When Korey Gannon puts on his equipment on Friday night at Memorial Arena, he can be forgiven if it takes him a little longer. That’s because the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack captain will be playing his final Intercollegiate Hockey game. Korey Gannon Gannon, a 24 year old native of Kamloops, BC is graduating from the Bachelor of Business Administration program this year. His final home game is against arch rival SFU on Friday (Feb 25). He admits that his final contest at Memorial has snuck up on him. “ Obviously it is important for us as a team to finish at home on a good note for both our momentum going into the finals and for the community members who have been coming out to support us all year.” Gannon has worn the “C” during home games this year and admits that his role has changed. “We have a group that is filled with individuals who have great leadership qualities, so the load is lighter to bear for all of us in that regard. I think on the hockey side of things, everyone on the team is really experienced but when it comes to transitioning into a university environment away from the rink, that’s where the veteran players can really help out the newer guys.” Korey with teammates Cody Lockwood and Zac Rasmussen along with Tim Unaegbu of Men's Basketball at Toys for Kids event. He admits that he has been trying to take advantage of ‘absorbing’ everything about this BC Intercollegiate Hockey League season. ‘ I try to make the most of every opportunity,” he says. ‘the time to reflect on the season will most likely come when it is all over and done with.” Gannon says the program continues to improve and for him and his teammates, it has been a great ride in 2010-11. “ This season has been great. It is neat to be able to see the program develop and to get to experience first hand the leaps and bounds in forward progress that the organization itself has been making.” The 6’2” defenceman (former BCHL Vernon Viper) had a goal and three assists thus far this season with 39 penalty minutes. He is quick to point out an individual highlight for his final campaign thus far. “ Just getting the opportunity to continue to play at a competitive level of hockey and being able to do it with my closest friends. Getting the chance to play Junior with Joel (Leonard of Kamloops, BC) and Daren (Hermiston of Kamloops, BC) and against Andrew (Fisher of Kamloops, BC) was something really special. So be able to continue that onto our university careers has been a great way to finish things up.’ Gannon was one of the first players to sign with the WolfPack when hockey returned to TRU after a ten year absence last season. “ TRU hockey has been a positive experience all around. It is an opportunity that I’m glad I didn’t miss and I hope other local players that are making the transition to University after their ‘junior careers’ end will consider the value of getting to play at home in a competitive program.’ Korey looks up at mountain of toys while helping out with Toys for Kids And he adds “All the members on our team owe thanks to the Kamloops Collegiate Hockey Society and especially to Steve Gainey, Lorne Cumming and Shane Zulyniak—without these individuals, the program wouldn’t exist and we all would have missed this fantastic opportunity.” Korey with teammates Cody Lockwood and Kyle Allen at 2011 Wendy's Dreamlift Coach Cumming had this to say about Gannon: " "As our team captain Korey Gannon brought a natural leadership presence to our group and made players around him understand the commitment they would have to bring for us to have success. As an experienced player that has been through the long play-off battles of the past, he was able to support the younger guys as they learned how to manage their energy, and also push the more experienced guys during tough stretches. Korey Gannon has contributed greatly to our WolfPack culture and has fast-tracked the development of the programs's "in-house" attitude. We wish Korey all the best in his future."” The WolfPack and SFU play Friday at 8:30 pm. On Saturday (Feb 26), the ‘Pack visit the Okanagan College Coyotes in Kelowna. Joel Leonard One other WolfPack player: forward Joel Leonard (Kamloops, BC) is also graduating this year. Cumming on Leonard: “Joel leonard has been a tremendous leader for us all season. Not only has he been a huge contributor to our on-ice success, but he has also been a great leader with the younger guys who are figuring out the university demands that they face. Our program has benefitted greatly form Joel's contributions and we wish all the very best in his future endeavours." (compiled by Chris Hans: Kamloops Collegiate Hockey Society)