Ex-Leaf named assistant captain with Trail Smoke Eaters
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Nelson Daily has learned that former Nelson Leaf winger Adam Wheeldon has been named one of the assistant captains of the Trail Smoke Eaters for the 2012-13 B.C. Hockey League season.
Wheeldon, entering his second campaign in the Silver City, is joined by Tyler Berkholtz as two of the three assistant captains on the club.
The final assistant captain will be voted on by the players.
The news comes after the Smokies announced forward Garrett McMullen as team captain during training camp.
During his first season of Tier II Junior A hockey, the 5’10”, 185 Wheeldon scored three goals while adding 10 assists in 47 games.
The 18-year-old Wheeldon spent 2010-11 season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with Nelson.
Trail broke camp Sunday and now prepares for a handful of exhibition games beginning Tuesday in Chase against the Prince George Spruce Kings.
The two teams also play Wednesday in Chase before Trail travels to Merritt to face the Centennials Friday.
The only home preseason game for Trail is Saturday, September 1 against Merritt at the Cominco Arena. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Trail opens the 2012-12 BCHL season at 2012 Showcase Tournament September 7-9 at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Trail also plays Merritt Sunday, September 9 at 2:30 p.m.
The 2012 Showcase tournament is a three-day event designed for the league to showcase all of its’ 16 teams in one venue for College and Pro scouts.
The Penticton Vees open up defence of the 2012 RBC Cup title in the final of four games on opening day against host Chilliwack in the rematch of last season’s Semi-Final playoff series.
