B.C.’s Sunshine Coast will provide the backdrop for another pair of PJHL games this January and while fans eagerly anticipate some high-flying hockey action, organizers plan to put on a show that proves Junior hockey can be a more permanent feature in the area.
The Richmond Sockeyes, Port Moody panthers and Grandview Steelers are set to play Jan 28th and 29th at the Gibsons & Area Community Centre.
It’s an initiative spearheaded by the Sunshine Coast Junior Hockey Society (SCJHS), a registered non-profit organization with a goal of bringing Junior hockey to the region. SCJHS director of operations Rick Hopper senses hockey fans in the Town of Gibsons are looking forward to the opportunity.
The SCJHS has sold most of the tickets for the games via an online platform and has guaranteed, thanks to some more local partnerships, that the 50/50 jackpot will be a minimum of $1,000 to the winner each night.
While all this is happening in the background, four points in the standing are on the line for the Sockeyes.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to head over to the Sunshine Coast to represent the PJHL as we face the Panthers and Steelers. This will be a great chance for our group to have time away from the Lower Mainland, spend time bonding and enjoy a different experience.”
“This is a unique experience for our players as they get to make a road trip to a beautiful part of B.C.,” said PJHL Commissioner Trevor Alto. “Rick and his group have shown great enthusiasm and I know they will give us an ideal setting to showcase the PJHL.”
Puck drop for the first game is 4:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday’s games.
Hopper will be the master of ceremonies for the weekend and is looking for some key indicators to show the area is worthy of a franchise.
