It’s feeling a bit like groundhog day for Cariboo Cougars defenceman Jesse Pomeroy.
His team is returning to the BCMML Finals starting on Friday in Langley against the Valley West Hawks.
It was just a year ago Pomeroy and the Cougars were upset on home ice against the Vancouver Northeast Chiefs.
The Cougars were heavily favored to win last year but come into this year’s finals a bit under the radar, thanks to a younger squad who was among the hottest teams in the major-midget ranks winning 20 of 22 to end the regular season.
Valley West has a vaunted offense with guys like Ben Evanish, Luka Burzan and James Malm just to name a few but that doesn’t faze Pomeroy one bit.
“We’ve got some good players on our team too that can shut them down and all 4 of our lines are good where they might only play one or two lines. Our forward group is just as good and maybe even better.”
This is Pomeroy’s second and likely final season of midget hockey who is listed by the WHL’s Regina Pats and is also a prospect of the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings.
The 16-year old has played in some big moments during his two seasons with Cariboo, including a Mac’s Midget Championship in 2015 followed by a semi-finals appearance this year over the holiday season.
Some of that big-game experience could prove handy when it comes to helping out some of the younger players.
As for any advice, Pomeroy’s approach is pretty simple.
“Just treat it like another game, it’s not a big deal but be ready to play with no nerves and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
Puck drop for game 1 is 7 pm from the Langley Events Centre.
Games 2 is set for 6:30 in Surrey with a possible game 3 set for Sunday at noon back in Langley.
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