Eddie Mountain Division Preview & Predictions

Most teams have finalized their opening day roster so it seems appropriate now to do a preview and prediction of the standings for the Eddie Mountain Division. I have said in the past, and I will say it again, the Eddie Mountain Division is the best division in the KIJHL, most competitive, most rabid fans, and communities that support their team. It is always hard to do predictions.

First, in alphabetical order, let's do a preview of each team in the division.

Columbia Valley Rockies - The Rockies have no '96 born players on their roster so they will lean heavily on their crew of '97 players: Davin Burton, Will Reynish, Cole Richardson, and Quinn Sobus; to bring leadership. They have 9 returning KIJHL vets, including goaltender Connor McKay who was a part of the reason for the Rockies being one of the, if not THE most improved team in the KI last year. They have three youngsters to pay attention to: Brennan Nelson (00), Kyler Shmigelsy (00), and Owen Lee (99). 

Creston Valley Thunder Cats - The 2017 Cyclone Taylor Cup hosts. A team that should have minimal difficulty recruiting because they have an automatic spot to play for gold and a ticket to the Keystone Cup. They have five 20 year olds: Grant Iles, Luke Kalenuik, McConnel Kimmet, Lien Miller-Jeannotte and Nico Sidoni. They have six rookies on their roster and only two players born in '99 the rest are '98 and older. Between the pipes is the ever stable Brock Lefebvre as he enters his fourth season with the team.

Fernie Ghostriders - This team has a core that is could come to fruition. Up front they have Alex Cheveldave, Justin Peers and Taylor Sincennes leading the charge, and Brandon Butler between the pipes. They have their playoff leading scorer from last season, Mack Differenz returning as well. They have two AP's from last year that put in solider performances in their short time, Derek Green (99) and Brandon Youngson (98). 

Golden Rockets - They had a season to forget last year, but I do not doubt their coaches ability to rebound due to his success in roller hockey. They have eight KIJHL returnees and two 20 year olds: Austin Pultz and Layne Hunter. On the offensive side they have Jake Gudjonson (99) returning who put up solid numbers for a young rookie on a struggling team.

Kimberley Dynamiters - The Nitro's are sporting a new core of players, with 15 rookies and 8 returning players. Up front they have the recently acquired Ryan Hozjan (96) and Nicholas Ketola (97), plus Franco Colapaolo (96), Korbyn Chabot (99), James Farmer (97) with Lucas Purdy (98) and James Rota (98) on the back end. Mitch Traichevich (97) returns between the pipes. New GM/HC Derek Stuart has big shoes to fill.

Now for the predictions, first I would like to go with my heart which is the hometown bias with the teams in reverse order of rivalry. So my heart says:

1. Kimberley Dynamiters
2. Golden Rockets
3. Columbia Valley Rockies
4. Creston Valley Thunder Cats
5. Fernie Ghostriders

But this is what my brain says:

1. Fernie Ghostriders - They have a core that has built chemistry over years, I expect them to dominate.
2. Creston Valley Thunder Cats - They have a fantastic team on paper, individual talent seems to carry them, they need team play to advance. I expect (prove me wrong Cats) that they will have an implosion that will cost them 1st in the division. And who cares because they will play for the Cyclone Taylor Cup anyways.
3. Kimberley Dynamiters - New team, lots of potential. I expect them to peak after December playing their best hockey in January and February.
4. Columbia Valley Rockies - Similar to the Nitro's, and a repeat of last year, expect them to start turning heads in the New Year.
5. Golden Rockets - They will improve tremendously compared to last season, but not enough to make the playoffs this year.

Let's see how well I do this year....