For most players, playing in the RBC Cup is a once in a lifetime achievement.
Not so for Demico Hannoun, who is playing in his third consecutive Junior A national championship tournament, while with his third B.C. Hockey League team in as many seasons.
The 19-year-old North Delta native is in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba this week, skating with the Penticton Vees at the five-team tournament. He has a pair of assists in three games.
Hannoun was with the Vernon Vipers last season, a team which hosted the RBC Cup and was eliminated in a semifinal game. In 2013, he was with the Surrey Eagles in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The Eagles also lost in the semifinal round.
“Hopefully third time is the charm,” said Hannoun in a Hockey Canada release. “I think it does actually haunt my dreams.”
Penticton won two of its first three games in the round robin of the RBC Cup, and was in first place heading into its final game yesterday. The top four teams will face-off in semifinal games tomorrow (Saturday), with the championship game set for Sunday evening.
After a 3-2 loss to the host Portage Terriers Saturday, the Vees blanked the Melfort Mustangs of Saskatchewan on Sunday. Penticton then edged the Carlton Place Canadians on Tuesday afternoon.
Traded to the Vees in the offseason, Hannoun had a career-best regular season, netting 23 goals. He also enjoyed his best-ever postseason with the Vees, scoring eight goals and 21 points in 22 games played.
But its more than offense that Hannoun contributes to the team, says Vees head coach Fred Harbinson.
“Our veterans have played in key situations and Demico is definitely one of those guys,” said Harbinson. “He can be one of the best players on the ice when he wants to be and hopefully we will see the best parts of his game this week.
“He knows what to expect and hopefully he can lead the rest of the boys.”
