Prospects appear to be promising for the fledgling Lac la Hache Tomahawks Central Interior Hockey League senior men’s team, which skated in its inaugural season last year.
Team tryouts are in progress, and so far, each one has attracted between 20 and 25 hopefuls onto the ice. The first two sessions were held Sept. 8-9 in Williams Lake and the latest two were in 100 Mile House, Sept. 15-16.
Lac la Hache will be the location of the next set, scheduled for Sept. 22-23 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Coach Al Navrot says he’s seeing some new faces and a lot of strong talent.
“We’re better off this year than at the same time last year. We’ve got more confidence now and a year under our belt. We also have more credibility.”
He says the 100 Mile House tryouts only drew three local players, including Wade Balbirnie and Roy Nichol. Navrot says this surprised him.
“I know there are some good hockey players there. Maybe something will happen in Lac la Hache.”
With folding of the Hazelton Wolverines at the end of last season, Navrot says the Tomahawks may benefit, as a couple of their strong players are taking an interest in playing for his team.
Navrot says Gilbert Robbins, who played with the Williams Lake Stampeders last year, has also been attending the Tomahawks practices. Robbins scored the winning goal for the Stamps’ Coy Cup win last year.
“He’s a good hockey player and very versatile. He’s got lots of spirit.”
Navrot has heard a few of his key players from the Ashcroft area, including Ryan, Cody and Kyle Minnabarriet plan on returning this season.
“The door is open until Jan. 10, the final carding day. It’s going to be competitive. We’re out to win.”
Navrot says he hopes to be on practice ice in the last week of September at their home rink, Rolf Zeis Memorial Arena, in Lac la Hache.
Their season opener is a home game on Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. against the Stampeders and their last is a home game on Jan. 12 against Terrace River Kings. League teams play 18 games in total, with nine home games apiece.
The Tomahawks will soon be looking for sponsorship ads for their game programs and businesses interested in buying an ad can contact Eva Navrot at 250-392-2498.
