Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season opens: Rebels vs Bruins
By Emanuel Sequeira KIJHL Director of Communications
The puck drops on the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League season with nine games on the schedule.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, the defending champion Grand Forks Border Bruins open their title defence at home against the Castlegar Rebels. Behind the Rebels’ bench is Alex Evin, set for his first full season as head coach.
The Border Bruins are looking to become the first team to repeat as KIJHL champions since the Revelstoke Grizzlies (2018-19 and 2021-22, with COVID interruptions in between). Before that, the Fernie Ghostriders last went back-to-back in 2007 and 2008. Other organizations that repeated as champions are Beaver Valley in 2003 and 2004; Nelson Jr. Maple Leafs in 1992 and 1993; the Columbia Valley Rockies three-peated from 1988 to 1990; the Cranbrook Colts won six straight championships from 1982 to 1987; the Rebels in 1977 and 1978; the Colts with four from 1973 to 1976; and the Trail Jr. Smoke Eaters had three in a row from 1970 to 1972.
In the Bruins’ team preview, head coach and general manager Dave Hnatiuk said the group could be stronger this year.
“We’re young, we have a lot of first-year guys. We’re really deep up front, skilled, and happy with how that is looking. Our D-core is young, but we’re seeing improvement daily. Guys are getting used to the pace of the next level.”
Hnatiuk added that while the excitement level is high, their approach doesn’t change.
“With such a large turnover and only nine returning, there is a core who know how hard it is and what it takes – so for us, a new opportunity begins Saturday,” he said. “All the new players get to learn from the solid group of veterans we have.”
Grand Forks opens the season with a tailgate party as the community gathers at Jack Goddard Memorial Arena.
“They are looking forward to opening night when the banners get revealed,” said Hnatiuk. “It should be a fun opening night to kick off the season.”
