The Campbell River Storm, who defeated the Victoria Cougars in the league final last spring, will open the new season on Sept. 1 at home at Rod Brind鈥橝mour Arena against the Oceanside Generals as the VIJHL released its schedule on Tuesday.
The Storm will also be in action the next day 鈥斅燬ept. 2 鈥� as they travel to Comox Valley to face the Glacier Kings.
The South Division gets things started on Sept. 6 when the Kerry Park Islanders visit The Q Centre to take on the Westshore Wolves. The Cougars open their season on Sept. 7 when they play host to the Glacier Kings at Archie Browning Sports Centre.
The Wolves and Islanders will also square off in the season finale on Feb. 17 at Kerry Park Arena.
And after a five-year hiatus, the league will also host a top prospects game. The showcase game will be played Jan. 7 in Campbell River.
Wes Roed, the Storm governor, said in a statement that the VIJHL board of governors, at their AGM, recognized the value of this event in their continuing effort to model the VIJHL as a developmental league.
鈥淎s a result, the idea of revitalizing this game was discussed and approved with Campbell River being granted the January 2018 game,鈥� Roed added.
The selection process, for the 16- to -18-year-olds eligible to make the two squads, is being finalized.
