On Saturday and Sunday, I was among the hundreds of people who made their way to the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre Arena to take in some CIHL playoff action as the Rampage faced off against the Kitimat Ice Demons.
As you can read on page 23 of this week’s issue of the Prince Rupert Northern View, things didn’t quite go as hoped for the local squad as the Demons were able to hammer them 5-2 on Saturday and won a close 4-2 affair that included an empty netter on Sunday.
And while the team didn’t find the success they were hoping for on the ice, it’s tough not to give the team a tip of the hat for the progress they’ve made in the CIHL and what they’ve done for the community as well.
Consider that the Rampage and the Hazelton Wolverines entered the league at the same time. This year, their third in the league, the Rampage finished first overall in the CIHL western conference and third overall in the league with 22 points based on an 11-5 record (they would have actually placed second overall in the league if it were not for the forfeit against Terrace at the home-opener that cost them two points). In contrast, Hazelton finished tied for last in the league with four points and a 2-14 record.
That in itself is impressive when you consider last year the team finished with a record of 7-6-3.
But aside from what they do on the ice, the team never misses a chance to give back to the fans and the community. This year fundraisers have benefitted Civic Pride, the Salvation Army, the SPCA and other groups, while the players have participated in community parades and visited students at schools.
The team knows its the fans and the community that give them license to play in the CIHL, and they show they’re more than happy to support the community that supports them.
And with the Coy Cup being played at the arena beginning March 8, there’s still plenty of hockey to be played. Hats off to the Rampage for a great season.