Division Foes
Now that the December 1st carding deadline nears, let’s look at how the four teams in the Mainland Division stack up.
The front-running Powell River Kings appear to not need to make many changes to the line-up, but during an interview on BCHL Live with myself, head coach Kent Lewis said that he is not going to remain idle.
From the outside, the Kings may need another defenseman, a top-four guy. Most teams would obviously like to get that but the Kings might have the bargaining chips to make it happen. Carson Chubak has solidified the goaltending in Powell River and they are definitely getting the offence needed to compete for the Fred Page Cup.
The Langley Chiefs seem to be up-and-down right now, getting some big wins and then falling short against other teams. The absence of Derek Grant for the World Junior A Challenge might have been a factor. He is back with his silver medal and will reunite their top line with Milos Gordic and Trevor Elias.
The Chiefs might be looking for a top six forward that can score and give them a more balanced attack.
The Burnaby Express have made a few moves already this season as head coach Dave McLellan tries to find the right chemistry. With that the Express have added three new d-men to the roster in the past weeks and all of them with BCHL experience. The trainmen do have the gunners up front but they haven’t been healthy for much of the campaign, which is helping with that chemistry thing.
In goal the Express have been splitting the duties with Mike Chan and Richie Virtanen. Who is going to take the number one spot and run with it?
The Surrey Eagles are an interesting situation. The Birds have made lots of moves this season as well and look like they have found some magic at the moment. Up front the Eagles could use another sniper to help them win those close games. On the back end they have some solid veterans with a sprinkling of rookies that are getting quality ice time.
As the deadlines loom, the Eagles could be buyers or sellers. They put together a very good last four weeks or so and have climbed back in the playoff race.
Whichever teams thinks they have the legitimate shot at competing for the League championship will probably make the moves they need to get there. As it stands, all four teams have a shot but the Kings look to have the upper hand.
ctiggelaar@surreyeagles.ca
