The first two rounds of The Kootenay midget. It could already be classed as a
International Junior Hockey League west midget league, with most of the players
division playoffs have shown the need for still able to qualify for minor hockey. The
changes in the 1987-& season.
players opt for junior to better their
Of three matchups only the Rossland- careers.
Trail encounter can be called a real series.
Using the midget programs in SaskatBoth Castlegar series were no contests chewan and Alberta as guideline, the
with the bigger and stronger Rebels KIJHL could lower the age limit for the
running all over their smaller opponents.
league. This would ensure local players
The league cannot have a seven-game the chance to play good hockey and
shootout in every playoff series begins, complete their education. It would provide
although they'd like to, but such more competitive hockey.
domination as Castlegar's demoralizes
This may also inspire B.C. 's tier one and
fans.
two
teams to become involved with
The Trail Smoke Eaters going into the
tank again and senior liockey is more Kootenay clubs. With a place for their
clouded across the -country. The KIJHL younger prospects to play, they might
has a chance to excel being the only game affiliate locally, such as Vernon with
Rossland Warriors, Penticton Knights
in town.
Watching the Rossland-Trail series go with Trail Junior Smoke Eaters and
seven games proves junior B hockey can Kelowna Packers with Beaver Valley Nite
be exciting. The league should institute Hawks. This would assure teams of better
changes in the off-season to rejuvenate players and the fans of quality hockey.
It might rejuvenate towns like Nelson,
interest.
Many of the better players leave to Grand Forks and Creston. Nelson has a
improve their careers just when they quality midget team which just returned
become local stars. Rossland's Dallas from a fine showing at the provincials.
Drake will probably jwnp next season to These returns would give the league an
Vernon Lakers of the B.C. Junior Hockey abundance of teams once again.
Arenas are now full with fans attending
League. Castlegar's Dane Jackson,
property of Seattle Thunderbirds of the playoff games. But next September, when
Western Hockey League, will head to coaches
combing the streets for
major junior. The KIJHL should improve players and managers are crying for
its product.
people to support the team at the box ofThe league could change its fice, local junior executives might say they
classification from Junior B to super- should change.

are