Cowichan Valley vs. W.Kelowna

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Saturday, March 9th, 2013
7:00 PM

JUNIOR A HOCKEY DOES HAVE A HISTORY IN THE COWICHAN VALLEY

Cowichan Valley original Junior �A� team commenced operations in 1980-81. The expansion team, called the Capitals not only impressed in their inaugural season with a 29 win 13 loss campaign, but had an impressive line up. The team included future NHL players Dean Evason, Dan Hodgson, Geoff Courtnall and former CFL lineman Glenn Kulka. Other notables included local stars Len Meyers, David Branting, Ken Trousdell and Tony St. Denis. The team continued with success into the 1981-82 season compiling a 36 win 16 loss season, which included another future NHL player and now popular NHL broadcaster in goaltender Daryl Reaugh.

The early success was met with two bleak years where the team only managed 25 wins in that span. The team�s win/loss record also coincided with poor attendances, which lead to the club to relocate to the Panorama Leisure Centre to become the Sidney Whalers. The Whalers did not find much success on the ice or the stands, which subsequently lead to the team to move again, this time to Juan de Fuca. Again, lacking fan support and wins, the team came full circle re-locating back to the Cowichan Arena for the 1988-89 season.

Nicknamed the Whalers, and soon to become the Warriors, the team continued its spiral of losing seasons. A bright spot in the lineup was local scoring sensation Pat Hodgins. The team continued to struggle and finally moving back to the Western Communities for 1990-91 season.

In 1993, a large group of community people purchased the team out right with the vision of bringing back the Hockey Club to the Cowichan Valley. In 1993-1994, the Cowichan Valley Capitals were re-born, with a hardworking lineup the team went on to finish a respectable 29-29-1. That year the club took their gritty style and work ethic all the way to BCHL Championship final against the Kelowna Spartans.

Entering the 19th season under local ownership, the community has one of the flagship franchises in the BCHL. The team has enjoyed good success through-out its tenure, including league leading wins and points, many players and coaches have also been recognized by League awards and All-Star selections.

The team has had tremendous success in providing players with the skills to move to the next level. Since the 1993/94 season the Caps have had 80 players receive scholarships at NCAA Division I and Division III, play at the Canadian University level or Professional Hockey.

The other notable aspect of the Club has always been the loyalty of the fans and tremendous volunteer base that provide unwavering support. The Caps fans are known throughout the League for their enthusiasm and passion. This has made the Cowichan Valley Capitals a club that players want to play for and a team that the community can call their own.

Many thanks to all those who helped make this team a success.

The 2013/2014 BCHL hockey season is here, and you don't want to miss out on what is sure to be an exciting year for the Cowichan Capitals as they do battle against some of the best Junior A teams in British Columbia.

Don't miss out on great deals for your 2013/2014 Season Tickets.
Available at the Island Savings Centre ticket office
For more information call 250-748-9930