Discipline and strength focus for Flyers heading into exhibition

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Senior Flyers open their North Peace Hockey League (NPHL) exhibition schedule on the Thanksgiving long weekend as they welcome the Dawson Creek Canucks into town.

A Facebook post says the two teams will play a pair of exhibition games ahead of the beginning of the regular season.

The first game is being held at the North Peace Arena in Fort St. John on Friday night, while the second will take place in the District of Tumbler Ridge on Saturday evening.

According to club president Paul Van Nostrand, this was done because of several players hailing from the district play for the Canucks.

He says a similar approach was used in previous years when the teams squared off in the District of Chetwynd.

“They approached us over the summer about the chance to play exhibition games there,” said Van Nostrand. “The Canucks had been after the idea to host maybe an exhibition game out there.”

“There’s no junior or senior hockey in Tumbler Ridge.  This allows those folks to watch some high-level senior league hockey.”

He’s seen progression from his club during camp and knows there will be more growth this year.

“I noticed some changes in our players recognizing what it means to be successful in senior hockey,” said Van Nostrand.  “There are a number of aspects, and some lead around discipline.”

“They’ve also recognized they need to be stronger as well.  I know our players did participate in group training sessions.  Running and in the gym and so forth.”

The Canucks finished atop the NPHL standings in 2023-24 with 16 wins compared to a single draw and a loss, following it up with a western division finals loss to eventual champions the Spirit River Rangers.

Van Nostrand knows his team faces a tall task in their quest for victory. He says his team will need to “work hard” to be competitive.  

Dawson Creek’s top scorers Wesley Shipton, Brett Norman, and Garick Gray combined for 106 points last season, and goaltender Peyton Lee had a record of 7-1-1 last year.

“Dawson has been very strong for the past several years,” said Van Nostrand. “They have really stepped it up.  They added a few players with prior professional and junior league experience.”

“There’s no doubt about it. We’re going to have to work hard and play within an effective system to be successful against Dawson Creek. They are looking to be very good again.”

Puck drop will be at 8:00 p.m. for both games, starting with the tilt on Friday, October 11th, at North Peace Arena.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s game is being held at the Tumbler Ridge Arena, located in the community centre at 340 Front Street in the district.

The NPHL 2024-25 regular season will kick off on October 19th. See the Fort St. John Flyers Facebook page for more details.