If there’s ever a good time to face adversity, it’s the pre-season. The Cowichan Valley Capitals opened exhibition play with a lopsided road loss and ice issues at their home rink, but the team has taken it in stride and is focused on moving forward.
The Caps then kicked off their four-game pre-season schedule against the Victoria Grizzlies on Sept. 6 at Juan de Fuca Arena.
It wasn't quite the start Cowichan was hoping for as Victoria scored early and often in the exhibition game. The Grizzlies scored 55 seconds into the first period and when the first 20 minutes were in the books, they led the Capitals 6-0. It was 9-0 Victoria after two periods. Cowichan scored in the third with goals from Ryder Dembo and two from Owen Fitzgerald.
Jack Hirshorn and Leo Barkoulas split time in goal for Cowichan. Hirshorn made 23 saves on 31 shots on goal and Barkoulas stopped 13 of 19.
"Losing the first game in that way is a humbling experience for our first-year players," said head coach Cam Keith. "A welcome-to-the-BCHL classroom session. Game two in Cowichan was a much better game so I believe the kids used the game as a learning experience."
The following afternoon the teams met again at the Cowichan Arena. Due to issues with ice quality, the game was abandoned after two periods of play, but Cowichan did have a 2-1 lead at that time.
After a goal from the Grizzlies, Alex Payie scored for the Capitals on the power play and the teams finished the first period tied.
Massimo Fazio scored for Cowichan in what ended up as the second period's only, and the game's final goal.
Before their games against Victoria, the team played the annual Bill Dellebuur Cup, a Red versus White intrasquad game honouring the longtime volunteer, on Sept. 5. Team White came away with the hard fought 5-4 victory. The fundraising game collected money for the Cowichan Hospital Foundation.
The Capitals next travel to Powell River to play the Kings at Hap Parker Arena on Sept. 12 before returning to their home rink on Sept. 14 to meet the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for a 2 p.m. puck drop to end their exhibition schedule.
