BY GREG SAKAKI
The Nanaimo Buccaneers made franchise history tonight as they embarked on their first season as a junior A hockey club.
The Bucs, newly promoted to junior A tier 1, like all B.C.’s former junior B clubs, opened the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season on Thursday, Sept. 7, losing 3-1 to the Port Alberni Bombers at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
The Buccaneers led the game after one period before the visitors struck three times in the second. Jasper Fellbaum scored for Nanaimo and goalie Darian Feser stopped 20 of 23 shots as his team outshot the opposition 36-23.
Buccaneers coach Troy Newans said he was happy with what he saw from his guys.
“We did a lot of the things we’ve been practising over the last two weeks and we executed well,” he said. “We didn’t get all the bounces we wanted, but I think our guys worked hard.”
The Bucs had some late additions in the pre-season and Newans said the chemistry will come. Players got pucks deep, cycled and forechecked well, he said, and created scoring opportunities.
Off the ice, the coach said players are showing a positive attitude and demonstrating strong leadership, and new additions seem to be fitting in.
As for their new junior A status, Newans said the Bucs have to continue to work hard and can’t lose track of the direction they’re going.
“Now that we’re junior A, nothing changes for our game plan. We put the same thing on the ice…” he said. “And they just have to buy into what’s put in front of them by the coaching staff as well as the leadership group.”
GAME ON … The Buccaneers visit the Kerry Park Islanders on Saturday, Sept. 9. Next home action is Sept. 14, when the Comox Valley Glacier Kings are in town for a 7:15 p.m. faceoff at the NIC.
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