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There are a number of BC hockey alums playing hockey at various levels in the USA and Canada, but a number of fan favorites have found success playing in European leagues. Following these players is always a little bit trickier if you don’t speak, say, Norwegian, but luckily you have BCI to give you updates.
Barry Almeida (Coventry Blaze)
2016-17 Season Grade: A
Almeida began the season in Italy, but had to leave the team for personal reasons. He later joined the Coventry Blaze in the EIHL and had a stellar season. He was third on the team with 40 points and 25 assists, despite not playing the full season. He scored 15 goals in 39 games for the Blaze, tying him for second place on the roster. He also scored this amazing highlight reel goal.
Nathan Gerbe (Genève-Servette HC)
2016-17 Season Grade: A
After many seasons in the NHL, Gerbe joined Genève-Servette HC in Switzerland for the 2016-17. He was second on the team with 11 goals and third with 28 points... and he played in only 26 games, which is about half of the season. As a quick but tough player, he fits in well in European hockey and has signed on for a second season with Genève-Servette.
Tim Kunes (Stavanger Oilers)
2016-17 Season Grade: A
Kunes, who retired at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season to return to the US to coach, spent his final pro season in Norway. He led all defenders on the Oilers with 32 assists and 36 points and he maintained an impressive +26 rating. Kunes’ 32 assists also put him in second place on the team overall.
Pat Mullane (HC Karlovy Vary)
2016-17 Season Grade: B+
Mullane spent his second European season in the Czech Republic, although he missed a number of games with injuries. Mullane led his team with 14 assists over 35 games. He also scored 5 goals. While playing, Mullane was also helping to organize the 2017 Comm Ave Charity Classic.
Ryan Shannon (ZSC Lions)
2016-17 Season Grade: B+
Shannon retired at the end of the 2016-17 season to return to the USA for a coaching job. He recorded 23 points during his fifth and final season with the Lions, 8 of which were goals. He had a +14 rating for the year and added 1 assist to his point total during the playoffs.
Dave Spina (TPS)
2016-17 Season Grade: A-
In his second season with TPS, Spina was fourth on the team with 35 points in 48 games. His 27 assists put him in second place on the TPS roster. Spina also cut his penalty minutes in half between the 2015-16 season and this past season.
Cam Spiro (Gentofte)
2016-17 Season Grade: A+
Spiro had a spectacular season for Gentofte, leading the team in goals during the regular season (19) and the postseason (9). He was second on the team in regular season points with 31 points over 41 games. This was Spiro’s second season in Denmark, but his first playing in Denmark’s premier league. He has certainly proven that he belongs.