Grizz Roar BCHL outlook for the last third of the season:
Interior Division
(Island and Coastal to follow in the couple of days)
So far the 2012/13 season under Bill Bestwick has seem an amazing
turn around in fortunes and the club has gone from what can only be disrobed as
a nightmare last year; to a 360 degree turnaround, turning the Grizzlies into a
force in Junior A hockey again. So with Grizzlies fans feeling pretty good
about the season so far with a team that looks like they could go for a decent
playoff run, how do the other BCHL rosters match up.
With two thirds of the season are already behind us and the
New Year and the trade deadline beckons, let’s have a look at how the teams
have feared across the league int he Interior and what might be ahead for them.
Interior Division:
Penticton Vees - So Far –
To compare last season’s RBC cup winning Vees team with this
seasons squad, is a little unfair. While they still boast BCHL superstars such
as ex-Grizzlie Wade Murphy, Rebry, Mellor and McClure, the Vees have looked
human at times this season. Although still the team to beat in the Interior,
Fred Harbinson’s team doesn’t quite have
the depth and talent of last season.
All roads may yet lead out of Penticton as far as winning a
BCHL championship goes, but, with improved squads such as Chilliwack, Merritt,
Victoria and Prince George, a second BCHL title in row for the Southern Okanagan
team is not a given.
What may happen –
If the Vees can keep their consistency going and potentially
add another experienced defenseman at the deadline, the Vees should have the
fire power and reliability in the Katunar/Renyard tandem to get the job done.
Another BCHL crown is certainly a possibility.
Merritt Centennials – so Far –
Luke Pierce has turned this team into a contender and with some
quality players returning from last season, has seen a Cents team capable of beating
anyone on any given night. Pierce has the Cents playing good attacking hockey
and in goalie Tyler Steel, they have a goaltender that can steal a game or two
for them. While not a team of big name players, the Cents work hard as a team
and may have a real chance to finish second in the Interior this season. While
a first place finish isn’t off the table, the Cents main priority will be
looking to thrill their Nicola Valley faithful with a good playoff run this
season.
I can’t see Merritt making too many moves at the deadline as
it’s always suspect to split up the type of team chemistry they have right now.
Merritt, should continue with their form so far,and the possibility of seeing
a Cents team going deep in the playoffs is a real possibility.
After a pattern of win a game, lose a game for most of
the season, the Warriors form has improved in recent weeks and with some good
wins against some quality teams, Rylan Festers’ Warriors should be given plenty
of respect. In a Warriors team that has underachieved in recent seasons, this
West Kelowna team could be the dark horse in the Interior. If you want a quality
Jnr coach, the Warriors have it in Ferster and in players who have been in the system
for a couple of season now in Basara, Lloyd, McKinnon and French, they have the
team to make plenty of noise in the run in to the end of the season.
What may happen –
The Warriors have depth and experienced and if they can find
that form they could surprise the BCHL universe. I can’t see West Kelowna being
to busy at the deadline, however, their experienced players and the talent they
have now, need to perform game in/game out to give this team a chance of success.
If West Kelowna doesn’t live up to live up to expectations,
some changes on the Westside could happen quickly. The Warriors fans have been
patient since the team moved to the Okanagan capital, but, you can’t help feeling
that patience could run out soon. This is a big season for the Warriors.
Salmon Arm Silverbacks – So far –
After a rough start to the season, former Cowichan coach
Scott Robinson was brought in and has started to turn the fortunes of this team
around. Robinson’s experience in the league and ability to get the best out of
his players has seen the ‘Backs' climb out of the Interior Division basement and
start to challenge for a playoff spot.
With a squad that includes Steve Iacobellis, Brandon Mistal
and Shane Hanna, this is a good veteran core that should keep the revival in
the Shuswap going this season. Salmon Arm, still has a few question in defence
and their veterans need to step it up in the scoring dept, but, you can see the
gloom lifting from over the organization. Owner Randy Williams has been heavily
criticized for his approach with the fans, coaching changes and playing his son
in goal for the club while many in Jnr A hockey circles, questioned his sons ability
to play Jnr A hockey. But, onwards and upwards
and the Silverbacks look like they’re turning a corner under Scott Robinson.
Simply making the playoffs and seeing where it goes from
there would be an achievement for this franchise. The ‘Backs’, could use
another experienced goaltender and a sniper to really turn some heads down the stretch.
However, a more prudent approach would be to develop the existing squad, hold
on to the up and coming youngers and make a serious run at things next season.
Trail Smoke Eaters – So Far -
So at times there is a pulse and then you see a flat line. Bill
Birks team is hot and cold and have struggled to make a real impact this
season. While results have steadily improved, the Smokies can’t seem to get
much rhythm going this season. In players like top scorer Brent Baltus who was
an average VIJHL player, has turned into the darling of the Trail faithful,
Shane Poulsen is one of best young defenseman in the league and goalie Lynden
Stanwood will sacrifice it all ,to stop the puck. There are some good
players there. But, you don’t know which Trail team will show up to the game.
Trail could be sellers at the deadline in order to bring in
some talent for next season. While Trial have beaten a few of the power house
contenders this season, it looks more likely the Smokies could be looking towards
next season.
Vernon Vipers – So Far –
When you think Vernon Vipers, you think contenders, quality,
an organisation players want to play for and a record in recent years unsurpassed
by anyone at this level. However, since Head Coach, Jason Williamson has taken over the reins from Mark
Ferner, things haven't gone quite to plan. A rough season has found the
Vipers at the bottom of the Interior division. For a club the stature of the
Vipers, this is simply unacceptable and unless results improve dramatically in
Vernon, Williamson may find himself out the door and soon.
Vernon have some great players on the roster and the excuses are
few and far between. The Vipers simply stumbled coming out of the gate and have
fallen flat on their face. Is a turn
around on the cards, we shall see?
A number of fans are calling for a fire sale at the deadline,
but, that could be a hard sell. With Tambellini ,Evistion , Corkey, Renz, Persley,
the list goes on and on, the talent is there and a playoff spot is still a
reality. If this team can come together they could still have success this
season, be it under Williamson or another manager coming in. But, it’s hard to
believe a Vernon Vipers with this much talent is in the situation they are. This could be a very busy trade deadline for Vernon either way.
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