Powell River Regals are hoping for more fan support for their upcoming weekend home series against North Island Capitals in a bid to compete for the 2016 Coy Cup.
So far this season the Senior AA hockey team have a record of 4-1 against the Capitals, led by longtime Regal John Murgatryod.
“We have had some close games with them,” said Regals coach Tod English. “[Regals manager and player] Andy Welsh has done a great job assembling the team into a Coy Cup contender.”
If the teams split the two games on Saturday, February 20, and Sunday, February 21, the series will be decided by sudden-death overtime following the Sunday game.
Should Regals win the series the hockey team will take on Whitehorse Huskies with the winner gaining the final spot in the four-team tournament, taking place in early March.
“We would have the option to host or travel,” said English. “To host we would have to compensate Whitehorse, which may be difficult, though we would love to play in front of our hometown fans.”
The two finalists in that tournament will compete for the Coy Cup game in Terrace, BC in the third week of March.
BC Hockey awarded the Coy Cup 2016 to Terrace River Kings in December. Regals’ management had also submitted a bid and plans to apply again in time for 2017.
Regals have won Coy five times, most recently in 2010. English said the team has a good chance of winning again this season.
“We have engaged the local players who want to play at the Senior AA level,” said English, “and added a few veterans who can mentor and show the young guys how to win.”
English said the Regals have worked hard this year to establish a full Vancouver Island league in hopes the team will have more games in its regular schedule next year.
“The opportunity of a full league for next year has all the players excited about competing this year,” he said.
This weekend’s games against North Island Capitals take place at Hap Parker Arena. Saturday’s game starts at 7:30 pm and Sunday’s at 1:30 pm.
