While we have a lull in the action, here are some random thoughts..............
Back on January 27th, Camrose's Lane Lightning scored what is believed to have been the first "Michigan" goal scored in NCHL history. I ran into Lane at a game in Red Deer and congratulated him on his acheivement. Things must be looking his way, because just before that, he attended an OIler's game was put on the jumbotron scoreboard at Roger's Place. Congratulations Lane, you had a great season.
I also had a chat with Lacombe's Tyler Chavez-Leech prior to a General's game a couple of weeks ago. Do you know that he has played in 3 World Hockey Championships (Division ll. Group B) for his home country Mexico. These championships have taken him to Mexico City, Mexico in 2019, Reykjavik, Iceland in 2022, and Istanbul, Turkiye in 2023. I personally don't know anyone else in the league that has participated in the WHC - congratulations Tyler!
With the addition of the Wetaskiwin Longhorns, and the return of hockey in Camrose, we have seen the largest average crowds for a season in league history. Prior to Camrose moving from Daysland, the largest crowd for one game that comes to memory was just under 700 in Jasper in 2004. In Camrose's 1st season in the NCHL, they didn't publish their attendance totals (and they sure were impressive), but in their second season, they averaged 725/game. What is awesome is that the league's two newest teams ranked #1 and #2 in average attendance over the course of the just completed regular season. This season, Wetaskiwin took the honors as they averaged just under 800 fans per game! (785). Camrose came in 2nd with an average of 705 a game. Camrose also boasted the largest crowd of the season back on September 30th versus Wetaskiwin when 1345 people paraded into the Max McLean Arena to see the first installment of the Wetaskiwin/Camrose rivalry. Wetaskiwin had the 2nd largest crowd of 1205 at their first playoff game versus Lacombe, It goes to show that these two teams have been a fantastic sucess in each of their communities. Congratulations to both teams!
Morinville just completed their 10th season in the league. Prior to this season the Kings were perenial Vanberg Cup contenders as they compiled a 84-34 record over that time. While a 1-13-1 record for 3 points is definately not a good season, they only rank at #5 all time for the worst regular season record. Here is the list of the 7 lowest point totals in one season.
1. 2007-08 - Fox Creek Bandits - GP 19, W 0, L19, Pts 0
2. 2001-02 - Fox Creek Bandits - GP 16, W 0, L 16, Pts 0
3. 2002-03 - Fox Creek Bandits - GP15, W 0, L 14, T 1, Pts 1
4. 2012-13 - Hinton Heat - GP 18, W 1, L 17, Pts 2 (folded after the season)
5. 2023-24 - Morinville Kings - GP 16, W 1, L 14, OTL 1, Pts 3
6. 2005-06 - Onoway Ice Dogs - GP 20, W 1, L 17, OTL 2, Pts 4 (President's Cup winner the next season)
7. 2009-10 - Jasper Wolves - GP 20, W 1, L 17. OTL 2, Pts 4 (folded after the season)
8. 2015-16 - Drayton Valley Wildcats - GP 16, W 1, L 13, OTL 2, Pts 4 (folded after the season)
It goes to show, that all teams run out of gas sooner or later, as evidenced by the teams that folded after these dreadful seasons. Hinton was 2x Vanberg Cup Champs, Onoway won 2x Vanberg Cups after their sorry season and Drayton Valley was a 4x Vanberg Cup Champion. Here's hoping that Morinville returns to their normal game next season.
The last random thought I have is how good sportsmanship always seems to prevail. I took in a couple of the Red Deer/Camrose games in the first round. On February 10th in Camrose, the Rustler's all star defenseman Gabe Bast took a puck in the mouth that split his top lip open. I watched as Rustler's trainer Peter Swales checked him out, and then motioned over to the Camrose bench, where their co-coach Dr. John (Doc) Fletcher came over and they conferred. In no time, Swales ushered Bast to the dressing room area where Doc Fletcher stitched him up! The next game in Camrose, the Rustler's Dylan Houston suffered a cut that again Peter Swales checked out and then again motioned over to Doc Fletcher for some advise. I'm not sure if Doc stitched Houston up or not, but to see an opposing coach go to those measures is truly inspiring. Way to go Doc!
Another instance happened in the Lacombe/Wetaskiwin series in Lacombe. Longhorn's captain RJ Reed went down near center ice and lay motionless for a time. Wetaskiwin's trainer came out and very soon afterwards, Generals trainer Morgan Manley came slip sliding across the ice to help out. It didn't take long for RJ to get up and get back to the bench, but true sportsmanship was shown both by Mrs, Manley and the Lacombe Generals for helping tend to an injured opposing player. Way to go Morgan!
Good luck to the 4 teams chasing the Vanberg Cup - it only takes 8 more wins!
