Back on the ice
After what always seems to be an enormously long off-season, both of TWU’s hockey clubs are back on the ice. The Titans, who play in the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL), look to bounce back after two consecutive fourth place finishes. The Bombers, who have been champions of the Cross Mainland Church Hockey League (CMCHL) three out of the last four seasons, look for another championship run.
The Titans have hosted BCIHL championships since 2003 and won titles in both 2005 and 2006. After their last championship, the Titans saw a massive exodus of veterans. At the commencement of the 2006-2007 season, the Titans only had six returning players. As a result, the Titans have had a major youth movement in recent years, and have relied heavily on their young players over the course of the past few seasons.
This year proves to be similar, as 10 Titans return, while 13 will not. With that being said, most of the Titans new blood this year has had plenty of experience playing competitive hockey. Most notably of this group is goaltender Dustin Slade. Slade led the WHL’s Vancouver Giants to a third-place Memorial Cup finish in 2006.
The Titans first game takes place on Saturday, Sept. 20 when they host the University of Washington in an exhibition match. Their first regular season home game is on Saturday, Oct. 4 versus the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades. Both games start at 9:30 p.m. and are at the Titan’s home rink, the Langley Twin Rinks.
The Bombers opened their season last weekend, as they played host to the TWU Renegades. Prior to the game, the 2007-2008 Championship Banner was raised as a commemoration of last year’s victory and as a sign of appreciation to the fans.
With two entertaining periods in the books, the Bombers carried a 5-2 lead into the final frame. The Renegades fought back, tallying three unanswered goals. The Bombers’ Brock Grin of Georgetown, Ont., and Renegades’ Lance Sarchet both exchanged goals with under five minutes left to play. Yet, Grin was the eventual hero, potting the game-winning goal and his second of the game. The Bombers squandered any last minute serge from the Renegades and went on to win the game, 7-6, much to the delight of the many fans.
Grin, as well as Surrey, B.C. native David Giesbrecht, led the way offensively for the Bombers. They both chipped in two goals and an assist in the victory. The Bombers look to stretch their winning streak to two games as they take on the ever-dangerous CLA Canucks on Friday, Sept. 19, 10:45 p.m. at the Langley Civic Centre.
For schedules, statistics, rosters, and more information for either team, visit twubombers.com or twutitanshockey.com.
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