BCHL: A Moving Eppich

This is likely Chilliwack's last season in the BCHL as the city has been granted an expansion WHL franchise for 2006-07. That doesn't mean they are going out with a wimper, far from it as they are in first place in the Mainland division thanks to fine efforts by the likes of Chris Eppich. We have notes on Eppich as well as teammates Danny Genovese, Chris Blackmon and Stephen Balint.

Danny Genovese (FA), D

In 27 games has 18 points (8-10-18) .. was one of the beneficiaries of Erik Felde's departure as he appears to be getting more ice time .. partnered with Chris Ickert .. sees time on all special teams .. displays good mobility and footwork at the point .. not a huge player by any means, but still can stand up a puckcarrier at the blueline .. rarely gives up on a play .. usually effective playing the one-on-one .. tends to be a tad sloppy handling the puck .. boasts an overpowering slap shot when he gets all of it .. isn't an elite quarterbacking defenseman, however does show some upside offensively.

Chris Blackmon (FA), D

After 27 games so far, the Plano, Texas native has 12 points (4-8-12) .. communicates well with his defensive partner .. makes crisp, tape-to-tape passes .. lacks the foot speed to beat quick forwards to the loose puck .. strong on his skates and takes the body well, however he has been known to take himself out of the play to make a hit and unfortunately doesn't sport the ability to recover and get back in to the play .. at his best keeping his game simple and making the safe play to clear the zone .. exhibits some grit to his game and can be feisty, yet isn't prone to retaliating and hurting his team .. can also be very effective punishing opponents along the boards and in traffic .. displays some juice behind his wrist shot .. will do what it takes to help his team from blocking shots to taking a hit to make a play .. closes the passing lanes with an active stick .. plays on the power play and penalty-kill.

Stephen Balint (FA), LW

Is committed to Northern Michigan for the next season .. currently sports 22 points (8-14-22) in 29 games .. listed at 5'11-175lbs, although even at that he doesn't get the most out of the size he does have .. confident on the give-and-go .. possesses a good release, but doesn't overpower .. displays nice vision with the puck .. must improve his effort after first contact as he is contained too easily in traffic .. not overly fast, however is sneaky quick around the puck .. plays on the powerplay.

Chris Eppich (FA), C

Surrey, BC native is committed to Princeton .. currently sits second in team scoring with 42 points (18-24-42) in 30 games .. played on the number one line of Matt Butcher and Josh Lunden .. his splendid overall speed matches his mobility and acceleration .. lacks some strength and isn't overly physical, however does possess some grit to his game and won't hesitate to get involved although is prone to using his stick instead of his body .. cuts down time and space on the forecheck .. splendidly slick stickhandler is lightning fast in close quarters making him especially dangerous near the net .. plays on both special teams.