The Islanders opened their campaign on Friday, January 17, against the eventual 35+ champions, the Smithers Whalers. Despite the final scoreline of 7-0, the team put up a valiant effort, anchored by goaltenders Neil Lore and Don Fetherstun, who split the game and delivered excellent performances under heavy pressure. “It could have been much worse without their exceptional play,” remarked Islanders player Behn Cochrane..
On Saturday, January 18, the Islanders faced the Terrace Tricity Ice Hawks and started strong, jumping to an early 2-0 lead. However, penalty trouble in the second period shifted the momentum, and the Ice Hawks capitalized, resulting in a 7-4 loss for the Islanders. Todd Weisbrot led the Islanders’ offence with two goals, while Terry Wallace and Don Hancock each added one. Both Lore and Fetherstun split time in net once again, turning in solid performances.
The Islanders closed out the tournament on Sunday, January 19, with a thrilling 5-5 tie against Pacific Northern Gas. Goals from Tripper Rooney, Luke Borserio, Tim Fennel, Max MacDonald, and Terry Wallace kept the Islanders competitive in a game that went down to the wire. Goaltender Neil Lore was instrumental in securing the tie, making several clutch saves in the dying moments of the game. “It was a tight finish, and Neil really kept us in it,” remarked Cochrane.
Behind the bench was Gordan Cochrane , who travelled from Nanaimo to step in as the coach for the tournament.
Meghan Wallace and Laura Bishop from Haida Gwaii, represented the Prince Rupert Raiders in the Women’s Division, showcasing the island’s hockey talent on the regional stage.
The Islanders are now gearing up for more action, with tournaments scheduled in Kitimat on February 28 and the Buck and Doe Mixed Tournament back in Terrace on March 7. While results didn’t go their way this time, the Islanders showed grit, determination, and teamwork, setting the stage for stronger outings in the future.
The Terrace Adult Hockey Tournament, hosted by the Terrace Adult Hockey League, took place from January 17-19, bringing together teams from across the region to compete in four divisions: Women’s, Men’s 30+, Men’s 35+, and Men’s 50+. After three action-packed days, champions emerged in each category. Big Dog, a Prince Rupert/Terrace mix team, claimed the Women’s Division title, while West Point Rentals (Terrace) secured the Men’s 30+ championship. The Smithers Whalers dominated the Men’s 35+ Division, and the Burns Lake Hockey Club triumphed in the Men’s 50+ Division. The Islanders, competing in the Men’s 35+ Division, had a challenging but spirited showing, finishing the tournament with one tie and two losses.