WolfPack prepare for home ice series against TWU after three-week layoff

After nearly a three week absence, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack hockey team returns to the ice in the BC Intercollegiate Hockey League. The WolfPack are gearing up to entertain the Trinity Western Titans in a pair of games at Memorial Arena on Saturday (Nov 14) and Sunday (Nov 15).

The WolfPack enter the weekend second in the BCIHL with four wins and two losses. Trinity has three wins and five losses.

Due to a quirk in the schedule, Chris Hans’ crew hasn’t played since they lost 6-5 to SFU on the coast on October 24th.

“A three week break between games is something unique to collegiate hockey and something I haven't experienced before,” says Hans. “There were two significant factors effecting scheduling first; there is a chronic ice time shortage throughout the province and the league is constantly faced with scheduling challenges. The second factor this season is avoiding having games scheduled on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island prior to and during the Olympics in February.”

Hans admits it has been a challenge keeping his team motivated over the last two weeks. But the ‘Pack have been working on certain aspects of their game.

“The break has allowed our injuries to heal and Daniel Robinson (2nd year, 100 Mile House, BC, separated shoulder ) is healthy and returns to the line-up. His return opens some interesting line combination options and we will be able to ice a line up with scoring spread over 4 lines.”

The WolfPack coach says the depth will certainly pay off.

“Most teams rely on 1 or 2 lines for their offence. Teams have started to send checking units out against (Andrew) Fisher-(Joel) Leonard –(Jassi) Sangha but our scoring is spread out nicely and if other teams try to shut down 1 of out lines we have 3 others that are just as dangerous.”

TRU will be missing one of their key players for the weekend. Team captain David Boychuk (3rd year, defence, Edmonton, Alta) has a broken bone in his wrist. He’ll revert to his player/coach role and help Hans and the other assistants behind the bench. Hans says the game plan for Trinity is simple:

“In preparing for TWU we have worked on our defensive assignments. We broke out offensively against them last game (scored 12) but I was not happy to allow 5 against.”

The WolfPack have the league’s 16th leading scorer in 2nd year forward Kevin Sparling (Fort St. John, BC). Sparling has six goals and four assists in the teams first six games.

Game times this weekend are 8:45 pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday.

PACK ATTACKS: The Titans are coached by former Kamloops Junior Dwayne Lowdermilk. He played with the old Chiefs before getting drafted by the NHL Washington Capitals.

Hans hasn’t decided who will be his goaltenders this weekend. He says former Blazer goalie Rod Branch hasn’t been able to come to practice as often as he would like due to his commitment in the TRU Horticulture Program.

“Like the players on the team Rod's educational requirements come first. We are very fortunate however to have Andre Larouche on the coaching staff. Andre is an accomplished goalie coach and a protégé of renowned goalie coach Francois Allaire. Our goaltenders receive first class instruction.”