Last season, Powell River Regals started their quest for the Senior AA BC hockey championship early, and they liked it so much they have decided to start early again this year.
An added incentive of the team’s 60-year anniversary prompted the five-time Coy Cup champions to throw their name into the hat to host the spring tournament.
“We’re hoping to have at least 10 home games and we’ve applied to host the Coy Cup,” said Regals manager Tod English. “Last year we started in September because the college teams wanted to play. This year North Island has got a team again, and there’s a team in Vancouver that is going AAA, and then we’ll do a home-and-home with Whitehorse.”
In the past, the Regals have promoted senior mens hockey at a number of locations on Vancouver Island and the south coast, but usually have to travel great distances to get in the required six-game minimum to participate in the Coy Cup.
The last time the Coy Cup was held in Powell River was 2010 when the Regals won 3-2 over the Mid Island Blazers.
Regal alumnus John Murgatroyd is the driving force behind the North Island team and a small group of ex-Regals in Vancouver is also putting together a team that has an eye on the Allan Cup in Steinbach, Manitoba this year.
“Good for them,” said English, “and we’ll probably affiliate with them so if our guys want to play for the Allan Cup, they can.”
On the local front, Garrett Brandsma, Austin McLaren, Ryan Alexander, Drew Rowbotham, Lucas Behan, Matt Boese and goaltender Ryan Fairgray are confirmed to play on the team this year, along with veteran Andy Welsh.
Mitch Ball, who played with the Regals last year, is unavailable for team’s opening game, but has confirmed his interest in joining the team.
“This will be the first game against the Capitals,” said Welsh. “We hope to go there twice and have them back again before Christmas.”
The Regals open their season 7:30 pm on Saturday, October 17 against North Island Capitals at Hap Parker Arena.
