The Chilliwack Chiefs have signed three more players as head coach and GM Jason Tatarnic continues his roster renovation.
The team announced the signing of 18 year old defenceman Vincent (Vinnie) Desharnais Tuesday. Filling the size quotient lost when Cooper Rush left last year, the new guy measures six-foot-six and 200 pounds.
A native of Laval, QC, Desharnais spent last season at Northwood High School in Lake Placid, NY.
He showed offensive chops, tallying five goals and 21 points in 37 games, while finishing plus-15.
“A main priority for us is to improve our defensive core, and adding a player of Vincent’s pedigree will do just that,’ Tatarnic said. “Vinnie has been a highly sought after player this off season and we are very excited he has chosen Chilliwack.”
On Wednesday the team announced the inking of 19 year old forward Liam Ferguson, a former teammate of ex-Chief Luke Esposito.
Both attended Brunswick School in Greenwich, CT. Ferguson sniped six goals, adding nine assists in 25 games last year.
“Our goal as a team next season is to play a high tempo game, and adding Liam brings speed to our lineup,” Tatarnic noted. “We know his goal is to play college hockey one day and we’re extremely happy he decided to play in Chilliwack to try and achieve that goal.”
The third recruit, announced Thursday, is 18 year old D-man Olivier Arseneau.
A native of Miramichi, NB, he spent last season with the Ontario Hockey Academy’s midget AAA Gold Mavericks. Arseneau captained the team, scoring 18 points (three goals) in 28 games.
“Olivier is a hard working defender that will bring a physical element to our team and will battle for pucks in the dirty areas,” Tatarnic said. “He’s responsible on the defensive side but he also adds good offensive instincts to our team.”
Arseneau hopes he can step in and be a leader for the 2014-15 Chiefs.
“My experience as a captain at OHA will certainly help me set a good example, and I hope I can help the team with my offensive skills,” he said. “I think Chilliwack is a great place, the Chiefs organization looks incredible and the fans love their team. I just can’t wait to get started.”
Get Chiefs info online at chilliwackchiefs.net
