SPORTS Sports Dept. Jeff Gabert 365-5579 August 9, 1995 SIDELINES Back in the C.S.S.R. The Vancouver Hockey Superserics is a well-known fourth year hockey program that offers young players an opportunity to broad- en their horizons. The latest event features a 14-day hockey holiday to Germany and the Czech Republic for four different Western Canadian All-Star teams. Two Major Bantam and two Minor Pee Wee teams were sek d to make the trip which runs from August 8 through to August 20. All teams will be playing in the Czech Challenge Cup scheduled for Prague August 14-18 and also play several exhibition games throughout Germ: and the Czech Republic. The Major Bantam team will be playing in a 20-team pool while the Minor Pee Wee teams part of a 12-team pool Other participating countries include the U.S., Sweden, Finland and Russia. Castlegar players have figured prominently on the teams in the past but none were chosen this year. However, Wade Burt of Chetwynd has made the team. Burt gained prominence in Castlegar hockey last season as a rookie for the Castlegar Rebels. In his first full se the 15-year-old smooth-skating Burt made the KUHL All-Star team and proved to be a valuable addition to the South Division Champions. Burt will be joined by two Koote- nay players on the B.C. Major Bantam Selects. Aaron Gladney of Winlaw and Daniel Huscroft of Creston will also be playing on the team which is coached by Dan Bradford of Trail Coolin’ Down a Hot Summer Summer can be hot and if you don't have your own personal air conditioning the best way to keep cool is with ice. The Castlegar Skating Club knows all about ice and they're hoping you'll enroll in a couple cool programs at the end of August and the beginning of September. The Figure Skating program runs August 22 - September 22 with a registration deadline of August 14. Contact person is Donna Van Vliet at 365-3168. The second program is Power Skating and it runs September 5- September 22 with a regis- tration deadline of August 28. The contact person is Elaine David- off at 365-2358. Registration forms may be picked up at the Recreation Complex. Don’t delay, programs are filled on a first- come, first-serve basis. Hey, ya think ya gotta game, chump? The coaches at Stanley Humphries Secondary School are really interested to know if you are 9-15 years of age and if you can play basketball. If you do they'll teach you how to play it right and if you don't. they'll teach you how to play it even better. The annual SHSS Basketball Camp begins next week with the boys taking to the SHSS gym hardcourt from August 14-18. The girls will crank things up the following week from August 21-28. Coaches will include Doug Hickey. John Ritchie and Collette Ritchie plus many current and past SHSS players. Cost is $100 and is well won it when you consider the education and enjoyment in the week and later. After all, studies have shown that when kids finally learn to shoot baskets, they are less apt to watch T.V. and bug their parents. For more information on the camp and to register call Doug Hick- ey at 365-6848 or vive Jack Closkey a call at 365-3093. Remem- ber, Doug Hickey and John Ritchie are worth the price of admission themselves Super Summer Active Both The Castlegar Sun and the Castlegar Community Complex know the summer can be protractive, that's why they have teamed together to provide an attractive option for parents of kids who are close to radioactive. It's called Summer Active and it began July 6 with Street art. This Thursday's activity is County Fair spon- sored by Pope and Talbot. Events include a petting zoo, crafts, ani- mal care stations and displays. The kids don’t get to keep the animals and at the very least, the house will stay clean while they’re out visiting the Rec Complex. Summer Active will end next week with the grand finale of Circus Circus, so be aware, be astute, be assertive, and be active. All ages are welcome but children under seven years must bring a buddy older than 14 years. For more information call the Complex at 365-3386. And if you don’t feel like ‘being overly active, Susan Campbell invites you to come down and be a volunteer during the festivities: But if you want to volunteer she suggests you give her a call ASAP. : Coaches Deserving Cudos Do you know a local coach of any sport who deserves special attention? The Castlegar Sun and 3M are once again looking for nominees for Castlegar Coach of the Year and it just might be that you know the most deserving coach in the community. Nomination forms can be found in eve: sug of this week's paper on page 10 and in future issues. The deadline is August 31 and remember to make your choice wisely, young grasshopper. All coaches at all levels are eligible Let’s make | Castlegar businessman Bryan Bucci (right) has put in an offer to buy the Castlegar Rebels but he isn’t done dealing yet JEFF GABERT Sun Sports Bryan Bucci has heard it all and he's heard enough. That was the first reason he called a press conference at his home last Friday morning. The other was to announce he has made an offer to the Castlegar Rebels Hockey Associa- tion to, purchase the Junior *B’ hockey club. “It's time that everybody gets as good an idea as possible about what's going on,” said Bucci. “There’s been enough rumor and innuendo.” After a Thursday night meeting, Bucci Sports Holdings put an offer on the table. At that time a price was