WolfPack prepare for two-game Lower Mainland road swing vs. TWU, SFU

It's been over a week since the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack hockey team suffered its first loss of the young B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Since then, the WolfPack have been practicing hard in preparation for their next two BCIHL games: this weekend against Simon Fraser University and the Trinity Western Spartans.

"We've gone back to the basics," explained TRU head coach Chris Hans in the wake of his team's 7-2 loss at the hands of the University of the Fraser Valley. "In that game, we got away from making sure we did the 'little things'. Sometimes the 'little things' seem inconsequential. But that game proved that while we may be a pretty good team, we need to play within our systems and execute basic fundamentals."

The WolfPack will open things up on Friday when they meet up with Trinity Western, a club TRU beat 3-1 in Langley on October 9th.

"TWU skated well and moves the puck well," says Hans in assessing his Friday opponent. " Penalty trouble on our part was a significant factor in the last game. If we stay out of the box and play a solid defensive minded road game, we should be OK."

Trinity and TRU are two of three teams tied for second entering the weekend. TRU is 3 and 1. Trinity is 3 and 2.

The WolfPack could be in tough in their game on Saturday  against SFU.

"SFU has had a great start to the season," says Hans. "I'm familiar with some of their players. Mulholland (goaltender Justin, an ex-Surrey Eagle), Bokla (forward John, ex-Burnaby Express) and Martin (forward Patrik, ex-Trail Smoke Eaters) are all BC Hockey League graduates."

"They are an explosive team with quite a number of players amongst the league scoring leaders."

SFU enters the game with five straight wins.

They feature two of the top three scorers in the league in Jamie Laprise (3rd year, North Delta PIJHL) and Paul Moscone (3rd year, Grandview PIJHL). Both are tied for first place with 11 points. Laprise has seven goals and four assists. Moscone has three goals and eight assists.

The WolfPack return to Kamloops to host Trinity Western November 14th and 15th.

TRU will have one definite scratch as forward Daniel Robinson (100 Mile House, BC) remains out. He is back skating with the 'Pack and should be ready for their next set of home games.