KIJHL Notebook: Skarsen, Mullin & Oien on 100 point milestones
Teghan Mullin, Cameron Oien and Ben Skarsen are the latest Kootenay International Junior Hockey League players to reach the 100-career-point milestone.
Skarsen, the captain of the Fernie Ghostriders, reached the mark in memorable fashion on Dec. 19 against the Columbia Valley Rockies, scoring the game-winning goal in his 100th career KIJHL regular-season game.
KIJHL: Heading into the Christmas break, you scored the game-winning goal, which also happened to be your 100th career point in the league. What was that moment like for you?
Ben Skarsen: It was pretty special. None of it happens without the support of my family, teammates and coaches. I’m really grateful for everyone who’s helped me along the way.
Skarsen has already tied his career high with 17 goals and is tied for second in the league with six game-winning goals.
KIJHL: What does it mean to be able to come up clutch for your team like that?
Skarsen: I’m an offensive player, and I try to do whatever I can to give our team the best chance to win every night. If scoring goals is what it takes, I’m happy to do that.
KIJHL: What helps you put yourself in position to score those important goals?
Skarsen: A lot of it is hockey IQ, but a big part is my linemates. The guys I play with make it easy. We connect well and know where each other are on the ice, and that chemistry helps a lot.
Ghostriders head coach Chad Scharff said the milestone reflects both Skarsen’s consistency and leadership.
KIJHL: What does that milestone say about the type of player he is?
Chad Scharff: It’s a pretty unique situation — 100 points in 100 games. It really speaks to who Ben is and the career he’s had here. He’s been with the organization for a few years now, and naming him captain was just a reflection of that. He’s not the most vocal guy, but he leads by example.
KIJHL: Where have you seen Ben grow the most as a player?
Scharff: His competitiveness has always stood out, not just in games but in practices. Over the last year and a half, I’ve seen him grow as both a person and a player. When we lost guys like Taylor Haggerty and Eric Martin, he stepped up offensively. His hockey IQ has improved, he knows when to pick his spots, and he’s become a complete, 200-foot player.
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Mullin, a Kamloops product playing for the Kamloops Storm, reached 100 career points on Dec. 6 against the Kelowna Chiefs. The 18-year-old has appeared in 111 career KIJHL games and represented the league at the 2023 BCHC Prospects Game in Kamloops.
KIJHL: What did it mean to you to reach 100 career points?
Teghan Mullin: It means a lot, but none of it’s possible without my teammates who challenge me every day.
KIJHL: What goals did you set coming into this season?
Mullin: I wanted to have my best season statistically and a chance to win a championship.
KIJHL: How has the coaching staff helped with your development?
Mullin: They’ve helped me tremendously. They push me to be the best version of myself, and the confidence they’ve shown in us has really helped drive our success.
Storm head coach Andrew Fisher said Mullin’s consistency stands out.
KIJHL: What does reaching 100 points represent for Teghan as a player?
Andrew Fisher: It’s a great accomplishment, especially for a player as young as he is. It shows how special he is and how consistent he’s been since entering the league.
KIJHL: How has he grown offensively this season?
Fisher: He’s put in a lot of work both during the season and in the off-season. He’s earning more ice time and taking advantage of it. He has a unique skill set — strong hands, passing and shot — and he’s willing to go to the hard areas.
KIJHL: What has been the focus of his development this year?
Fisher: We moved him from the wing to center, and he’s done a great job adjusting to the added defensive responsibility. He’s also growing as a leader, which speaks to his character and the values instilled by his family.”
Oien, the grandson of Spokane Braves owner Bob Tobiason, reached 100 career points on Dec. 20 against the Nelson Leafs. He has played all 111 of his KIJHL games with Spokane.
KIJHL: What did it mean to you to reach the milestone?
Cameron Oien: It was pretty cool to hit 100 points with the same team I started with. I’m very thankful for the teammates I’ve had over the past three years.
KIJHL: You’re on pace for a career-high season. What’s helped your consistency?
Oien: My teammates and linemates. We compete hard in practice and make each other better. The chemistry we’ve built over the last two seasons has really helped.
Braves head coach Jason Greenwell praised Oien’s commitment.
KIJHL: What does the milestone represent for Cameron?
Jason Greenwell: It shows his dedication to both his team and his personal game. He’s a great leader on and off the ice, and the coaching staff is proud of the player and person he’s become.
KIJHL: What have you liked about his growth this season?
Greenwell: He’s bought into our systems and mindset. His offensive success comes from his commitment to the team game. He’s the type of player who works to get better every day through practice, video and off-ice work.”