September always seems like a better month to begin a new year instead of January. After a mostly unstructured time, activities get back on a regular pattern.
One of those activities is the return of Powell River Kings hockey as the 2018/2019 BC Junior Hockey League season starts.
This year there is a new beginning under the direction of a coach new to the community and fans will be eager to see how he translates his philosophy into on-ice results. Tyler Kuntz has spent the past few weeks of training camp and four exhibition games instilling his system into new and returning players who make up the team’s roster. Only time will tell how the group responds, and the result will be evident both on the scoreboard and in league standings.
The Kings organization has always been about more than performance on the ice as players make their impact in the wider community outside of Hap Parker Arena and Powell River Recreation Complex. It also offers numerous groups and organizations fundraising opportunities through exposure to the team’s fan base.
The season opener against Victoria Grizzlies on Saturday, September 8, is an example of community partnerships working for the betterment of our city.
Canadian Tire, game sponsor, has a program called Jumpstart that funds participation in physical activity for youngsters whose families could not otherwise afford it. Just prior to an annual barbecue, the store had a flood and it had to be cancelled.
Kings marketing and promotions manager Nadine Porchetta contacted The Rotary Club of Powell River, which agreed to provide a tailgate party barbecue with proceeds going to Jumpstart. Canadian Tire staff will be busy as game sponsor so that offer was most appreciated.
That is just one example of the many ways having a junior hockey team makes Powell River such a great place to live.
Supporting the Kings by attending games provides entertainment through the fall and winter months and adds to the strength of our community.
On-ice action thrills fans throughout the regular season and, hopefully, deep into the playoffs, as coaches and players strive to achieve personal goals and attain team success.
At the same time, those who work or volunteer behind the scenes ensure what happens prior to and after games, as well as during intermissions, continues to benefit the community in ways that cannot be counted on a scoresheet.
