Selkirk College Saints Kick Off 2017 with Vital Weekend Test

By Bob Hall

If the Selkirk College Saints are to claim British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) supremacy in 2017, this weekend’s two-game series against the Simon Fraser University Clan will go a long way in setting the tone.

The four-time defending league champion Saints launch the second half of the season Friday at 7 pm. in the Castlegar & District Recreation Complex.

Heading into the weekend series with their Lower Mainland rivals, the Saints sit four points behind first place SFU who put together an impressive first half.

“Every weekend is a big weekend in the second half, any one game can really change the tide on how the season is going,” says Saints Head Coach Brent Heaven.

“This weekend will be a good test because there are four important points on the line and the boys know that it will be a challenge.

"After a long Christmas break, the guys are happy to be back in town and get started on the next couple months. It’s an exciting time for us.”

The Saints have struggled against the Clan this season, losing 5-1 in a pre-Christmas break contest at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre in Burnaby. A perennial BCIHL powerhouse, Simon Fraser has twice lost to the Saints in the championship series over the last four years.

However, a pair of wins against SFU would catapult Selkirk College squad into a first-place tie in the BCIHL standings.

“The league is extremely strong and teams like Simon Fraser have put together a good string,” says Heaven.

“Overall our guys played well in the first half and we are on a very similar path as last year. It’s about the process of building towards a championship. We’re headed in the right direction, but there is a lot of hard work still to do.”

This weekend’s games will feature a food drive on both nights. Fans are asked to bring non-perishable food items to the game in an effort to bolster resources for the Selkirk College Student Food Bank.

Friday’s game is also International Education Night where students from around the globe will share their culture through dance and interactive displays. Saturday night’s game is sponsored by Kootenay Savings Credit Union.

Both games, Friday and Saturday, have a puck drop of 7 p.m. at the Castlegar & District Recreation Complex.