â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

“The players and coaches are chomping at the bit,”: Spruce Kings GM on BCHL relaunch

Even though puck drop is still two weeks away, the anticipation is slowly building for the Prince George Spruce Kings as they get set for a shortened BCHL season.

The Spruce Kings are heading down to Chilliwack to play in one of the five “pod” locations approved by the Provincial Health Office last week, where they will face off against the Chiefs and most likely the Merritt Centennials.

General Manager, Mike Hawes spoke with MyPGNow.com the team is going through the final steps of its preparation period before heading on the road.

“The team is in quarantine right now until the 28th and we have a day of COVID testing as we come out of quarantine and then we will be heading down to Chilliwack on the 30th.”

Hawes added the team has been gearing up for a return to game action since the extended exhibition schedule was halted in November.

“I would say that our players and coaches are more ready to play games than they have ever been as far as concepts and the plays and the systems we are going to run during games. They have worked on those over the last several months at nauseam.”

“There were many times where we thought we might get to a point where we were able to play games so they were always preparing to play. To be honest with you, despite the fact we haven’t had a typical training camp like we would in any other year. This year we have had a four or five-month training camp.”

“I know the players and the coaches are chomping at the bit to get after it,’ Hawes mentioned.

As for what is on the horizon for the 2021-22 BCHL season, Hawes and the rest of the league staff are aiming for a “normal” regular season, providing vaccination and case counts head in the right direction.

“The plan right now is that we are going to have a normal regular season, game-wise, and be able to travel in September. How many fans will be allowed into the building is up in the air and yet to be determined.”

“That’s the way we are planning, that’s the way the league and the teams have to plan and if something changes in that regard as we move forward, then we will deal with it as we did this year,” mentioned Hawes.

The Langley Rivermen opted out of the restart while the Wenatchee Wild were unable to participate in the Junior A league this year due to the border closure.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

Grizzly bear attack west of Fort Nelson leaves one with non-life-threatening injuries

The BC Conservation Officer Service says a grizzly bear attack near Fort Nelson left one man with non-life-threatening injuries.  According to a Facebook post from the Conservation Officer Service, the attack took place at 11:00 this morning near a remote, fly-in location approximately 110 kilometres west of Fort Nelson, where a group was working in the area. 

Final touches being made for Special Olympics BC Games

With a flag raising Monday, a Torch Run on Wednesday, an opening ceremony on Thursday, and competitions on Friday and Saturday, the Special Olympics BC Games are set to bring plenty of excitement to Prince George this week. 

Darin’s Sports Shorts; Sunday, July 6th

Recap of Saturday's sports.

Surprise visit brings big smiles to boy battling cancer in Quesnel

A young man battling eye cancer received a surprise visit over the Canada Day long weekend by a car club and motorcycle club in Quesnel. Over 50 vehicles from the Prospector’s Car Club and the Dangerous Curves Motorbike Club drove by and filled the dead-end roads near Kellen Harper-Frederiko’s house, with well wishes, toys to give to Kellen, and chances for him to sit in and on cars and bikes.

Some Northern Interior Health Unit services moving next year

Northern Health's Northern Interior Health Unit (NIHU) will be making a move in spring 2026.  According to Northern Health, the current NIHU building will be deconstructed after the move to make space for the tower. 
- Advertisement -