Future of franchise is uncertain

In the town of Cranbrook, British Columbia, beautifully situated at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, all seemed well on opening night in the Western Hockey League.

The sun was shining brightly on the patrons of the Kootenay Ice last Friday night as they made their way into the top-notch Rec-Plex facility, a building which is not only the ice rink but also houses the community swimming rink and water slide park. It is the type of building that one sees in many towns across British Columbia.

Everyone seemed to know each other as they chatted in the parking lot or in the lobby of the building, whose open foyer also includes a food court and sports shop. It is also a gathering spot for those who are just hanging out and not attending the game.

Inside the rink, there were plenty of good seats available.

There is no video screen on the scoreboard, but as “The Good Old Hockey Game” plays over the PA, there were smiles everywhere. Well, almost everywhere – because there are worried brows across the foreheads of team management.

Confirming whispers around the WHL that the future of hockey in Cranbrook is uncertain, team officials openly discuss the subject. The Ice’s lease is set to expire at the end of the season and prospects don’t look good for it being renewed.

In this city of 18,000, the Rec Plex holds about 4,500 for hockey. On the season-opening weekend, the team drew 3,060 for Tri-City on Friday and 3,110 for Spokane the following night.

The reasons for the only game in town being at two-thirds capacity are not all clear, but it would be a great loss for this town and the league if hockey were to leave Cranbrook.

It goes without saying that the sport is everything in Canada – and this town is no exception. The crowd in Cranbrook is well-educated about the game. The town has two rinks and both proudly tell about a hockey history which includes the NHL’s Neidermayer brothers and a Memorial Cup trophy just three seasons ago.

Here in this regional mining, rail and timber hub, hockey is big part of the culture. It’s a game that team management would like to make work here, but they cannot promise it.

Oh, Canada

Opening night in Canada is less about the scene and more about the game, in contrast to the more elaborate opening night festivities in Spokane.

There are some similarities (ticket prices for every seat are $16 Canadian, about $12.50 U.S.), but also some refreshing differences.

If you put your feet up on one of the chairs, the “foot police” (ushers) are quick to nicely ask you to put them down. Politeness is a Canadian virtue.

Even more shocking: The team’s fans even cheer the opposing team as they skate onto the ice at game time.

At the concession stands, Molson Canadian is the house beer and Bud Light is the “import.” There is no sticker shock at this arena. Heck, you can get a 24-ounce Pepsi and a slice of pizza combination for $3.25.

Incident investigated

According to the Kamloops Daily News, Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating an incident which occurred under the stands at Kamloops’ Sport Mart Place on Sunday.

In the closing seconds of a game between Everett and Kamloops, Everett officials say that Blazers right-winger Rick Kozak punched Silvertips trainer Bob Hamre, who needed about six stitches to close a cut on one cheek.

Kozak was being escorted from the Blazers’ bench to the team’s dressing room after a late-game penalty when the incident occurred.