Spartans look to future
In his signature wide brim hat President Jonathan Raymond looked on as the Spartan hockey team squared off against Okanagan College in exhibition play on Saturday. “These guys can really play,” said Raymond as he watched the Spartans tie Okanagan College 3-3 after stellar goaltending by J.P. Chapman and Tim Zwiers, and goals by returning forwards Trevor Beaupre, Brandon Long and newcomer Kye Benjaminsen. Benjaminsen is one of a number of new faces that the Spartans are welcoming to the fold who have experience playing at a high level of Jr. Hockey. The overall skill of the team has improved dramatically from last season, when the Spartans finished 4th in the postseason. “It’s exciting,” said 2nd year forward Nathan Wiebe, “we are a lot better than last year and have lots of guys with experience playing a high-level of hockey.”
Photo: gospartans.ca
The Spartans play in the competitive British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League as they compete against several B.C. Universities such as Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria. However, the long-term goal is for the team to join the Canadian Intervarsity Sport, something which President Raymond aspires to see happen. “We have CIS in our sights,” said Raymond, “maybe 3 or 4 years time.” The prospects of joining the CIS are exciting for the team as over recent years it has gone from being called the ‘Titans’ to the Spartans and remains competitive in a league comprised of many Jr. A and Jr. B veterans.
Throughout the preseason Head Coach Dwayne Lowdermilk has worked hard at redefining the culture of the team and being a positive influence on campus. Last Friday the Spartans tackled the on campus ropes course and attended the woman’s soccer game dressed in their uniforms, encouraging signs that the Spartans are committed to the University. “We’re really trying to change the culture of our team,” said fourth year forward Matthew Chaput, “it’s exciting to see.”
The future of the Spartans hockey team seems to be bright and if President Raymond had his way there would be a large crowd for the season opener on October 15th against Thompson Rivers at 1:00. “I’d love to see more people come out to the games,” said Raymond.
Jonny Woof
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