Earlier this week BC Hockey announced that the Kamloops Storm were the winners of the 6/49 Keystone Cup lottery. It’s been a long incredibly slow process for everyone who wanted to host this tournament and it didn’t seem to be very transparent as some of the teams were contacted about the particulars of their bid and some like Fernie were not. To clear up all the espionage BC Hockey should contact all the teams and say exactly why Kamloops was selected and why they were not. But don’t bet on it.
Anyway, here are some comments from a few players and coaches.
“Congratulations” Phil Iddon Fernie Ghostriders President.
“Downer” “Kamloops is the tournament capital of BC. It would have been nice if somebody else had a chance. I am sure they will do a great job although we would have done a great job as well” Ghostrider Captain Tim Crawley
“Kamloops” “I didn’t think they would be in the running”.
Rick Hillier Head Coach of the 2005 BCHL Champion Surrey Eagles
“Really?” Rider Forward #10 Jesse Niemi”
“I guess were just going to have to go win it in their barn now ”
Rider defenseman #21 Zach Traverse
“Of course” Five year Rider Asst. Coach Shawn Potyok
“So we will just have to make our way there” Rider D Man Scott Anderson
“Barry Dewar does it again”
Former Fernie, Golden and Beaver Valley Head Coach Craig Mohr
“Great for Kamloops. I really can’t believe we did not get this event as our community would have done such a great job. The location, the facilities and the town would have been great for this tournament. After losing last year our goal has been to build a team to win the Keystone Cup. This goal has not changed and we are even more motivated to beat Kamloops in their rink. Thank you to all the volunteers who put our bid proposal together and I really think it is too bad for the people who will not get a chance to come to Fernie to experience our hospitality. Good luck to Kamloops”.
Ghostrider Head Coach and General Manager Will Verner.
So now we know who will host the Keystone Cup and who will have an advantage in KIJHL recruiting this summer. And the advantage will be big considering the “K” has a new team in Armstrong, the BCHL has a new team in Williams Lake, the USHL is taking players out of the BCHL at a record rate this year and the KIJHL voted not to change the twenty year old rule and will keep it at four. Anyway… here is a little recruiting message from Ghostrider Coach and GM Will Verner.
Camp starts September 1 with a 8:30am registration. Cost of camp is $150 and includes accommodation, meals and ice time. Cost to play in Fernie this year will be $1200 and this includes all league fees, gym memberships, billeting, some equipment and some sticks. If you are interested in attending the College of the Rockies we will pay for tuition after completion with a grade of 60% or better. If you want to be a part of the top Junior ‘B’ program in Western Canada email williamverner@hotmail.com
