WEEK IN REVIEW
It was an unfortunate last weekend for the Glacier Kings to wrap up the month of November, dropping games to Campbell River and Port Alberni by scores of 3-1 and 2-1.
It shows a sign of progress for the team however, especially against Campbell River after dropping both contests earlier in the year in ugly fashion by scores of 6-0 and 7-2.
Head Coach Curtis Toneff said he thought they started out timid in the first period but really found their game in the second before taking some untimely penalties in the third to not be able to tie the game up.
The Glacier Kings wrapped up November with a record of 3-6-1-0 and sit fourth place in the North Division standings.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6 6:30 P.M. CHARITY GAME
The Glacier Kings will start this week off with a break from the VIJHL schedule and play the second annual charity hockey game against Comox Valley first responders and Canadian Armed Forces members.
The game is to help fundraise money for Wounded Warriors Canada which will help individuals and families who struggle with mental health challenges that come from serving in uniform.
Toneff said he hopes his young group of players are able to gain some knowledge about what these people may go through on a day-to-day basis.
“It gives them a chance to see what kind of impact they can have and how they can help raise awareness in the community and raise some funds.”
Last year’s game raised around $21,000, a goal that everyone is hoping to beat this time around.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 7:45 P.M. VS PENINSULA PANTHERS
The Glacier Kings continue the regular season on Saturday with another tough opponent as they’ll face off against the league-leading Peninsula Panthers.
The two clubs have met twice this season, with the Panthers winning both games by scores of 5-4 in overtime and 4-1.
Toneff said they are a well-coached and experienced team for the league, and thinks they are a similar team to Port Alberni and Campbell River.
“I think we can take out of last week’s games that we can play with any team in this league now and it’s a good opportunity for us to catch a team on a Saturday night, 7:45, all the way up in Comox.”
The Panthers have 44 points on the year, one up on the second place Westshore Wolves, but they hold three games in hand over them.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 8 3:15 P.M. VS NANAIMO BUCCANEERS
It will be a key clash for the Glacier Kings to wrap up the weekend as they head down to Nanaimo to face the Buccaneers with third place in the North Division potentially on the line.
The two teams will have met just two weeks prior in Nanaimo, with the Glacier Kings able to come out of that one with a 3-0 shutout victory.
Toneff said goals can come in bunches playing in Nanaimo and the game can often transition quickly.
“I think if we manage the puck properly, battle, and play simple then we can be successful.”
He’s also hopeful for another good game from goalie Aaron Pichette, who was able to post a 35 save shutout last time they played.
