Dupas lands in Fort Mac

Dave Dupas has found a new home behind the bench.

The former head coach of the Prince George Spruce Kings has signed on as an assistant coach with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

Despite guiding the team to its first appearance in the second round of the B.C. Hockey League playoffs in 10 years this past season, Dupas, 53, stepped down from the Kings after four-and-a-half seasons so he could be closer to his family, who live full-time in Kelowna.

In Fort McMurray, Dupas will work alongside head coach and general manager Tom Keca.

"The Oil Barons are one of the most well-known and highly respected junior A programs in Western Canada," said Dupas in a Friday press release. "Every year, the Oil Barons compete at the top of the AJHL's standings. I'm excited to join such a well respected and professional organization this season."

Last season, the Oil Barons posted a 31-23-6 regular-season record and finished third in the AJHL's North Division but lost to the Sherwood Park Crusaders in the first round of the playoffs.

Pacheco earns scholarship

Cowichan Valley Capitals defenceman Skylar Pacheco is taking his game to southern Ontario and the Brock University Badgers this fall.

Pacheco spent three seasons with the Prince George Spruce Kings before he was dealt to the Capitals prior to the start of the 2014-15 season in exchange for Valik Chichkin and Taylor Allan.

The five-foot-10 178-pound blueliner from Kitimat collected 12 goals and 32 assists for the Capitals last season.

"It's an honour to be heading to not only a great hockey program but a great school as well," said the 20-year-old in a press release. "I feel it's the right decision athletically and academically."

The Badgers compete in Canadian Interuniversity Sport. They are in the Ontario University Athletics Conference's Western Division.

"Skylar is a tremendous offensive defenceman who can skate with the puck and make plays," said Capitals head coach and general manager Bob Beatty. "He is capable of putting up good numbers stepping into a strong CIS conference. Skylar was a popular player here in Cowichan with fans, players and coaching staff."