[caption id="attachment_1009" align="alignnone" width="250" caption="Joel Leonad, David Gore, Korey Gannon and David Boychuk were named as the first captains of the WolfPack"]
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The curtain goes up for the first time on the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack hockey team this weekend. The WolfPack entertain the Okanagan College Crusaders in a pair of games in the BC Inter Collegiate Hockey League. The two teams play Saturday night (Sept 26) at 7 pm at Memorial Arena. They then return to the Victoria Street Arena on Sunday afternoon (Sept 27) at 1 pm.
“This weekend’s home opener is an exciting time,” says head coach Chris Hans. “ It marks the official return of collegiate hockey Kamloops after too many years away! The players coaching staff and directors of KCHS (Kamloops Collegiate Hockey Society)are anxious to get the season underway. “
The two teams met in a pair of exhibition games last weekend. “Most importantly last weekend’s games allowed us to knock some of the rust off. We played fairly well. As a team and should continue to develop and gel as a team. “ states Hans. The WolfPack won by scores of 5-3 and 9-6.
Hans expects a number of his veteran players to step up this weekend. He singles out Assistant coach/Player David Boychuk (Edmonton, Alberta) along with local players: Korey Gannon, Joel Leonard, Jassi Sangha, David Gore, Jose Reyes and Mick Ludwig as those who will be looked upon to provide leadership.
Hans says the two games against the Crusaders has given him a pretty good indication of what sort of team they are. “They are a hardworking team with good offensive abilities. We need to be disciplined and avoid lazy undisciplined penalties. “
Hans says he won’t declare his starting goal keeper until after they have their final practice on Friday.
ICE CHIPS: The WolfPack have added former Blazer goaltender Rod Branch as an assistant. “His experience playing at high levels of junior and pro hockey will definitely benefit our program,” says Hans. Branch has retired and is taking Horticulture at TRU.
Opening ceremonies on Saturday night include having Mayor Peter Milobar dropping the puck. He played hockey while attending Cariboo College in the 1980’s.
