Victoria 2009 RBC Cup: Tournament Preview

May 1st, 2009 · No Comments

Victoria 2009 RBC Cup

The defending champs have returned and the BCHL is well represented as Victoria hosts this year’s RBC Cup.

The 2009 Junior ‘A’ National Championship is a collection of traditional powers, franchises on the rise, and a first time entrant to the tournament.

Here’s a brief look at each of the 5 clubs vying for the most prestigious trophy in Junior A Hockey.

HOST - Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) *eliminated by Powell River (BCHL) 4-3 in best-of-seven Coastal Conference final

Victoria Grizzlies

Trivia!: The Grizzlies are coached by former NHLer Geoff Courntnall and owned by former NHLer and current Tampa Bay Lightning part owner Len Barrie. The Grizzlies had the top record in the BCHL regular season. The playing rights of sniper Evan Pighin was the center of early season spat between the BCHL, Hockey BC and the WHL.

RBC Experience: This is Victoria’s first year participating in the RBC Cup

PACIFIC REGION - DOYLE CUP: Vernon Vipers (BCHL) *defeated Grande Prairie (AJHL) 4-0 in best-of-seven

Vernon Vipers

Trivia!: The Vipers could have 2 player selected in the NHL Entry Draft in Montreal this Summer as hulking rear-guard Kyle Bigos and Cory Kane are listed 117th and 169th among North American skaters. The Snakes have 10 players committed to NCAA programs. Diminutive Kootaney twins Conner and Kellen Jones have combined for 50 post-season points in 21 games.

RBC Experience: The Vipers have won 4 National Championships

WEST REGION - ANAVET CUP: Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) *defeated Portage (MJHL) 4-3 in best-of-seven

Humboldt Broncos

Trivia!: The defending RBC Cup champs (remember the green hair on TSN?) came back from down 3-1 in the ANAVET CUP to beat the Portage Terriers for the second straight year. The Humboldt mascot is a horse named slapshot. The Broncos have won 3 consecutive SJHL Championships.

RBC Experience: The Broncos have won 2 RBC Cups (2003 & 2008)

CENTRAL REGION - DUDLEY HEWITT CUP: Kingston Voyageurs (OJHL) *defeated the Fort William North Stars (SIJHL) in the final of a 4 team tournament set between the winners of the SIJHL, the OJHL, the NOJHL and a host club

Kingston Voyaguers

Trivia!: The Voyagers are commonly referred to as the ‘Vees’ (what a great name for a hockey team!!). The ‘Vees’ scored 16 goals and allowed just 2 in 4 games played at the Dudley Hewitt Tournament. The OJHL (formally the OPJHL) has won 6 of the last 7 RBC births in the Central region.

RBC Experience: This is the first appearance at a national championship for the Voyageurs

EAST REGION - FRED PAGE CUP: Summerside Western Capitals (MJAHL) *defeated the Dieppe Commandoes (MJAHL) in the final of the 4 team tournament between the winner of the MJAHL, the QJAAAHL, and the CJHL and a host team (Dieppe)

Summerside Western Capitals

Trivia!: The Capitals representation from the east region is the 2 years in a row for the MJAHL. The Capitals hosted the CJHL Prospects Game in mid-December. Capitals forward Mike MacIsaac scored has scored OT winners to clinch the MJAHL championship and the Fred Page Cup this season (talk about clutch)! The Caps are the lone team from Prince Edward Island in the 11-team MJAHL. The 2009 World Jr. ‘A’ Challenge will be in Summerside.

RBC Experience: The Capitals won the only RBC they’ve played in. Summerside hosted the national tournament in 1997 and beat the Surrey Eagles (BCHL) in the championship game

If your head is spinning with all the Jr. ‘A’ leagues in Canada here’s a graphic that displays where the leagues are in action.

*Hockey Canada’s official RBC Cup home*

*Pay Per View and Broadcast Info*

RBC Cup