Vikes add BCHL experience to blueline with signings of Volpe & Raffler

The University of Victoria is pleased to announce the signings of two experienced British Columbia Hockey League defencemen, as former Alberni Valley Bulldogs blueliner Ben Raffler and former Chilliwack Chiefs rearguard Callum Volpe have joined the Vikes for the remainder of the 2018/19 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Raffler, a Whistler native, played 85 games in the BCHL between the Powell River Kings and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and also suited up in 67 games in the VIJHL between the Campbell River Storm and the Comox Valley Glacier Kings.

The 6-foot-2 194-pound defenseman played his minor hockey in Whistler until his second year of midget, when he joined the Burnaby Winter Club. His strong defensive game will be a welcome addition to the Vikes blueline.

“I really like the city of Victoria," says Raffler, when asked why he chose UVic. "I’ve played against many teams in the area throughout my junior career and I’ve always enjoyed the feel of the city. I have many friends attending school here and my sister is in her final year of studies at UVic.”

Volpe, a product of Coquitlam B.C., played his minor hockey in Port Coquitlam and has played 138 games in the BCHL spending time with the Langley Rivermen, Vernon Vipers, Powell River Kings and  Chilliwack Chiefs. The 5-foot-10 defender is looking forward to starting school and playing hockey with his older brother Brandon.

“Having the ability to play with my brother in a beautiful city like Victoria is something I’m really looking forward to,” he says. “I chose UVic because it’s a reputable school with good academics and a good hockey program.”

Volpe’s leadership and offensive puck-moving abilities were key ingredients the Vikes identified to take the team to the next level.

UVic's two newest additions will make their Vikes debut on Friday, January 4th when the VIU Mariners visit the Ian Stewart Complex. Puck drop is at 7:30 PM.