Tired of seeing their playoff run take a back seat to the likely announcement of the Western Hockey League returning to Victoria, Salmon Kings players took matters into their own hands Monday.
RG Properties was expected to host the Western Hockey League at a major gathering at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre this morning to put an end to what everyone expects is already official: the Chilliwack Bruins’ relocation to Victoria for the 2011-12 season.
In hopes of wrestling attention from the WHL, the Salmon Kings Monday addressed the media with a plea.
“We can’t control what happens with the WHL or the Salmon Kings future, but we can control what happens in the (ECHL) playoffs,” defenceman Jeff Caister said. “Come out and support us.”
The Salmon Kings continue their second-round playoffs at 7:05 p.m. tonight. Beyond their playoff run, however, RG will likely return membership of the Salmon Kings to the ECHL. Several other franchises have also returned their membership to the league in recent years.
Victoria has been without major junior hockey since the Cougars moved to Prince George after the 1993-94 season.
The Bruins’ move to Victoria has been no secret, however, as the team’s outgoing minority owner, Moray Keith, leaked news of the sale in early March.
sports@vicnews.com