Chiefs add 8 new players, all of them former teammates

The Chilliwack Chiefs had a great season, and they’re hoping to keep the momentum going next season, despite losing a good chunk of their roster to various colleges and universities. They took a big step today, announcing 8 new players, and all of them played together for the Conneticut Wolf Pack, who won the US under 18 National Championship this past season. Coach Jason Tatarnic says it’s great to get players who already have chemistry.

“It’s something we looked at and discussed over a long period of time.  Bringing in so many players from one team…we thought it would work well for us.  We have another announcement coming up soon about 3 more players who played together.  So, we’re hoping this team is going to come together quickly.”

Among the players are one goalie, one defenseman and six forwards:

Vimal Sukumaran
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: April 9, 1996
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Height: 5’11   Weight: 175lbs

On joining the Chiefs: “I am very excited and thankful to be joining such a great organization like Chilliwack. I can’t wait to get things started in the great city of Chilliwack.”

Tatarnic on Sukumaran: “Vimal is a player that has the ability to provide offense and is a player that goes to the tough areas on the ice.  He’s a proven winner with both Salisbury and the Wolf Pack. As a first year player we feel he can bring some leadership qualities to our team.”

Jake Smith

Position: Forward
Date of Birth: October 28, 1996
Hometown: East Amherst, New York
Height: 5’11   Weight: 180lbs 

On Joining the Chiefs: “I am really excited about the upcoming season with the Chiefs and cannot wait to get out to Chilliwack and get the season going. It looks like we have a great deal of talent on the team and it should be a great year.“

Tatarnic on Smith:  “Jake is a player that has produced offensive numbers in the past and that definitely showed at the Nationals where he had four goals in six games. He’s another solid two way player and we are excited he decided to play for us next season.”

Ben Sharf

Position: Forward
Date of Birth: February 14, 1996
Hometown: Williamsville, New York
Height: 5’11   Weight: 180lbs

On joining the Chiefs: “I am honored and excited to be joining such a world class organization in the Chilliwack Chiefs. I have heard nothing but great things about the coaching staff, players, facilities, and most importantly the fan base. I’m looking forward to a great upcoming season. “

Tatarnic on Smith: “Ben is a player that adds size and skill up front for us. He showcased his skill set at the Nationals and we feel he will bring the same offensive punch up front for us next season. He works hard in all zones and he’s another important piece of the puzzle for us.”

Kale Kane
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: July 16, 1996
Hometown: Kahnawake, Quebec
Height: 5’10   Weight: 170lbs

Tatarnic on Kane: “Like Vimal, he’s a proven winner, having won with both the Wolf Pack and with Salisbury. He plays a physical game and will add a physical element but he also possesses a high level of skill. We feel Kale will be a great addition to our team and a very solid two way player.”

Zach Giuttari
Position: Defence
Date of Birth: April 17, 1996
Hometown: Warwick, Rhode Island
Height: 6’2   Weight: 185lbs

On joining the Chiefs: “I can’t wait to join the Chiefs organization.  It’s a great program with a great fan base and having the opportunity to play for such a team is something only a few kids a year get to experience.”

Tatarnic on Giuttari: “Zach is a very steady defenseman that keeps the game simple and plays a very sound defensive game. He doesn’t make many mistakes and we feel he will bring composure to our backend.

Eric Benshadle
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: February 12, 1996
Hometown: Getzville, New York
Height: 5’9   Weight: 175lbs 

On joining the Chiefs: “I’m honored to be part of the talented group of imports being brought in and proud to be a Chilliwack Chief.”

Tatarnic on Benshadle: “Eric brings speed to our lineup and he can play on the wing or at center. He showed tremendous heart at the Nationals as he played with a significant injury the entire tournament. We know by adding Eric we’ve add a player with determination and skill.”

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Jeremy Germain
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: August 15, 1996
Hometown: Hamden, Connecticut
Height: 6’0   Weight: 185lbs

On joining the Chiefs: “I am excited and honored to join the Chiefs organization, as well as the great community of Chilliwack, and can’t wait to further help build upon last season’s successful campaign.”

Tatarnic on Germain: “Jeremy is an intelligent hockey player that will add offense to our lineup. He also brings size to the centre position. We’re extremely excited to add his presence to our team.”

Matteo Esposito
Position: Goaltender
Date of Birth: January 20, 1997
Hometown: Greenwich, Connecticut
Height: 5’10   Weight: 170lbs

On joining the Chiefs: “I am so excited to have the opportunity to play for such an amazing organization.  Since Luke joined the Chiefs in 2012, I have been to Chilliwack twice, and experienced the welcoming community and unique culture of the town.  With my brother Mark joining the team last year, I was really inspired to keep the tradition going.  It is an honour to be a part of the Chilliwack Chiefs, and playing alongside Mark for the third time in four years will make it all the more memorable. I can’t wait to get the season started.”

Tatarnic on Esposito: “Matteo has quick feet and is a wry mobile goalie. He competes very hard and doesn’t give up on pucks. He’s a very vocal goalie that will fight to make every save.”