The Virden Oil Kings are looking forward to what they hope is a full season of play in the Tiger Hills Hockey League.
The former North Central Hockey League squad made the move last year to the THHL. After the Oil Kings played two games, the league’s season was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team is to open the 2021-2022 campaign Friday on the road in Souris. The Oil Kings’ home opener will be Nov. 18 against Hartney.
“I feel the team is most looking forward to the new league and new challenges,” coach Tyler Campbell said. “The NCHL was a great league, and we will miss it, but the THHL seems to fit our program and team dynamic a little better. Most of our team consists of local players, some going to school in both Brandon and Winnipeg, so games will be a lot closer for them to travel.”
The Oil Kings will take on the TTHL in a “new to us” bus. Last season the squad was 1-1 before the season was halted. “The little taste we got of the THHL last year was great,” Campbell said. “It's a super competitive league with lots of local competition and a large amount of players that have either played with or against a number of our players, somewhat increasing the competitive level.”
The Oil Kings return most of their core from the last couple of seasons. Campbell said that captain Keifer Johnston “is a huge piece not only on the ice but in the room.” As well, alternate captains Derek Cross, Andrew Gerrand, Shane Keown, and Tanner Lewis return. Starting goaltender Riley Lamb is back as well as 2020 MVP Tanner Koroscil. Steady players Cam Whyte and Drake Bodie are also back. Jake Coulter returns and will be “a huge part of our D core,” Campbell said.
The Oil Kings will not have Tristen Cross or Dylan Thiessen, who is returning to the University of Manitoba squad, in the lineup this season.
In their stead come some new faces. Virden product Landon Peel, who played for the University of Regina, will be on the blue line. Former junior player Tanner Hepp also joins. Some recent high school grads are also expected to join.
The team relies on the community to be successful on and off the ice. The Oil Kings are seeking sponsorship, bus drivers, and volunteers. The team is planning a fundraising social for Dec. 23.
