The Kerry Park Islanders will face two big tests immediately as the 2018-19 Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season gets underway.
The Isles will open the season on Friday when they visit the Saanich Braves, then play their home opener on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against the Victoria Cougars.
“Coming into the year, they’re expected to be two of the stronger teams in the South [Division],” head coach Aaron Spotts said. “We’ve got to make sure we’re ready to go.”
Spotts’s own team is especially strong up front, with an inexperienced but eager defence corps and a veteran between the pipes.
“I like our forwards a lot,” Spotts said. “Our defence is a little young, so there will be a bit of a learning process there.”
Braydon Nelson and Tanner Tiel will be looked to for leadership and scoring in the forward ranks, and second-year players Evan Easton and Isaac Leik will also get a chance to prove themselves.
“We’ve got a lot of guys like that looking to make a big step for us,” Spotts said.
On the blueline, 17-year-old Tory McClintick is the only defender returning from last year’s team.
Goalie Rett Rook is back with the Isles after playing last year in Prince Edward Island, split between junior A and B.
“He’ll be relied on heavily as a 20-year-old,” Spotts said. “He has junior A experience. He’s excited to be back in the Valley.”
After a long training camp, the players are looking forward to playing some meaningful games this weekend.
“We’ve been at it for two weeks,” Spotts said. “The guys are ready to go.”
