Import issue sends Vees’ Trupp to Lakers

An error by BC Hockey has forced the Penticton Vees to assign Hayden Trupp to the Lakers in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

Before the season started, the Vees approached BC Hockey to find out what they could do to make Trupp eligible to play in the BCHL. Born in Penticton in 1992, Trupp has lived with his family in Alaska. BC Hockey told the Vees they could file an appeal and change his guardianship to his aunt and uncle making him a non-import.

Reported on the Vees blog by play-by-play man Ryan Pinder, Vees coach-GM Fred Harbinson told Pinder that the Prince George Spruce King had written a letter contesting the import status of not just Trupp, but also Stefan Nicholishen and newcomer Taylor Peters.

“Recently we were told that BC Hockey understood that they had made a mistake,” said Harbinson. “It was nothing we did under handedly. It was a matter of them giving us information that was incorrect.”

Initially the Vees had been given until Dec. 1 to solve their import problem since with Trupp, they were over the limit of eight. Once other BCHL teams got word, they felt the Vees shouldn’t be given a grace period.

“We decided we would talk to Hayden about playing with the Penticton Lakers,” said Harbinson. “He wouldn’t have to change homes or schools and he is still allowed to practice with us.”

Trupp, who registered a goal and two points in 16 games, will play this weekend for the Vees and is allowed to play as an affiliate player. Once the Lakers season is over, he can rejoin the Vees.

“It might be a positive for Hayden,” the Vees coach said. “Being 17 he needs to develop, he needs ice time and this is going to give him a way where he is going to play in key situations for the Lakers, yet he will still be part of our organization — a key part of our future.”

With the depth the Vees have up front Harbinson said it made sense for Trupp to be the import that moves because the other players are older. While Harbinson said Trupp was disappointed, the rookie felt it might be good for him, too. As for Prince George’s actions, Harbinson responded that he doesn’t “spend a lot of time looking at other teams’ rosters and worrying about things like that.”

When contacted by the Western News, Spruce Kings coach-GM Ed Dempsey had no comment.

Vees notes: Joel Rumpel will play both games in goal this weekend ... Beau Bennett has two goals and an assist for the USA in the World Junior A Challenge. For Canada West, defenceman Joey Laleggia has two assists and goalie Sean Bonar

is 1-1.