The Langley Rivermen begin their home schedule of the season this coming Friday against the Chilliwack Chiefs, before also playing host to the Cowichan Capitals on Saturday in their first meeting of the year against both teams.
Langley began the season Friday in Trail with a come from behind 2-1 win against the Smoke Eaters, before dropping a 4-1 game in West Kelowna on Saturday against the Warriors to split the opening weekend.
Friday’s opponent in Chilliwack began their season at home on Saturday in a back and forth game against Coquitlam, but prevailed in overtime with 4:26 gone in the extra frame thanks to Justin Dumais. They then traveled to Surrey to take on the Eagles on Sunday, a 4-2 loss, like Langley splitting the opening weekend of the season.
Cowichan meanwhile who were the best regular season team in the Coastal Conference last season, began the season with a pair of home losses. Friday was a tight 3-1 loss to Victoria, while Saturday they were doubled up 4-2 by the Nanaimo Clippers to begin their season with a pair of losses.
CHILLIWACK PLAYER TO WATCH
#12 Justan Dumais – the Montreal, Quebec born player was a big offseason recruit for the Chiefs, as he collected 77 points in 55 games with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in the AJHL. The 20 year old will look to continue his strong play as he collected a goal and an assist on Saturday in his first game in the BCHL, and looked dangerous Sunday versus Surrey despite being held pointless.
COWICHAN PLAYER TO WATCH
#21 Tristan Gravenor – the second year Capital will be heavily relied upon this year for Cowichan, with just a handful of returnees from an excellent team last year. The Montreal, Quebec product had 56 points in 53 games last year, and already has a goal and an assist in his team’s 2 games to start the season.
RIVERMEN PLAYER TO WATCH
#44 Sam Allaby – the 2007 born Rothesy, New Brunswick forward has picked up where he left off last season in his first BCHL season. Allaby was third last season amongst 2007 born players in terms of point production, collecting 53 points in 47 games and becoming a key member of the team the whole season. He collected a goal and an assist in the team’s opening pair of games, and will be a key cog in a balanced Rivermen offense this year.
Friday is the Rivermen home opener with all rostered players being introduced on the ice before puck drop, while Saturday’s game promises to be a great event on and off the ice as a pregame tailgate will take place beginning at 3pm with live music by Matt Kennedy, vendors, family games, and much more! Tickets for both games can be purchased at https://www.showpass.com/o/langley-rivermen-2/.
