Showdown in the Bulkley Valley

written by Evelyn Oosterhoff

Nestled between the Hudson Bay Mountain and the Babine Mountain range, in the beautiful Bulkley Valley, is the community of Smithers, population of approximately 6000. Smithers is a great place to visit if you are interested in fishing, hunting, skiing (downhill or cross-country), hiking or just relax and wandering down the Bavarian-style Main Street. It is also a hockey town, and I mean big time hockey town!

The arena has been a hub of activity every winter for a very long time, with all ages enjoying hockey games, either as part of a team or as a spectator! The Smithers Civic Centre was originally constructed as an airplane hangar in Terrace, B.C. in 1943. It was purchased by a community group from Smithers in 1954, and underwent some changes and upgrades to make it a viable arena. The most recent update to the arena is a new scoreclock. That took place just this year. I am sure that it is a welcome addition to the arena. The seating in the arena may have changed since the last time I was in there, but I'm told it still has seating for well over 500 people. People who have watched the likes of last year's captain - Zach Davies and current NHLer - Dan Hamhuis and many others develop and hone their amazing hockey skills! Hammy spent countless hours working on those defensive skills that gave him a ticket into the NHL.

I am so happy knowing I am going to be one of the spectators in attendance on September 2nd as our Prince George Spruce Kings challenge their Hwy 97 South rivals, the Quesnel Millionaires in the second half of a preseason home-and-home series. It will be the Millionaires that will be given the title of home team for this night in the town located four hours west of Prince George on Hwy 16. That's right! Smithers is the fortunate town to host this exciting matchup between the two teams who know each other very well and sometimes it is proven by the number of players in the penalty box, to the delight of some fans and the chagrin of others. All that aside, this is going to be a great time for all who attend and there will be a lot of talk about in the coffee shops (like Schimmels and Tim Hortons) and in offices about this game and who is going to win! I am also sure that there will be a lot of talk for days afterwards too.

If you would like to attend this matchup in downtown Smithers make sure you gas up your vehicle, put on some good music and enjoy the scenic 370 km drive down Hwy 16. Once you arrive in Smithers just drive through the town until you get to Manitoba Street on your left side (if you look to the right you will see A&W). Turn left on Manitoba Street and then turn right on 3rd Avenue and you will see the arena to your right. Park the truck, get the noisemakers out, head inside and be ready to cheer on our Spruce Kings.

I am excited to see the guys on the ice again for another season! Here's to another fun and entertaining year of hockey. See you in the arena! We have a seat for YOU in the Coliseum!

Evelyn (Host Services and loyal Spruce Kings fan)

This blog was written by Evelyn Oosterhoff, a member of the Spruce Kings volunteer team and a self proclaimed loyal Spruce Kings fan. If you would be interested in having your thoughts posted on the Spruce Kings blog site, be sure to send me an email or just post a comment to this posting and I will help you get yours posted here too - Ron.