An off-season of stability should mean the Delta Ice Hawks will be good and ready when the Pacific International Junior Hockey League begins its regular season in three weeks time.
Typically, the junior "B" circuit starts right after Labour Day but this time Delta won't be taking to the ice until Sept. 20th when Port Moody visits the Ladner Leisure Centre. The decision for the later launch, which means the regular season will be reduced from 48 to 44 games, was a ripple effect of the B.C. Hockey League also going with a late September launch.
"With so many of our players in BCHL camps, it would have been very difficult to start the season then," said Ice Hawks general manager Peter Zerbinos. "This way you at least have a good idea of who is coming back."
Perhaps the most surprising face to be returning to the Ice Hawks happens to be behind the bench.
After a number of years working in the BCHL, Dave McLellan took on the head coaching duties a month into the regular season and led Delta to one of its best records in franchise history, before a heartbreaking seven game series loss to Richmond in the conference finals. It was believed McLellan would return to the junior "A" ranks this coming season but has stayed put.
"With a young family, this is just a good fit for Dave in his life right now," continued Zerbinos.
"His wife has a career in the Lower Mainland and our league has no travel.
"He didn't know a whole lot about our league when he first came on board but he was surprised at just how good the product was and feels we have some unfinished business to take care of."
The Ice Hawks looked to be loaded up front with the trio of Spencer Traher, Cody Smith and Cody Fidgett being arguably the most explosive line in the league. Other returning forwards include sophomore standout Aaron Merrick, John Proctor, Anthony Brito, Mitch Pacey and Cody Botterhill. With the retirement of Nick Enegren, Doug Birks is more than capable of handling most of the work between the pipes.
The team's only question mark might be in the backend where at least three regulars won't be back. Bellingham native Ryan Mana is attending school in the U.S., as is Dominic Toigo, while Jordan Beveridge has earned a golf scholarship. Still the team should have experience if Taylor Kislanko, Ryan Cuthbert, Alex Martin and Mark Whiteley all return.
South Delta native Jeremy Gossard, who started the 2010-11 campaign with the club before opting to return to Major Midget, are among the new faces who have already been signed.
It all adds up to the Ice Hawks taking a serious run at their third PIJHL title in club history, with their biggest rival being the defending champion Sockeyes.
"This will be another strong team and we're looking forward to another great season," added Zerbinos. "We not only have some excellent veterans but feel we have brought in some good young players who can help us."
Icing... . The Ice Hawks opened their pre-season schedule Saturday with a 3-1 road win over North Delta. Prospect Spencer Shoen notched the winner. They travel to Abbotsford tonight and host the North Delta Devils on Sunday night (8 p.m.) at the Ladner Leisure Centre.
. The club also made a trade last weekend, acquiring Sam Vikich from North Delta for future considerations. The 20-year-old played for the Laconia Leafs of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League last season.
