Powell River Kings welcomed nine veterans back to main camp on August 29 and introduced 31 new ones to Hap Parker Arena, Powell River Recreation Complex.
Hoping to fill the shoes of college-bound players like Drew Dorantes, Ryan Scarfo, Matt Scarth, Aidan Wright and Jeff Smith, and traded goalie Jonah Imoo (Merritt Centennials), were players from all over North America.
From Chris Diver of Wilmington, Delaware, to 14-year-old Jack Long from right here in Powell River, 40 players battled hard for 22 spots on the Kings’ roster.
It would be fair to say that most of those spots are filled, however most coaches, including general manager and head coach Kent Lewis, are quick to say that “nobody should feel safe.”
As expected, young players who trek across the continent are likely to have their parents in tow for the initial visit to the West Coast.
Jacob Pritchard was on last year’s United States Hockey League champion Indiana Ice who, after winning the Clark Cup, had to take this year off due to arena issues in Indianapolis.
In the dispersal draft Des Moines Buccaneers scooped him up with the second pick overall but the young forward, who had a commitment secured with St. Lawrence University, decided to head north of the state border.
“Between his advisor and the school and himself, they decided Des Moines wasn’t a good place to play and this was a better opportunity,” father Larry Pritchard explained.
The pair came all the way from Macomb, Michigan, a township of 50,000 north of Detroit. Larry was asked if Powell River was everything Kings’ staff had promised.
“It’s funny,” he laughed recalling. “I asked Kent, ‘So you’re somewhere around Vancouver’ and he says ‘well, we’re a little bit aways.’ But we knew the Dorantes and called them up and they said Drew had a great time and a good experience with the Kings.”
Of his son and what he brings to the Kings, Larry said, “he’s predominantly a playmaker with great vision on the ice and he’s a good passer with a good shot.”
Jacob proved him right with a couple of productive scrimmages where he recorded one goal and four assists.
Another player, defenceman Nick Nonis, also arrived with a commitment (New Hampshire) and both of his parents.
Dave and Susan Nonis spent the better part of four days touring, fishing and shopping at the rink for a few souvenirs before leaving their son with the Kings.
“It’s going to be great hockey for Nick and give him a chance to develop his skills,” predicted Susan. “In talking to Kent, it’s the right deal and a beautiful area with community support. Meeting with the billet family has convinced me that it’s a great place for him and I know he’ll be safe and happy and, wow, what a beautiful spot.”
Aside from the scenery, the coaching staff was extremely pleased with the crop of young players at camp.
“It was very competitive,” said assistant coach Chad van Diemen. “There was a lot of skill out there, a lot of speed and we were very happy with it. Not a lot of surprises because we knew quite a bit about everyone and there really were no disappointments.”
Of the 40 players in attendance only 26 remain with the team but van Diemen said, “we parted ways with a lot of the guys on good terms.”
Kings play exhibition games in Coquitlam on September 12, Chilliwack on September 13 and Langley Sunday afternoon, September 14.
Kings Scroll:
Canadian Junior Hockey League pre-season top 20 poll gave Kings honourable mention behind Penticton (2), Langley (9) and Merritt (14).
