Season Preview: Has Okanagan College built a championship contender?

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OKANAGAN COLLEGE COYOTES

2010/11 Record: 13-10-1, 3rd Place (Tie w/ UVic)

Key Additions: Steve Dobbin (Forward, Lloydminster Bobcats/AJHL), Chris Glen (Forward, Portage College/ACAC), Miles Houston (Forward, Portage College/ACAC), Cory Hodgins (Defence, Lloydminster Bobcats/AJHL), Keon Vick (Defence, Yorkton Terriers/SJHL).

Key Returnees: Aaron Buat (20-16-9-25), Dave Mann (19-2-15-17), James Neitsch (10-4-8-12), Sunny Gill (2-1-0, 2.24 GAA, .933 SV%). 

Key Departures: Brock Munro (23-17-15-32), Sasha Golin (23-6-17-23), Brady Mason (21-10-9-19), Adam Butler (8-5-1, 2.79 GAA, .911 SV%).

2011-12 Outlook: Last season ended on a down note for the Coyotes, who played strong down the stretch before being bounced from the 2011 BCIHL Championships with back-to-back losses to SFU and TWU. This year's edition will look to make up for past shortcomings, but primarily with  new personnel.

On paper, Okanagan College seems to have stocked up as well as anybody; their recruits include a pair of standout performers from the AJHL's Lloydminster Bobcats, including former team captain Steve Dobbin. On defence, Keon Vick and Justin Lutz bring size and experience that should complement returning BCIHL Defenceman of the Year Dave Mann.

In goal, the Coyotes have lost two-year starter Adam Butler, who was often a difference-maker in big games. Stepping into his role is Sunny Gill, who showed flashes of excellence in limited exposure last season. Kelson Willms, who sizes up at 6-foot-3, has been brought in to back-up.

Season Opener: Saturday, September 30th vs. Selkirk College.