2012-2013 Columbia Valley
ROCKIES HOCKEY
Rockies shaking Mountain division A strong start to the Columbia Valley Rockies’ season is serving as notice that this year’s team intends to compete amongst the top tier of the Kootenay International Junior Ice Hockey League (KIJHL). Despite a shakeup to start the season — Ross Bidinger replaced Marc Ward as head coach and general manager on September 25th, just 11 days after the team’s season opener — the team is showing its potential early. So far this year, the Rockies stand atop their division, having posted a record of 3-2-0-1 (three wins, two losses and one overtime loss). The team will be fighting hard to maintain their place in the standings throughout the season. “I think we’re going to be very competitive,” said former coach Marc Ward. “We took a lot of hits regarding wins and losses last year, but I think we did a great job developing players.” “This year I recruited hard — we did a lot of work scouting, and brought in some really talented players.” The overhauled coaching staff includes assistant coach Scott Dubielewicz, goalie coach Wade Dubielewicz, and Dave Tomalty and Kirk Dubielewicz. The team is expected to bring a hard forechecking, in-your-face style to the ice, along with solid defense and strong goalten-
ding. The Rockies compete in the Eddie Mountain division, which also includes the Golden Rockets, the Fernie Ghostriders, the Kimberley Dynamiters, and the Creston Thundercats. The team’s roster of 23 skaters includes eight returning players along with several rookies. The KIJHL is a Junior B league comprised of 20 teams in four divisions, including one across the U.S. border in Spokane. Among its past players, the league boasts star National Hockey League defenseman Shea Weber.
Photos by Kristian Rasmussen