The river leads to Langley, B.C., for Chauvin, Alta., defenceman Reily Pickford, an all-star rookie last season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
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After his strong showing with the AJHL’s Grande Prairie Storm, Pickford has signed with the BCHL’s Langley Rivermen for the 2026-27 season.
“I kind of always wanted to go to the BCHL,” said Pickford, who turns 19 in September. “That was my plan.
“But I loved GP (Grande Prairie). I loved the town, I loved the group of guys, the coaching staff, the arena, the fans. I loved everything there, so it kind of sucks to leave. But this is a better opportunity in a more respected league.”
Pickford gained respect for his smooth and tenacious play during the second half of the AJHL season, especially, after the Storm acquired him in a January trade with the Camrose Kodiaks.
On the recruiting trail this spring, the Rivermen and another BCHL team, the Cranbrook Bucks, were vying for Pickford’s services.
“It was a hard decision because both places were really good,” he said. “The reason I went with Langley is that I would have a greater chance of starting in a better spot.
“I just thought Langley was the better team, the better fit. I would say the thing I like most about them would be, I really like the coach.”
Langley’s coach and general manager is Brad Rihela, who coached the AJHL’s Lloydminster Bobcats a few years ago when Pickford played at the U18 AAA level in the Border City.
Pickford’s brothers include Montreal Canadiens’ prospect Bryce, who captained the Medicine Hat Tigers last season and was named CHL defenceman of the year.
“I’d say the way I think the game,” Reily Pickford said about his own attributes. “I would say I’m more of a passer than a shooter, even though I want to start shooting more. The way I think the game and my skating ability (stand out most).”
BIG BROTHER BRYCE WATCHING
Bryce Pickford, just one year older and likely bound for minor-pro hockey this coming season, believes Reily already has pro credentials, too.
“I watched him a little bit when I was injured (in January),” Bryce said. “Honestly, he could probably play in the (AHL) right now. It’s weird to watch because he would be, in my books, one of the top four or five defencemen in my league (WHL).
“It’s fun to watch my brother do well, of course. The teams he was with this year, he enjoyed them. He had a pretty good year. I’m super happy for him.”
Langley has also signed one of Pickford’s Grande Prairie teammates, six-foot-six, 220-pound forward Roghan Walker.
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