The Delta Ice Hawks had an opportunity to plead their case for returning to Ladner for their 20th season at Delta parks and rec commission's monthly meeting.
The junior "B" hockey club learned two weeks ago the commission had recommended its ice time contract not be renewed. It was part of an extensive process to finalize ice allocation for the next three years for user groups in all municipal rinks.
Armed with a 19-page presentation that included letters of support from B.C. Amateur Hockey, the league and Delta residents, team owner Wes Mussio wanted to clarify several points.
Among them is the Ice Hawks should be considered a "organized youth sports" ice user, not a "non-Delta/commercial group" - as Pacific Junior Hockey League rosters feature players ranging from 16 to 19 years of age.
He also said the club is cutting back its ice allocation request from six to three hours by purchasing two practice slots at the Great Pacific Forum next season. That would leave the Ice Hawks only requiring its regular Tuesday night allocation for 22 league games and potentially the playoffs in late February.
Mussio also emphasized the Ice Hawks have always had a strong content of local talent and that will continue for as long as the franchise remains in Delta.
It was one of the stipulations made clear to him when he purchased the club last fall.
Homegrown players fluctuates year-to-year, depending on depth, in order to still remain competitive. This past season, the Hawks had nine Delta players and as many as 18 two years ago.
"If two kids are equal, then we are taking the Delta kid every time," said Mussio who is preparing for the club's upcoming prospects camp.
Local players have certainly had a huge role in the club's history, dating back to 2000 when Tsawwassen's Brent Seabrook helped the Hawks win their firstever PJHL title, earning rookieof-the-year honours and leading the league in playoff scoring.
A year later, it was Troy Brouwer stepping up from North Delta Minor Hockey to play for the Ice Hawks.
However, for the most part, it's been teens who have had the opportunity to wind down their hockey careers playing for their hometown junior team. Many of the veteran players are fulltime university or college students and junior "B" is the more desired route to handle their course load.
That was the case when Ladner's Spencer Traher won the league scoring title for the Ice Hawks in 2012 while attending UBC. His path is typical of so many over the years.
The Hawks also remain a springboard for up-and-coming players too. After a standout rookie season, Tsawwassen's Sam Kozlowski, 17, will be making the jump to the B.C. Hockey League's Coquitlam Express next season.
These are opportunities the Ice Hawks hope they can keep providing local players.
Mussio says he is scheduled meet with Delta parks and recreation director Ken Kuntz next week. Ice allocation is expected to be finalized at next month's parks and rec commission meeting before being presented to Delta council.
