David Arduin's strong first half has made him an all-star.
The Sechelt native was selected to the Team Labatt-Interior Conference all-star team at a press conference Dec. 15 in Surrey, site of the 2007 British Columbia Hockey League's (BCHL) all-star game Jan. 17.
Arduin leads the Trail Smoke Eater team in scoring with 18 goals, 27 assists and 45 points in 39 games.
Trail is in third place in the Interior Conference with 49 points, trailing Vernon that sits in second by only three points.
Both teams are trying to track down the front-running Penticton Vees that lead the conference with 62 points.
Arduin, who spoke with Coast Reporter while in Sechelt over the holidays, said he was happy with the first half, but knows there is still a lot of work in the second half of the season.
"The conference is very competitive. You can't take a night off - every two points are important," Arduin said. "I've always known I could play in this league, but to finally see the points on paper and know I'm contributing is very satisfying. It's been a good first half with Trail. I don't think a lot of people figured we'd be playing this well and be challenging for top spot. The coaches have put in the right situations. I'm playing with the same guys every game and we're developing a great chemistry together."
He said he's thrilled with the all-star selection.
"It wasn't a goal of mine at the start of the season, but in November I started thinking about it and I thought it might happen," he said. "The coaches and general managers from the league make the selections, so to get this kind of recognition from the league and your peers is quite an honour. I'm not nervous now, but I'm sure as we get closer to Jan. 17 the butterflies will start to pop up in my stomach.
"I'll be playing with all the top players in the league. The stands will be filled with lots of NHL and college scouts. If you're going to play in one big game, this is the game to play in. I'm excited. I'm going to relish the experience."
Smoke Eaters head coach and general manager Tim Kehler said he's thrilled by Arduin's first-half play and what he's brought to the Trail organization both on and off the ice.
"The obvious benefit has been on the scoreboard. He leads our team in points, and it's also been off the ice. He wears a letter [Arduin is an assistant captain], and is a great leader and teammate," Kehler said. "All the players have regular duties to be ambassadors for our hockey club out in the community. Dave is a quiet leader. He carries himself in a professional manner and I think that rubs off on a lot of the younger players. He's a very positive influence."
Joining Arduin in the all-star game is Trail starting goalie Cole Anderson.
"Getting this type of recognition is validation for both players," Kehler said. "It's nice for the Smoke Eater program. Over the years, coming from a smaller market, it's been tough for us to compete against the top tier teams like Vernon, Penticton and Salmon Arm. In the off-season we tried to bring in players who have come from winning programs. David certainly brings that to the table from playing in Vernon and Campbell River. We have a new attitude this year. The players are confident and they want to win. It's translated to a pretty successful first half for our hockey club and we hope it continues."
The Surrey Eagles will play host to the all-star game festivities on Jan. 17 at the South Surrey Arena. The annual showcase of the BCHL's top stars pits the Interior Conference against the Coastal Conference.
The all-star game activities include the Breakfast of Champions on Jan. 15, the BCHL all-star banquet on Jan. 16 and the game itself on Jan. 17. Tickets for the game are $14 for adults, $11 for seniors/students and $8 for children. Call 1-604-532-GOAL for ticket information.