agreed upon and the deal. is now subject to a Special General Meeting scheduled for August 17. According to the Castlegar Rebels consti- tution, any sale of the team must be voted on by all members of the society and that vote eannof be held without 14 days notice That notice was given Thursday and all offi- cial members of the society will vote August 17 at 7 p.m. in the Monte Carlo Motel. Only a simple majority is needed for the deal to be accepted According to Bucci and Rebels President Robin Tomlin, the outlook is very good. Tomlin said he can’t see why the deal wouldn't go through but did hold off on any specifics until later. “It's fair,” said Tomlin. “But I don’t want to say anything more on it until after we vote on it.” Tomlin has been looking for Castlegar to advance to a higher level of hockey for awhile now and he sees this move as bringing the community a step closer to Junior *A’ hockey. “I think it’s good for the town because the town is growing,” said Tomlin. “If Trail can have a Junior ‘A’ team I can't see why Castle- gar, which is growing faster, can't. Now is the time for Castlegar to better itself by going Junior ‘A’ and making the jump.” Bucci is extremely confident the deal will be done and has already begun preparations for the season. He has already taken on the role of General Manager and Director of Player Per- sonnel and is personally handling all training camp preparations. He purchased new uniforms and equipment and has filled most of his head office positions with capable hockey people. And don’t think he's forgot about market- ing That's the next step. “What we're trying to build on is the 20th Anniversary of the Rebels,” said Bucci at a Fri- day afternoon press conference. “We're going to be emphasizing that as much as possible.” He also plans to make the hockey team a greater part of the community with higher vis- ibility of players. The casiest way to do that is recruit local players and that is definitely on his agenda. “It's our intention to promote Castlegar and Castlegar hockey players as much as possible,” said Bucci. “But if there's a kid of higher talent I'll take him no matter where he’s from.” Could that search reach Russia? “There have been efforts made already to align ourselves with Russian players that could end up in Castlegar but that's as far as it goes at this point,” said Bucci. Right now Bucci's just worried about get- ting the season off to a good start. He, has planned more game night promotions as well as a proper booster club and increased sou- venir sales. He has also reformed the player billet system and is in the process of redeco- rating the Rebels locker room. After the locker room, he has plans to see the entire arena upgraded but those kind of decisions are the RDCK’s to make. Bucci will be presenting his ideas at the next RDCK meeting August 26. “I want to get started and get with it,” said Bucci. “I'm excited for Castle and I'm ready to get at it. It's going to be a good deal for everyone.” The reason Bucci is so enthusiastic is he believes he will have a BCJHL franchise The Price is right JEFF GABERT Sun Sports 1 If you have a good product you charge a good price. The Castlegar Rebels have found their Price and they hope he carries them to the KIJHL Championship. With less than two months to training camp, former NHL defenseman Pat Price has been named the Rebels head coach for this season. The announcement came in the shadow of local businessman Bryan Bucci's bid to buy the team but is no small occur- rence. Price, a native of Nelson, played 14 years in the NHL with the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Quebec Nordiques. He also has NHL coach- ing experience with Minnesota as an assis- tant to Herb Brooks in 1988. He moved back to the West Kootenay after retirement and has worked for Pope and Talbot in Castlegar for the last three Pat Price played in the Castlegar Minor Hockey Asso- ciation but his real experience comes from those he played under in the NHL. As Price readily agreed, you can’t play years. His last hing post was an Atom Division team on which his son See RIGHT PRICE Ail =NOW OPEN Downtown Service Centre Located at the corner of 4th Street & Columbia Avenue (Downtown Castlegar) - Ph: 365-1107 CASTLEGAR REBELS BINGO Sunday, 4aasm=eest AS Castlegar Arena Complex Double ups and 12 up pkgs. $1000 Jackpot Early Bird 6 p.m. $500 Bonanza CASTLEGAR REBELS License #794046 See REGIONALS Al2 The search for JEFF GABERT _ Sun Sports With the rainy weather on the weekend it only seemed natural that the sport that captured the most attention in Castlegar was swimming The Kootenay Regional Swim Meet came to to the Castlegar Recreation Complex on Saturday and Sunday and it was one of the best meets ever for area swim- mers. That was especially true for the Aquanauts who qualified over 25 swimmers for the Provincial Championships and will probably take a contingent of over 30 after relay squads are added in It goes without sayiny that Neil Jones, the Aquanauts” head coach, was happy with the per formance of his kids, but he was. even more amazed with the qual ity of swimming in the region “There was some very fast swimming,” said Jones. “The quality of swimming in the Kootenay region is getting led and ready to play in Castlegar for the 1996 season. He wants to make that transition as easy as possible. The only thing preventing that transaction