Beyond the Blue Line

By Stephanie Stevens

And then there were none.

The 2024-2025 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) season has come to an end for the Columba Valley Rockies.

The Rockies’ second playoff round against the Kimberley Dynamiters was over Friday, March 21 in Kimberley as the Nitros took game five, tipping the scales irrevocably in their favour.

But while the season is over, it was one filled with more positives than negatives, including the first round sweep of the Fernie Ghostriders.

“I’m not sure where to start with this one,” said head coach Tayler Sincennes. “Obviously it’s very disappointing that the season came to an end in Kimberley, but there were so many fun moments throughout the season to reflect on and so much to be thankful for even though we didn’t get the result we were after.”

Junior hockey goes well beyond ice time, points, wins and losses, something not lost on the coaching staff or the players.

“I’m grateful for all of the young men that came through our doors and represented our organization with class and leadership throughout the season,” said Sincennes. “The amount that these young men did in our community was incredible. I’m very proud of their efforts on the ice and off. They did an excellent job coming here from different parts of the world with different opportunities at different levels and worked hard for us throughout the entirety of the season.”

Sincennes added he is “incredibly grateful for the amount of support the community showed us throughout the season. Every season I’ve been here it grows and grows and I’m so very proud that the Rockies have become something to talk about in a positive light. Thank you to all of the people and sponsors that showed up to support us; without those people junior hockey in a small community wouldn’t survive.”

Associate coach Tucker Braund had similar sentiments.

“I will echo Tayler in that it was disappointing to lose to Kimberley in round 2 as I thought we had one of the deepest teams I’ve seen in my time with the Rockies. We had a special group this year. I’m so proud of our boys, the way they came together as basically 24 best friends. They were a very close and inclusive bunch and I think anyone who got near our team could see what a great group of young men they are. They did so many different things out in the community, always saying yes to help out anywhere they were asked. We are looking forward to growing what we have built with the team the last two years and eager to see where we can get to next season. Our goals and aspirations are high, that’s for sure.”

Among the off-ice community events the players participated in, many included helping out with the younger hockey teams, coaching basketball at the high school, daycare and elementary school visits, Christmas shopping with children (including wrapping the gifts), helping with community events like the Groundswell harvest party and stacking firewood for local community members.

“It is important for the guys to be giving back to the community they are asking to support them, and while as coaches we do encourage it, it doesn’t take much to get them to go out and help,” said assistant coach Tanner Wit. “They just do it.”

At the awards dinner late February the coaches awarded ‘community member of the year’ to Johnny Lozeman for his willingness to step up as well as organize his teammates when more helping hands were needed, saying “whenever we asked this young man to help out in the community he came through.”

Other awards were presented to Wyatt Wurtz for top defenceman, Lukas Masters for most improved player, Peter Godley for rookie of the year, Teo Fath for energy player of the year, and Carter Velker for MVP and top forward.

Paddy Donahue and Fath were also recognized for each being with the team for 100 games. 

This was also Fath’s third year with the Rockies, the past two seeing him help lead the team as assistant captain. The end of this season marked the end of the 20-year-old’s time with the Rockies, a time that has left an indelible impression on who he has become.

“I’ve been here for three years and it has been my home away from home,” said Fath. “This was an awesome community and place to be for my junior hockey career … no matter where I end up, I will bleed blue and orange for life.”

Johnny Lozeman of the Columbia Valley Rockies has been awarded ‘community member of the year’ by his coaches for his willingness to step up when needed, including his work with the youngsters.
PHOTO
STEPHANIE STEVENS