The Langley Rivermen’s 2013-2014 season looks bright as they head into the coming season ranked 15th by the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s (CJHL) top 20 pre-season rankings. The Rivermen were ranked third among BCHL teams with the Penticton Vees (2nd) and the Vernon Vipers (5th) also being ranked in the top 20.
After an early exit in the playoffs last year, losing in four games to the South Surrey Eagles, the Rivermen are looking to improve as some new off season additions and a number of returning players are sure to provide a boost. The Rivermen have 12 key returning players including one of their leaders and newly named Captain Mitch Mclain, their starting goalie James Barr, and many others. The Rivermen also have a total of four home grown players from Langley, including Jakob Reichert, Kevan Kilistoff, Austen Bientenbeck and Brendan Gulka.
The big number of returning players is just one of the reasons for the Rivermen’s high pre-season ranking as the CJHL considers last year’s results in the regular season, playoffs and the initial recruiting efforts for the coming season. The Rivermen already have 5 players committed to playing college hockey next year in the NCAA and when the season gets started the rest of the team will be looking to secure their spots as well.
The puck drops for the 2013-2014 season on September 6 with the BCHL Showcase at the Prospera Centre in Chilliwack, which gives scouts their first look at the up and coming stars. This is a great opportunity for players to make a name for themselves and to potentially grab a scholarship to go play post-secondary hockey.
The Rivermen begin their 2013-14 regular season on the road against the Trail Smoke Eaters on Friday, September 6 at 7pm followed by a Sunday (September 8) night game against the Merritt Centennials at 5pm. The Rivermen return to the Langley Events Centre for their home opener on Friday September 20th vs Coquitlam Express at 7pmas they plan to make the LEC one of the toughest rinks to play in this season.
For tickets, head to www.ticketmaster.ca and for a the complete Rivermen schedule go to www.langleyrivermen.com
