Chris Clegg
When the High Prairie Regals were accepted into the North Peace Hockey League just weeks before the season started last fall, there was plenty of optimism regarding how well the team would do.
The season began with a packed house and an incredibly entertaining 3-1 loss against the defending champion Spirit River Rangers. The fan base was hungry and excited to see senior hockey back in town. As the season progressed, however, the losses mounted. In the end, 19 losses in regular season play and a two-game sweep at the hands of Valleyview Jets ended the Regals’ season Feb. 6.
However, the season was still a success despite the record. It is too easy to judge a season based on wins and losses – sure, we all want to win – but this season was never about wins and losses. It was about regaining entry into the NPHL and completing a season with strong commitment and dedication from the coaching staff and players. The Regals accomplished that goal despite troubling times.
The fact is, the NPHL is an unforgiving league. It is a highly competitive senior men’s hockey league and a major step up in competition from the Northwest Junior Hockey Leage or National Junior Hockey League, and former Greater Metro Hockey League. Wins were never going to come easy this season as the team adjusted to a higher calibre of play. Add to that the fact the Regals were playing against established teams that played together for years and the battle was a steep, uphill climb.
Despite the losses, the Regals led in nine of 20 regular season games and one of their two playoff games. Signs are there the team will soon be more competitive but it will take time.
Meanwhile, plenty of bouquets need to be delivered to the executive, coaching staff and players. Lindsay Davies stepped forward to be the team president and Trent Meyaard assembled a fine coaching staff that kept the team together. The commitment could not be doubted and that pleased many in the fan base who faithfully attended games.
Meanwhile, Barry Sharkawi put up the money so the team could kick-start operations. It is not inexpensive to operate a team and it needed a cash infusion. In past years, Jim McLean provided the cash to keep the team operating. He knows all about operating a team and how expensive it can be. One day, it would be a blessing if both were reimbursed for their contributions.
The Regals will need to raise money to begin operations next season. Therefore, a lot of work will have to be done over the spring and summer to play next season. It will not be easy but the community has shown it will support the team, if there is commitment and effort from the executive, management and players. In that regard, the Regals were undoubtedly winners this season.
Perhaps the biggest win came off the ice in the NPHL boardroom. The league’s teams did reject two previous bids from the Regals to join the league. The application approved last fall was not unanimous. Judging by the Regals’ season, there is not a single reason the team should not pass probation adn be accepted as a team in good standing.
Fans, that is more important than any result on the scoreboard this season.