Thompson Rivers WolfPack prepare for first Coastal road swing

After having a week off to savior their first two BC Intercollegiate Hockey League victories, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack hit the road. The WolfPack will meet the Trinity Western Titans Friday (Oct. 9) in Langley before moving up the Fraser Valley to take on the University of Fraser Valley on Saturday (Oct. 10).

"It will be nice to get on the road for a couple of days it will be a good opportunity for the team to bond and become better acquainted with each other," says WolfPack head coach Chris Hans. "With the distractions associated with the opening weekend I think we will play more relaxed and will be able to remain focused."

The WolfPack enter the weekend 2 and 0, but they will face a Trinity Western squad which notched three lopsided victories over Selkirk College (5-2, 7-3, 7-2) in their first three games.

Trinity is coached by former Kamloops Junior Dwayne Lowdermilk. University of the Fraser Valley has played only one game. It was a 9-4 victory over the University of Victoria. Some might think having nearly 12 days off between games might be a disadvantage. Hans sees it another way: "I like having a bit of a break after our opening weekend as it has allowed us the opportunity to work on team systems."

The WolfPack have made one roster change. Forward Mateas Larock (Courtenay, BC) has had to withdraw due to heavy academic commitments. He has been replaced by Cody Rose. The six foot tall, 21 year old defenceman spent four seasons with the Castlegar Rebels of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

"Cody is a versatile player and will be used both on defence and at forward," states Hans. The WolfPack used both Brock Fraser (Kamloops, BC) and Blake Tancock (Chilliwack, BC) as their goalies in their opening weekend. Hans plans to insert his other goalie,Thomas Gobeil (Armstrong, BC) in one of the two games this weekend.

Next home games for the WolfPack will be November 14th and 15th at Memorial Arena against Trinity Western.

SLAPSHOTS: The only injury the WolfPack have is forward Daniel Robinson (100 Mile House, BC). He remains week to week with a shoulder injury. Kevin Sparling (Fort St. John, BC) and David Boychuk (Edmonton, Alta) lead the TRU squad in scoring.

Sparling has three goals and one assist. Boychuk has four assists in two games. The WolfPack player-assistant/captain also has the most penalty minutes on the team with 22.