Story by: Creston Valley Thunder Cats

It is September already which means the ice has been in the arena for a few weeks and the Thunder Cats hopefuls have laced their skates at training camp. Hopefully you were able to make it out our two home exhibition games at the end of August. Our home opener is scheduled for Friday, September 13^th against the Columbia Valley Rockies at 7:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you in the stands to check out the talent as the season officially gets under way.

There are a few familiar faces returning to the Cats roster, notably five 20-year-olds (a change to league rules now allows a team to carry five 20-year-olds. It was only four in previous seasons). For their last year of Junior hockey the Thunder Cats welcome back Jesse Collins, Trevor Hanna, Jon Watt, Andrew Hodder and Brendan Formosa (who played Junior A in Saskatchewan last season). The hometown fans should see exciting hockey this season with the skills that these players, and the other returning veterans and new rookies possess.

Another noticeable change this season is that the Penticton Lakers sold their franchise to the 100 Mile House Wranglers. This location change realigned the two Okanagan Divisions sending the North Okanagan Knights to the southern division.This season sees Creston taking two swings through the Doug Birks Division (north) and visiting the Wranglers on our first road trip in early October. We will host the expansion team on January 4, 2014.

During the off-season the Ward brothers (Jaidan and Brady) were traded to 100 Mile House for future considerations so if you are a fan of the Ward brothers be sure to come out and see how they look as a Wrangler.

The Cats take to the ice for four home games in the month of September hosting Columbia Valley on Friday the 13^th, the Sicamous Eagles on Saturday the 21^st, the Fernie Ghostriders on Friday the 27^th and the Chase Heat on Sunday the 29^th (this Sunday game will start at 2:00 pm). The team invites all their fans, young and old, to come out and cheer them on. It is known throughout the KIJHL that Creston has some of the best fans out there.

At the end of September the Thunder Cats are holding the 6^th annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive. Come out on September 30^th and October 1^st and help us stuff the bus with non-perishables to support our local food bank in time for Thanksgiving.

Go Cats Go!

Check for game updates and schedules at www.crestonvalleythundercats.com