I have been a long supporter of the Powell River Kings but am now seriously concerned at the direction the team finds itself moving [“Surrey Eagles eliminate Powell River Kings from playoff contention,” March 21]
I have watched the Kings over the last number of years fail miserably on the ice, finishing second worst in the whole league this year.
The team only participates with Powell River Minor Hockey Association at a minimal basis, where players at times fail to honour their commitments to attend, with no repercussions from the Kings.
The Kings used to be a successful organization which supported Powell River, who participated with minor hockey, who also strived to be a winning organization, as compared to the current team.
I found myself being optimistic with the direction the team was headed when Rick Hopper was hired by the board, only to have that feeling diminished when I learned that Hopper is no longer with the organization. Now we are left with a head coach with a losing record, who is now listed on the Kings’ website as also being the director of hockey operations for the team, which is a very nice reward for a coach with a losing record.
I do feel that the current team staff members are doing their best but there needs to be a change, which sits directly on the laps of the Kings’ board, which needs to make a new hire who will be given the opportunity to make whatever changes they feel are necessary to move forward.
The board then needs to step back and let the person run the team as they feel is necessary as compared to the board. The board needs to remember that too many roosters in the hen house doesn’t work.
Here’s hoping the Kings’ board makes the appropriate changes that are required.
Ron Palmquist,
Westview
