Here is an update on the Fernie Ghostriders Junior Hockey Team.
First of all the big news is that Head Coach and General Manager Ty Valin has made a life decision and has left the hockey team and is now pursuing a career in the mining industry. We wish Ty all the best in his new career. It will be the first time in his life he has not been involved in hockey.
It is very hard to get ahead of things money wise at this level, but coaching the Ghostriders still remains a good stepping stone for a younger coach on the way up.
The search for a new Head Coach and an Assistant Coach is ongoing (with a few good candidates so far) and we should have someone in place by the end of the month if not sooner.
Ty Valin will keeping things going until his replacement joins the team and he has signed Colby Driebergen from Victoria BC and Fernie local Sawyer Samycia. They will be at training camp on August 30th- Sept 2nd.
Next up
The Fernie Ghostriders held their AGM a few weeks ago and there were a few significant changes. First of all Ruth and Tom Murdoch along with Sue Lee have left the team. They were longtime volunteers with the booster booth and many other things and will be missed. The Ghostriders are now looking for a few volunteers to help out running the booth. If you are interested email Barb Anderson president@fernieghostriders.com
The Rider Board added Kevin Marasco, Katie Barnett, Mike Sharp and Mike Casault (VP) to go along with President Barb Anderson, Scotty McKee, Jason Traska, Rose Mangone and George Hurlbut.
The KIJHL held their AGM a couple of weeks ago and a few things came out of that meeting that will be of interest to the fans.
First of all North Okanagan moved to Quesnel and Summerland Moved to Williams Lake, they are now part of the Doug Birks Division with 100 Mile, Kamloops and Chase and will be playing one game each in Fernie this season. On September 28th 100 Mile will be in Fernie for our Home Opener.
In other league news, we will be allowed seven 20 year old’s this year up from six and the Riders will play a 44 game schedule, same as last year. The road to being classified as Jr A Tier 1 will become much clearer by November 1st when the Blackfin group presents their review of all the KIJHL teams.
