The Sechelt Hitmen are looking for a some home ice advantage after a tough opening season loss.
Sechelt lost its West Coast Men's Hockey League season opener 8-1 last Saturday night against the Mid Island Blazers in Courtenay.
Sechelt opens its home campaign next Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Sunshine Coast Arena at 7 p.m. against the Powell River Regals.
Hitmen goalie Keith McKenzie said Saturday's loss to the Blazers was not as bad as the final score indicated.
"I played a lousy game and we had some breakdowns that cost us, but it wasn't a seven-goal loss. Maybe that's what the scoreboard indicated, but we played better than that," he said. "Hopefully we'll get a packed house next Saturday night. We want a huge crowd to come out, and we hope to put on a good show for them."
The Hitmen, Blazers and Regals will play 10 games in total over the next few months with a best of three playoff series in February to decide the Andy McCallum trophy winner.
Others vying for the Coy Cup, symbol of senior men's hockey supremacy, include eight teams from the Central Interior Hockey League and a new entrant from the north that will come from Fort St. John, Dawson Creek or Prince George.
The Regals, the defending Coy Cup champions, are favoured to contend or possibly repeat this year, but the Hitmen said they are poised to spoil the party.
Sechelt was very competitive in three exhibition games earlier this year with Powell River, and with more organization and a focus on team concepts, the Hitmen expect to be contenders.
"Having Brad Wingfield on board as our coach with his professional experience instantly gives us a really good chance to compete," McKenzie said. "The team is looking good. We have a lot of commitment from the guys. There is a lot of good talent on the Coast. The key for us now is to get our systems in place, work out the bugs and play a full 60 minutes. If we can do that on a consistent basis, people can look forward to watching a good brand of hockey."
Ticket prices for all home games are $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Tickets will be available starting next week at Trail Bay Source for Sports and Lucy's and will be available at the door on game night.
The Sechelt Spiders women's team will be running the beer garden and assisting the Hitmen with game-day operations.
"Lots of businesses and sponsors have stepped up, and we want to thank them for their support," McKenzie said.
The Hitmen are still seeking sponsorship support. For more information, call McKenzie at 604-885-7162.
