The Similkameen News Leader
Sports Page
POSSE PROGRAM PREPARES PLAYERS
Princeton's community-owned Junior Hockey Club, the Posse, has done a fine job of preparing players for the next level of hockey and according to Head Coach Dale 'Duner' Hladun, he's pleased with the success of many players from last year's squad.
Micah Anderson, who played centre, is now a member of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Brad Davis, former Posse forward, finished last season with Penticton Vees having appeared in three playoff games with that team.
Chad Hohmann, Posse right-winger, finished the regular season in Seattle and played in the first round of playoffs. Sam Penny, who was left wing for the Posse, has moved on to play in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in Winkler.
Defensemen Adam Coates and Conner McGarry both attended a camp in Ontario and the Aurora Tigers have expressed interest in both players.
Defenseman Jessie Tresierra will likely play for the former Chilliwack Chiefs, now in Langley. Right-winger Jeremy Wagner has been invited to play with Cowichan and centre Seth Armitage has moved on to play at Utah Valley State in Provo.
Duner says the fact that nine players moving on says a lot about the local hockey program and opens doors to opportunity on both sides.
"By losing those players we're going to gain more."
Hockey season starts early this year with a Training Camp at Princeton Arena set to run from July 28th to 30th.
"We want to get an early read on the kids," Hladun says about participants in the upcoming camp.
"The talent level should be strong."
Hladun also says the Junior Camp Tryouts will see a number of hockey coaches in town from other teams and other leagues scouting to fill their rosters. The plus side to that is Princeton may open more doors to other players.
"You may never play here but our program got you somewhere," Duner says about the possibilities with other coaches in the building.
Changes to the 2006/07 KIJHL Hockey Schedule will see the elimination of inter-division play and the adoption of a full interlock schedule which means each team will move throughout the league.
"We're going to be in everyone's rink this year and each team will be in ours."
The one fight rule has changed to a two fight rule and the blue lines will move closer to centre ice expanding both the offensive and defensive zones.
The Princeton Posse will also be sporting a new logo and jersey colours in the next season, which will be revealed within the next few weeks.
PEEWEE GIRLS HOST DISTRICT PLAYOFFS
Princeton Pee Wee Girls will host the District Softball Playoffs on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18 at Memorial Park.Under the skillful coaching of Denise Cook, Jewel Manion and Dave Brewer the girls are well prepared to come out victorious.
Dezi Bruneau, Carley Brewer and Crystal Manion do the tossing across the plate into the capable gloves of Kiel Liberatore and Milen Wilkinson.
MacKenzie Johnston takes care of 1st base with Katie Liberatore and Kelci Banks looking after the 2nd base position. Carley and Dezi share shortstop and Rachelle Cromarty is always ready on 3rd.
Megan Haayer, Tahlia McIvor, Tenniel Bishop (you gotta see this girl run!!), Taylor Esselink, Janine O'bey and Alyssa Larson share the fielding positions and take care of backing up our in-field.
We have a very strong team this year, all we need is help in the cheering section.
Come on out and support the girls!
