BCIHL's University Hockey Showcase a great success on and off the ice

---

It took a 10-year anniversary celebration to see the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League hold its first showcase event, but it shouldn't take another decade for a sequel if feedback from last weekend's festivities in Burnaby is any indication.

From the pre-showcase media coverage in the Lower Mainland to the special extras surrounding the weekend and the strong on-ice play, there was lots to like and appreciate about the event.

"The feedback from those who attended was excellent - we heard many times how good the calbre of hockey was, including from new fans who hadn't seen BCIHL hockey before," said TWU head coach Barret Kropf.

"So it was a fantastic first event that allowed us to showcase the league's depth of talent and the parity in the league allowed for some great games to be played. The BCIHL is the best-kept secret and we need to find a way for more people to see our brand of hockey."

Highlights of the weekend included a Saturday banquet at the Hilton Metrotown where the league unveiled the All-Decade teams for each of its programs. And there was lots taking place at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre outside of the games on the ice, as league coaches hosted an information session for prospective players and parents.

"We had a number of great sponsors who helped make the weekend a success, especially Tourism Burnaby and the Hilton Metrotown Hotel," said BCIHL President Kim Verigin. "We're also thankful to the Burnaby Minor Hockey Association and the Gretzky Hockey School for their contributions to a great showcase weekend."

The BCIHL also partnered with the Wounded Warrior/Hockey Hero project and welcomed a number of National Hockey League alumni over the course of the weeked.

Retired Master Corporal Paul Franklin from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry, was the guest speaker at Saturday's banquet. He was wounded in Afghanistan by a suicide bombing in Kandahar, which resulted in him having both legs amputated.

"Our entire team and league would like to thank Master Cpl. Franklin for taking the time to attend the BCIHL Showcase and share his inspirational story of determination and will," said University of Victoria head coach Harry Schamhart.

Overall, the weekend was a huge success thanks to the countless volunteer hours poured into the event by SFU and TWU staff members. Special recognition is due to SFU's Chris Munshaw, who took the lead in the planning and execution of the showcase.

"The showcase was a trememdous positive step for the growth of the game at the college level," said EWU general manager Bill Shaw. "The City of Burnaby was a great partner and this is the type of event we must continue moving forwards."

The BCIHL regular season continues this weekend, as the University of Victoria visits TWU (Friday) and SFU (Saturday) while Selkirk College travels south to EWU on Saturday night.