The banner sports year (best ever?) in Prince George continued when Vancouver Canucks President, Hockey Operations Trevor Linden announced that the Canucks training camp will be held at CN Centre September 18-20.
Northern BC fans knew the announcement Wednesday morning was coming, but that did not stop over 200 enthusiastic supporters from attending the news conference so they could celebrate the decision first hand.
The Canucks have staged their camp in several cities around the province including Victoria, Courtney, Powell River, Duncan, Parksville, Kamloops, Vernon, Penticton and Whistler, but this marks a significant milestone with the camp as far north as PG for the first time.
“It’s an important area. I know how passionate the fans are and I just wanted to be here,” said Linden, who admitted he got some awkward looks when the idea first came to him a year ago.
Decisions like this help build the Canucks provincial brand and gives the team more of an identity and connection with their many followers in North Central BC.
Sure these are just practices and inter-squad games, but with up to 60 players on hand, jobs will be on the line. PG hockey fans will get a first-hand look at the Canucks top prospects as well as the many established front line players.
There is no doubt the camp will be highly successful and could be the first step to the city of Prince George landing an NHL exhibition game in the near future. “I wouldn’t rule it out. The facility is tremendous. There is no problem there and there is easy access for us to get in and out, so yeah, I think that it (pre-season game) is very likely,” stated Linden.
In 2014, the Prince George Cougars got new owners and the Canucks got new Management. Just one year later, both sides, that have the well-respected Dan Hamhuis on their team, joined forces for an agreement that is a win-win for the Canucks, Cougars, City, Region and last, but certainly not least, the fans.
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In his two years with the Prince George Cougars, Slovakian David Soltes was an enigma. Limited by injuries, Soltes only played 59 games with the Cougars over two seasons, plus five in the playoffs. He scored a total of 17 goals and added 16 assists (and two more assists in the post-season).
It’s in his and the Cougars best interest that the 20-year-old (Feb 5, 1995) has returned to his home where he has signed a one year contract with HC Kosice of Slovakia.
Soltes has an offensive flair, but something was missing. He did not look comfortable in a Prince George uniform and certainly was perplexed when coach Mark Holick made him a healthy scratch numerous times down the stretch when the Cats were battling for a playoff spot.
It’s been well documented that many European players have trouble adjusting to the North American game and culture even at the Junior level.
Soltes shined when he played for Slovakia’s World Junior team helping his country to a shocking bronze medal at the 2015 World Junior Championship. However, he seldom played with that kind of zest and intensity for the Cougars.
The frustration from both sides was evident and it was clear that Soltes could not wait to get home.
We may or may not hear his name again. When one has talent some team will be willing to take a chance, especially if he develops mentally.
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Canadian hockey fans can feel proud. Canada is the reigning champions in Olympic hockey, the World Juniors and the World Championships.
The Canadian team was a perfect 10 at the Worlds in the Czech Republic going 10-0, outscoring the opposition 66-15, including 6-1 over Russia in the final.
Some of the Russians did not stick around for the winners’ national anthem, per tradition. One can only guess that Ovechkin, Malkin and the boys had an early flight to Siberia.
From the Quote Rack:
The NFL has voted to change the Point After Touchdown (PAT) rule making for a longer convert. Oakland Raiders fans are asking “The what?”
The last “Late Show with David Letterman” ended Wednesday, after 33 years. To put that in perspective, in 1982 the Chicago Cubs were only in a 74 year World Series drought.
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
Cubs pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada found someone’s credit card in the dirt near third base. Don’t steal home without it.
According to Plain Dealer reporter Mary Kay Cabot, Johnny Manziel has moved to a golf community ‘with old people everywhere’. I guess that puts Johnny ‘On Golden Spot’.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
There is speculation Danica Patrick will race for Haas in Formula One next year. So instead of driving in circles, she’ll zig-zag and take corners before disappointing her fans.
According to the Daily Mail, Lindsay Vonn split with Tiger Woods because he cheated on her. Talk about a guy wasting a mulligan.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
Tiger and Lindsay breakup – Friends are saying that Woods left on friendly terms only because he didn’t want to find out how much damage ski poles could do compared to a 9-iron.
NFL.com is refusing to take orders for personalized jerseys with the name “DEFLATOR” on the back. How about “SSSSSSSSSSS”.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
And in case you missed it:
Tom Brady jersey sales have spiked 100 percent since his four-game suspension was announced, (according to sports retailer Fanatics). Or 85 percent, adjusting for inflation.
Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller