- Previous team: Nanaimo Clippers
The 20-year-old was dealt to the Brantford 99ers of the OJHL in June before being acquired by Langley two weeks later. Stein had 24 points in 55 games with the Clippers last season. He also played for the Cowichan Valley Capitals the year prior where he had 15 points.
Henderson’s scouting report:
“He’s a local guy that we’re pretty familiar with. We actually had him at camp a couple years ago and he just about made our team. Unfortunately, it was numbers thing that season. Obviously, he went on to Nanaimo last year. I thought he was a kid that showed improvement throughout the course of the season. I feel like he’s a guy that could potentially break out as a 20-year-old. He’s got some experience in the league and he’s shown in some instances in the past that he’s able to produce. I think it’s just a matter of finding the confidence to do it consistently in the league.”
