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Games You Can’t Miss (2011/2012 Edition)

The BCHL schedule has been out for a good 3 weeks or so now, so by now many of you have already circled those games on the calendar that you just HAVE TO attend (or at least listen to on Sun FM). I thought for my first REAL blog post, I’d highlight the handful of games that, on paper at least, could be highlights of the season.

September 23rd, 2011 vs Nanaimo Clippers
It’s very difficult to omit the home opener from any list of this type. Few games attract the anticipation and excitement of the home opener. I’m fully expecting a full house of screaming fans on their feet for the introduction of the players, and hopefully chalking up the first win of the season. Nanaimo has undergone some big changes this off-season, most recently dealing away the Fitzgerald triplets to Prince George.

October 15th, 2011 vs Chilliwack Chiefs
The first real road trip of the season (team does a one-gamer to Cowichan in September, and a quick 2-games in 2-nights in October), but this 3 game stretch on the road is highlighted by a return to Prospera Place and a game against the Chilliwack Chiefs. The former Quesnel Millionaires will be looking to solidify Prospera as a fortress, so this will be a loud and tough game.

November 5th, 2011 vs Prince George Spruce Kings
This one is mainly for me, as it will be the first and only time (excluding playoffs) that these teams will meet this season. Spending 4 and a half years watching the Spruce Kings breeds some sort of loyalty, but not at the expense of 2 points for my new team. It will also be a chance to see a number of players I announced for this past season.

December Road Trip (December 14th-18th, 2011) vs Surrey, Langley, Penticton and Salmon Arm
This “four games in five days” road trip looks like one of the tougher stretches on the calendar this season for the Kings. Surrey finished 2nd in the Coastal Conference last season, and while there are still a number of holes to be filled on their roster, they are a strong team. Two night’s later and it’s over to Langley which kicks off 3-games in 3-days, and me being the giant jersey-geek that I am, I’m excited to see the Rivermen’s jersey’s up close.

After Langley, a chance to finally meet the former voice of the Kings, Fraser Rodgers and his Penticton Vees for the only time this season. The trip wraps up against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, who at that point in time should be firmly entrenched in the 3-way duel for top spot in the Interior Conference. Those points against Penticton and Salmon Arm will be crucial for the Interior Division, so the Kings sneaking out with 4 points on that weekend would be a big blow.

February 25th, 2012 vs Vernon Vipers
I’m quite certain this one is the biggest game of the season. There is no question of the rivalry brewing between these two sides. Vernon have been a huge roadblock for the Kings and their quest for a trip to the RBC Royal Bank Cup the past few seasons, so this one is probably number 1 on the list of most anticipated games and there is good news for Kings fans on two fronts. First, it’s at home, in what will be a rocking crowd that night I’m sure. Secondly, the team has a week either side of the contest to prepare and recover…meaning EVERYTHING can be thrown at the Vipers on the 25th.

March 4th, 2012 vs Nanaimo Clippers
Wrap it up Sunday mirrors the opening weekend, as the Kings play the Clippers, this time in Nanaimo. I always enjoy the final weekend of the season, as every team has a story to tell. You’re either into the playoffs and perhaps getting a few rookies some experience, or your fighting for every point in an effort to make that first round. Whilst this year may be different with the new playoff format, every team could have a chance to make the post season come the final weekend of the season.

Those are my highlights as I glance down the schedule. I’m extremely looking forward to the Coastal Conference battle this year as there has been a significant amount of change for many teams this off-season, and it will take a few weeks for things to settle down and get a good idea of where team’s stand.

What are you highlights for this season?

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