Thompson Rivers ready to open preseason vs. BCIHL, BCHL competition

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Just over a week after training camp the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack mens hockey team have a two-game weekend.

The 'Pack welcome the Okanagan College Coyotes on Friday, September 16th at Memorial Arena while on Saturday the team hits the road for an exhibition matchup against the British Columbia Hockey League's Trail Smoke Eaters.

The WolfPack are coming off a fantastic season which ended with a loss in the BCIHL Championship Final to Simon Fraser University.

“We are looking for a strong performance by the team this weekend,” says WolfPack head coach Don Schulz. “We have a long way to go, we want to work on the systems and the small details. The players are eager and ready to go. I like what I have seen in the limited time these men have had.”

The WolfPack had a 2-1 record against the Coyotes in the 2010-11 campaign.

Schulz is looking for his captains to step up in the leadership and performance role.

“I want David Gore, Andrew Fisher and Jassi Sangha to show what they have offensively. I know (Cody) Lockwood will be big on defence for us. I'm really looking to see how these captain’s play a role on the bus ride to Trail.”

The trip to Trail will be especially meaningful for one new member to the 'Pack. Curtis Tonello is returning to the ice in Trail for the first time since playing for the Smoke Eaters in the 2010-11 season.

“The game will definitely be special," he says.

When asked if he would take a different approach to the game Tonello responded, “I think I'll take the same approach as any other game, but it will be good to see all the boys from last year.”

Tonello will be looking to help his new team in both games this weekend.

Gametime for Friday is 7:45 PM at Memorial Arena, while Saturday's match-up faces off at 7:00 PM at Cominco Arena in Trail.

The WolfPack will have their beer garden open for Friday's game.