October 15, 2010

Ian Jacques/Editor, Coast Reporter

The Sechelt Hitmen are looking for a some home ice advantage after a tough opening season loss.

Sechelt lost its West Coast Men’s Hockey League season opener 8-1 last Saturday night against the Mid Island Blazers in Courtenay.

Sechelt opens its home campaign next Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Sunshine Coast Arena at 7 p.m. against the Powell River Regals.

Hitmen goalie Keith McKenzie said Saturday’s loss to the Blazers was not as bad as the final score indicated.

“I played a lousy game and we had some breakdowns that cost us, but it wasn’t a seven-goal loss. Maybe that’s what the scoreboard indicated, but we played better than that,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll get a packed house next Saturday night. We want a huge crowd to come out, and we hope to put on a good show for them.”

The Hitmen, Blazers and Regals will play 10 games in total over the next few months with a best of three playoff series in February to decide the Andy McCallum trophy winner.

Others vying for the Coy Cup, symbol of senior men’s hockey supremacy, include eight teams from the Central Interior Hockey League and a new entrant from the north that will come from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek or Prince George.

The Regals, the defending Coy Cup champions, are favoured to contend or possibly repeat this year, but the Hitmen said they are poised to spoil the party.

Sechelt was very competitive in three exhibition games earlier this year with Powell River, and with more organization and a focus on team concepts, the Hitmen expect to be contenders.

“Having Brad Wingfield on board as our coach with his professional experience instantly gives us a really good chance to compete,” McKenzie said. “The team is looking good. We have a lot of commitment from the guys. There is a lot of good talent on the Coast. The key for us now is to get our systems in place, work out the bugs and play a full 60 minutes. If we can do that on a consistent basis, people can look forward to watching a good brand of hockey.”

Ticket prices for all home games are $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Tickets will be available starting next week at Trail Bay Source for Sports and Lucy’s and will be available at the door on game night.

The Sechelt Spiders women’s team will be running the beer garden and assisting the Hitmen with game-day operations.

“Lots of businesses and sponsors have stepped up, and we want to thank them for their support,” McKenzie said.

The Hitmen are still seeking sponsorship support. For more information, call McKenzie at 604-885-7162

Funny what a reporter had printed in a story a while back and now another reporter is saying the same . Fsj and Prince George are Triple AAA teams and, Dawson , who are going on season NUMBER 61 ARE NEW ENTRIES . Good research. Fsj are what 4 time Bc triple AAA champs and defending Allan cup Champs . And I am sure if Dc could play in the coy you would see the real champs of double AA. Shows what the south really thinks of the north But that's okay ,we know what we have up here . I got rambling on there, the last thing i will say is many in Dawson wanted to play powel last year ,not there double AA team but there triple AAA team.

There is nothing worse then someone coming on a chat forum saying we are the best AA team in BC and we want to take on the AAA Regals, yada yada yada... Why didn't you go to PR and play the Regals then? Why did you bail on the Coy then? prove it. Anyone can sit back and say they're the greatest without ever proving it. Compete for the Coy and win it. Then you can spout off about being the best. I don't have a doubt in my mind Dawson is a great team and I'm sure they would be considered one of the heavy favourites to win the Coy if they qualified and showed up, but until you play the games and beat the CIHL's best and the Souths best who cares.... get it done on the ice!

As for the article, it's a lazy, near duplicate of an article from earlier this year which is sad reporting. It's also completely wrong in terms of information. From what I've heard out of PG is they are not competing AA this year and may not even register as AAA. As of last week they were leaning towards registering as a mens rec squad and just playing exhibition games against FSJ, DC, a new team from Penticton and possibly some CIHL teams. should find out more shortly, but the info they have is just someone from the south guessing.

Your right rusty . I wish they could make it happen but schedules don't line up. I do agree with you until it gets done on the ice there isn't much to talk about.I was mostly mad about 2 stories no checking with other teams and when, a team is in there 61 season there not a new entry to anything. I would love to have seen Dc take on the best Double AA teams last year,it would have been fun to watch.

No worries, also found out tonight PG is going AAA.... So no Mohawks at the Coy, but they will be taking on the Flyers and whoever else goes AAA for the Savage Cup.