Hockey teams and fraternities are usually tight but this year’s edition of Powell River Regals is even more familiar—one might even say familial.
Father-son connections are common throughout the lineup of largely local players hosting Williams Lake Stampeders for the right to move on to the Coy Cup later this month.
Garrett Brandsma, Brady Casparie, Ryan Fairgray are sons of alumni John Harris, Randy Casparie and Harvey Fairgray respectively and they are joined on the roster by the father-son duo of Rick and Austin McLaren.
“That’s been the goal from the start,” said veteran Andy Welsh, “with the idea going back to senior AA to get the local kids involved. There are quite a few from ages 19 to 23 who are either in Powell River or in school on the island who I knew were definitely interested.”
However, timing has not always worked out for local players and help has been sought from those further afield. “We started this year with a ton of local interest, but like anything with senior hockey you plan a game for Friday but Tuesday you get a handful of guys saying they can’t make it for work or some other commitment. We’re lucky to have the resources to make some calls to guys in Vancouver that have played with us before and add them as we need them.”
This year, with the qualifying series in Powell River, the aforementioned sons and father are getting excited about playing in front of the home fans.
“Randy, my stepdad, played since he was 17 or 18 and wore number 22,” said Casparie, “and I’m wearing his number now so that’s kind of cool.”
While the young BC Hockey League linesman pursues a career in officiating he is also happy to have a chance to lace up his skates with the Regals this year.
“I’ve played four games this year,” he reported, “and scored three goals—not too bad.”
Comparing play with minor hockey, he added “It’s a lot different than minor hockey because the guys are a lot bigger than you. It’s a more physical game than midget rep and the little bit of Junior B that I played.”
With four games under his belt, Casparie said, “I feel a lot more comfortable and confident now.”
He has been surrounded by Regals and Regal memorabilia all his life. “My dad’s jersey is hung up in the computer room and his 200th goal puck is in the garage.”
Of local commitment from player to team and team to player he said, “I’m pretty sure we’ve got a solid team now so it’s good.”
Hockey fans in Powell River can follow Casparie’s career as an official in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League as well as the BCHL, and one of his favourite highlights involved another Powell River product.
“The first game that I actually refereed,” he said, “was Rylan Ball’s first goal with the Kings, so that was really cool.”
Powell River hockey connections go on and on and anyone who is old enough is usually part of it.
Rick McLaren, a 39-year-old veteran who started with the Regals in 1997, has coached several of this year’s Regals along with Welsh.
“Andy and I have coached a lot of these kids through minor hockey,” he said, “and we’ve always enjoyed that aspect of the game. It’s a good group of kids and now having them play with us and being part of what we do is great.”
“The Regals have been around since the beginning of time and it’s great to see the legacy keep going. That’s the great thing about doing this—it’s trying to keep the local interest as high as we can. Get those kids out here, get them out playing and just keep this rolling.”
About being on the ice with Austin, “It’s exciting to get an opportunity to play at this level with my son,” said Rick. “Any father in any sport would enjoy a chance like this one. It’s bonding for me and him as well.” Then he laughed, “He’s not a knuckle dragger like his old man but he’s a really good player with really nice hands around the net.”
Further critiquing of McLaren play led dad to admit they bring “Two different qualities of player, but our skating ability is about the same and people recognize that when they see him skate. He has my stride and my values as well and it’s great to be able to play with him.”
Playing for the Regals provides more opportunity for the youngsters, Rick added. “Triple AAA is kind of behind us for now. Now we’re seeing all these good local kids coming out of our minor program who never had an opportunity to play in front of their hometown fans. I think we’re giving them that opportunity now and we are 100 per cent trying to keep this as local as possible.”
Bottom line is, son Austin and his young teammates will be getting a chance to strut their stuff for family and friends in a qualifying series against Williams Lake Stampeders March 13 to 15 at Hap Parker Arena.
