The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League is pleased to announce that Sooke has been awarded a franchise into the VIJHL, starting with the 2005-06 season. John Butler-Smythe, who has served on both the Executive of the Kerry Park Islanders and the VIJHL, has successfully met the conditions of both the VIJHL and the BCAHA.
"The League has been seeking an eighth team for the League and Sooke feels like a natural fit", Brian Harrison, President of the VIJHL stated.
Harrison added that the League was indeed fortunate to have a person of John's experience and enthusiasm become part of the League's ownership group. We are confident that Sooke will be very pleased with John and what he is adding to that community.
Sooke is viewed as a good location for a Jr. B franchise, as Jr. B teams tend to thrive in the smaller, growing communities.
Sooke fans will discover that Jr. B hockey is a fast, hard- hitting, entertaining brand of hockey that is increasingly attracting the skilled, younger player. Jr. B hockey provides local players the opportunity to play an excellent calibre of hockey in their own community.
The VIJHL has been the starting point for a number of players who have gone on to play in higher leagues. The VIJHL has worked extremely hard to reduce the violent aspect of the game and encourage families to attend its games.
The as-of-yet unnamed team will join teams from Campbell River,
Comox Valley, Peninsula, Oceanside (Parksville), Saanich,
Kerry Park (Mill Bay) and Victoria in a 48-game schedule