being completed is a vote by the BCJHL Board of Governors. “The necessary documentation as required by the BCJHL has been forwarded to them {the Board] both from my end and Brent Park- er’s [owner of the BCJHL Kelowna Spartans] end,” said Bucci. “They are still of the opinion that they will not put us on the agenda until January. We are hoping we can expedite the process a whole bunch but there really isn’t much we can do.” Bucci remains extremely optimistic. “If the whole thing works and people use common logic, it will be done,” continued Bucci. “Obviously I am purchasing the Rebels with the intention of moving to the BCJHL.” Bucci maintains he has never had any intention of making a profit from either fran- chise, he just loves the game of hockey and wants to see the Rebel tradition continue at a higher level. “If we are fortunate enough to go BCJHL, I have had a lot of people come to me about carrying on the name,” said Bucci. “You talk about building on tradition - we will.” Castlegar Rebel training camp begins September 7. The first and only home exhibi- tion game is September 20. the elusive PQT Lindy Miller (left) needs a quicker start in the backstroke if she ever intends to catch teammate B.J. Haviland in the lane beside her. SUN SPORTS PHOTO / Jeff Gabert Wednesday, August 9, 1995 The Castlegar Sun Hockey is like a box of chocolates In terms of press conferences, it wasn't very big. Just seven people sitting comfortably in a cool Ootischenia basement hav- ing a few refreshments and talk- ing hockey. At first glance, it was the same kind of thing witnessed at the local barber shop, pub or coffee shop. After all, those who talk sports never seem to stop talking. My, how looks can be deceiving. A closer inspection of the basement brought forward an autographed #9 Detroit Red Wings Jersey. On the same wall hung another autographed jersey - a Vancouver Canucks #16. And on another wall was an another auto- graphed jersey by a player from the Chicago Black- hawks who wears #27 There were also pictures, cards, sticks and pucks. All autographed, all dis- played with a mixture of pride and humility. They were never pointed out nor were their origins discussed. After all, this was a hockey room, not a museum. And on the coffee table in the middle of the room was a copy of Forrest Gump. What a strange place for that? Well, not really, because sud- denly, life seemed like a box of chocolates. The man sitting in front of the table sat casually and unassuming in a big chair. He had a large binder to his right filled with pages. The stem said BCJHL. The eyes behind the octagonal glasses gleamed with knowledge and vision that few in the room could ever understand. Nobody really said a word, they just-wait- ed for the man in the chair to say something. That's when Bryan Bucci start- ed the impromptu press confer- ence and that's when the sports landscape of Casticgar was changed. Understand, Bucci is not an idol or a hero. At least not more than the man portrayed in the movie sitting on his coffee table. Simply put, Bucci loves hockey and he wants to see a better brand of it in Castlegar. When he first started talking about bringing the BCJHL to Castlegar people said he was crazy. Some may have even ventured as far to say he might be stupid. “Stupid is as stupid does, sir.” The question comes out from the floor, “Mr. Bucci, you have to realize that if you bring the BCJHL to Castlegar you'll be taking a big hit financially over the next few years, maybe longer?” “T realize that, but let’s just say I’ve got deep pockets,” said Bucci with a bit of-a shrug. He said it calmly, he said it cooly, he said it the way I did when I told my parents after Grade 12 I could afford to move out on my own and go to univer- sity. Only difference is, he knows what he’s talking about The conference lasted over two hours and, by the end, every- one finally realized that when Bucci said he had deep pockets he wasn't talking solely about money. He was talking about wisdom as well Although he will not become CASTLEGAR FIGURE t SKATING PROGRAMS August 22 - Sept 22 Figure skating deadline August 14 contact Donna Van Vliet 365-3168 - eooo0o000000 Sept 5 - 22 Power skating deadline August 28 contact Elaine Davidoff 365-2358 THE GAB ON this SPORTS JEFF GABERT the official owner of the Castle- gar Junior ‘B’ Rebels until August 17 and won't know if he owns the Kelowna Spartans until much later, Bucci has already taken some grand steps. He has named a head coach with a wealth of experience that includes time spent coaching and playing in the NHL. He has begun negotiations to upgrade the complex. New jerseys and equip- ment have already been pur- chased. And a scouting network has already found a few hot prospects for didn’t realize season marks the Castlegar Rebels 20th Anniversary, you soon will. Bucci has an intense marketing campaign planned around the occassion that will make this season the best ever. Souvenir sales will be added to an| improved conces- sion and special 20th Anniver- sary merchandise will be up for grabs all season And don't forget the players. The first major step will be revamping the billeting system. The idea is to treat the players like royalty but royal service isn’t free. Every player will be expect- ed to repay it with community service Rebel players will no longer be just numbers. They will be assistant coaches on minor hock- ey teams, helpers