THE RIVER Kings are on the road today, starting a two-day journey to Fort Nelson to appear as one of the teams in the four-team tournament for the Coy Cup.
A rally yesterday helped prepare the team, the champions of the Central Interior Hockey League this year, for the trip to compete for the pinnacle of provincial Senior Men’s AA hockey.
“I’d like to see the team in the Riverboat Days parade this year, packing home the Coy Cup,” said Terrace mayor Carol Leclerc at the rally held at Terrace Totem Ford.
She said the team personified the attributes of sportsmanship, camaraderie and friendship. “Hockey is good for the mind and body and soul,” Leclerc added. “It’s your fans, friends and family that make the entire team.”
The Kings were undefeated in their 16-game regular league schedule, defeating first Smithers and then Williams Lake for the CIHL championship and a berth in the Coy Cup tournament.
They’re facing the Fort Nelson Yeti, the Fort St. John Senior Flyers and the Powell River Regals and their first game is Tuesday.
River Kings manager Ray Hallock also spoke, noting the team has been building toward overall success the past several years. Goalie Patrick Leal continued his performance this year by being named the league’s top goaltender and the top league player this year was Jordan Peddle.
Also at the rally were the Terrace Totem Ford Midget rep team which made it two years in a row last week as provincial Tier 3 champions.
Kings captain Steve Cullis, who presented Leclerc with a team jersey, made note of the Midgets’ win.
“Let’s make it a three-peat,” he told the team.
