Local hockey leagues excited for start of new season
Contrary to the continued labour woes at the sport's professional level, hockey is alive and well in Whitehorse.
Contrary to the continued labour woes at the sport's professional level, hockey is alive and well in Whitehorse.
Players of all ages will be hitting the ice this week with the start of both recreational and oldtimer action.
Rec level players are excited to see action much earlier than last year, when a fire at the Canada Games Centre caused millions of dollars of damage, and delayed the start of the season.
"We're going to get an extra couple games in this year, because we get a full season,鈥� said Kinden Kosick, vice-president of the Whitehorse Recreational Hockey League executive.
"Last year, we lost some games. The season had a really late start and really late ice times for the first while because somebody started a fire in the Games Centre.
So we're going to get started on time this year.鈥�
Despite having one team drop out from last year's group, the local rec league continues to boast strong numbers in all three divisions 鈥� A, B and C.
The loss of Boston Pizza's A division team drops the total team number to 19. Maximum roster size is 20 players.
"The interest is really high and there's a pretty long list of players who are looking to play,鈥� said Kosick. "There's a lot of interest for ice in this town.鈥�
The 32-game rec season will run from October to February, with playoffs in March. Games are split between the Canada Games Centre and Takhini Arena.
"Last year, we played into April, and that was too long,鈥� Kosick explained. "People are looking to do springtime stuff.鈥�
Whitehorse Oldtimer Hockey League action got underway Sunday at both Canada Games Centre and Takhini Arena.
The oldtimer league, consisting of players age 35-plus, consists of nine teams.
One change sees Tim Hortons enter the league as a new team sponsor.
Rosters consist of 16 players, and there is a waiting list said Stu Mackay, president of the league board.
"It goes up and down, but this year there's a strong waiting list,鈥� he said.
The oldtimer season runs October to April.
Play also begins this week for the Whitehorse Women's Hockey Association. Team details were not available at press time.
For full schedules or more information on these leagues, check out their respective websites at www.carhahockey.ca/whitehorse-rec-hockey-league, www.whitehorseohl.ca, and http://whitehorsewomenshockey.com.
OLDTIMER GAME RESULTS
Firth Rangers 6, Medicine Chest 6
Greg Charlie scored a hat trick and added three assists, and teammate Mike Rispin added two goals and two assists, but it wasn't enough to score the Rangers a win in their season opener Sunday night.
Chris Simon led the way for Medicine Chest with two goals, while Jim Giczi chipped in with a goal and two helpers.
Klondyke Dental 6, Performance Centre Turbos 4
Jason Roske's pair of goals led the way for Klondyke Dental in their win over the
Turbos. Gerry Rivest, Grant Lowey, Kevin Neufeld and Dennis Zimmerman added
singles.
Jason Freake netted all four goals for the Turbos, while teammate Daniel Janke picked up three assists.
AON Flames 4, Yukon Inn 3
Adam Green's second-period goal broke a 3-3 draw to secure the win for the
Flames. Gregor Gabb, Rick Smith and Paul Lackowicz provided the rest of the offence.
Rick Neumann scored two goals for Yukon Inn in the loss, while Lawrence Ignace scored his first of the year. Andrew Smith added two assists.
Tim Hortons 4, Kilrich Industries 1
A balanced offence helped Tim Hortons start their tenure with a win. Brent Stokes,
Ernie Jamieson, Tom Ullyett and Doug Terry (SH) all scored for the "Timbits.鈥�
Peter Grundmanis powerplay marker was the lone tally for Kilrich.
To see your game results printed in the Star, e-mail sports@whitehorsestar.com or fax game sheets to 668-7130.
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