at minor hock- ey events and role models for every Castlegar kid that ever strapped on a pair of blades They won't need photos in the program because everyone will already know their faces. Sound like a box of choco lates? Bucci hasn't even got to the cream filled ones yet After making this season the most exciting hockey season any team’ in the KIJHL has ever enjoyed, he will immediately turn around and bring BCTHL hockey to town. And he'll make it work too. Because he knows the market, he knows the product and he’s got those nice decp pockets. Now there are probably still a few doubters out there. People who don't believe Castlegar can support the BCJHL, people who believe the BCJHL will never allow such a small town to have a team and people who live in Trail. Unfortunately for them, Bucci’s not listening, Bucci doesn't care and Bucci's already seeh Forrest Gump. In his mind, bringing the BCJHL to Castlegar is as simple as doing it In my mind, that’s the way it should be. Run Forrest, run. Settling Page All @ Right Price under guys like Al Arbour, Glen Sathe dd Ed Johnson without learning a few things about the game of hockey. Look for a sys- tem that is aggressive, intense and effective “My philosophy is I'm going to teach these kids a profession- al manner of play,” said Price “I'm looking for an aggressive hockey team, but intimidation not retaliation “The team will be very disci- plined on and off the ice. I firmly believe discipline wins hockey games as witnessed with the New Jersey Devi Price has an education degree from the University of Saskatchewan which he obtained while playing for the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League. He takes his role as a moti- vator seriously but he also knows the value of being an educator. “My goal is to bring the best out of cach individual that I can,” said Price. “By doing that, you'll get a good end result “Any coach can have a sys- tem, but to explain to the players that system and then having them see the results is what is impor- tant, | want the kids to under stand the game The new coach intends to bring three or four new hockey systems to the Rebels this sea son including a complicated neutral zone trap that may sur prise a few teams He wants to exciting to watch sO wants to be able to protect a lead Joining Price behind the bench will be returning Rebels assistant coach Randy Kirby. Kirby worked with the goaltenders and defence last season and is the only remaining member of last year's coaching staff after the retirement of Garry Sauer and the resignation of John Phillips Sauer is expected to help out dur ing traihing camp which begins September 6 and goes until final cuts are made on September 10. Rumors of a move to Junior ‘A’ in 1996 have prompted a lot of interest and Price says he hi already received 65 registration forms for camp. In the end there may be more, but they better be in shape. Price plans to run a rig orous camp that will include dry- land training The only two exhibition games will be a home-and-home set against the Rossland Warriors scheduled for September 20 at the Complex and September 21 in Rosslafid, By then, the team should largely be picked. And that is exactly what Price is looking for - a tener “One of my favorite phrases os there's no letter ‘I’ in the word. team,” said Price. “Nobody's going to be put on a pedestal and we'll play as a team. If they're willing to learn, I've got lots to teach them.” SHSS BASKETBALL CAMP Stanley Humphries Gymnasium BOYS: August 14 - we GIRLS: August 21 - $100/person .____ 8:30 am - » 4:30 pm Daily, Name [] remate [J mate | Se se Phone. d Address Mail registration form C/o 1677 Silverwood Crescent, Castigar, B.C. 1V1N 2L9 az. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, START OUR ENGINES’ Test drive the hottest lineup of new cars at your Chrysler dealer, and WIN two seats to the Vancouver Indy* Get behind the wheel of the pace cars of the industry, including Chrysler Sebring, Neon, Dodge Avénger, Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Cirrus, Motor Trend's 1995 ''Car of the Year.” MOLSON INDY ae RACE DOWN TO YOUR B.C. CHRYSLER TEAM HOW. OFFER ENDS AUGUST 14TH. “Contest ends kugust 24, 1995 Eligible B.C residents only Totol of 200 prizes to be won consisting of o pax of 3-day reserve seating Nickels tothe Molson indy Vancouver. Al other costs and expenses ore Don't miss the Neon Celebrity Race featuring the award-winning —— and oe Neons. date aric CHRYSLEF inched. Aggronmote oe of Tg each prize is $180. Selected enitants must correctly answer mathematical skibtesting queshon on entry form in order to wn. Winning blots wil be selected by random drow on August 25, 1995. We wil be nothed by phone Aboriginal ‘ee dec: for compete details Jeep Eagle The B.C. government is currently negotiating treaties with aboriginal people. We will ensure that the terms and conditions of leases or licenses to conduct business on Crown land will be respected. Jobs and our economy are vitally important to all British Columbians and we are committed to protecting them. Land Claims. Fair, affordable, long-term solutions for all British Columbians. It’s our commitment. For more information, call 1-800-880-1022 or write to: Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs 908 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, B.C. VBV 1X4 Government of British Columbia Openly and Fairly