[caption id="attachment_2710" align="alignnone" width="250" caption="David Boychuk was the first captain of the WolfPack and an All-Star (A. Snucins)"]
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The most talked about team among those making up the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack family in 2009-10 had to have been men’s hockey. The return of the sport to the school for the first time in over 10 years can only be described as a huge success.
Following their silver medal finish in the BC Intercollegiate Hockey League playoff tournament, coach Chris Hans had time to reflect on their inaugural campaign. “ It was an incredible journey in many ways,” he said. “ We sort of felt our way through the first half of the season as we didn't know what to expect and needed to learn as a group where we stood in comparison to other teams in the league. We were more focused in the second half and were prepared when we entered playoffs. “
Hans thought the biggest challenges surrounded the adjustment to the level of officiating in the league along with the players balancing their courses and hockey.
Although some people were surprised with the teams second place finish in the BCIHL (16 and 8 record), Hans was not. “I knew at training camp that we had assembled a pretty good hockey team and set as our goal winning the Championship. The fact we came within a goal of accomplishing our ultimate objective is a testament to our players! They worked hard throughout the season and motivation and desire were areas I had no concerns with!”
TRU also had two players in the top five in league scoring. Jassi Sangha (1
st year, forward, Kamloops, BC) was third with 46 points (20 goals and 26 assists). Joel Leonard (3
rd year, forward, Kamloops, BC) was fifth with 38 points (13 goals and 25 assists).
Hans looks back on the season and points to a number of highlights. “ I think reaching the Championship final in our first season in the league is an accomplishment everyone on our team is proud of! Other highlights include the electricity of opening night at Memorial Arena against OC and all of the incredible fan support we received this season! Our fans made Memorial Arena the hardest rink in the league for our opponents and our 11-0 record at Memorial is in great part because of our fans!”
Ah, yes the fans. The community—both on campus and the city of Kamloops took a shine to the new hockey team. On many Saturday nights during the regular season, there were over a thousand people at Memorial Arena to cheer the ‘Pack on.
Hans adds that working with the Kamloops Collegiate Hockey Society anchored by Mitchell Zullinick, Troy Clifford and Andre Larouche was a pleasure as he returned to coaching competitive hockey after some time away. Hans plans to work more on the business and Hockey Operations role as he returns to the program in 2010-11
But what about the future on the ice? Says Hans: “Recruiting the missing pieces to replace graduating players such as David Boychuk (4
th year, defence, Edmonton, Alta) is the biggest challenge. We will miss having David anchoring our defense but we have a strong player and leader in Korey Gannon (3
rd year, defence, Kamloops, BC) returning and Cody Lockwood (3
rd year, Kamloops, BC) and Cody Rose (2
nd year, Midway, BC) poised to take on bigger leadership roles on the team. Our success sure doesn't hurt with recruiting. But, feedback I have received from potential recruits indicate the programs offered at TRU is a major determining factor as is the fact we have arguably to best college hockey atmosphere in Canada at Memorial Arena. “
After the success they enjoyed in year one, will the WolfPack hockey program suffer a sophomore jinx?. There are already plans underway to more aggressively market the product to the consumer. As well, TRU would like a chance at hosting the BCIHL league tourney in 2010-11.
How sweet would that be as a carrot? –to win the league title on home ice.
ICE CHIPS: The WolfPack will celebrate their first year at a fundraising year end banquet, dinner, and dance April 9 th at the Ukrainian Hall. Tickets for the whole evening are available for $ 27.50 a piece. Dance tickets are $5.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. They are available by calling (250) 574-1140 or emailing: tinabuser@hotmail.com.
