After two decades, the U18 Cowichan Capitals have secured a spot at the provincial championships, and their head coach said he could not be prouder.
Head coach Jordan Kamprath said the team returned in the new year undefeated, with that effort carrying into the playoffs.
“We’ve been guaranteed a semi-final game,” Kamprath said. “I’ve never seen this team more dialed into the system and have a goal this year. Coming back from Christmas, we changed some stuff up, and we’ve been undefeated thus far.
“I’ve never seen them play the style they have been, everyone is coming into the arena focused up and working together as a team.”
Kamprath said the team’s development, particularly in scoring and teamwork, has been encouraging.
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“We have a lot of secondary and primary scoring, happening,” he said. “The older players are really helping the younger ones, and they’re all stepping up when needed.”
He said the community has played a key role in the team’s success.
“We have a list of 25 to 30 sponsors that have really cut the cost for the parents and the families to come out to Trail,” he said. “It has been really amazing to see the local support, especially when so much is sacrificed.”
The team defeated Nelson 8-2 on Sunday and Penticton on Monday, before losing 6-3 to the Mission Stars on Tuesday.
Kamprath said it is the first time the team has reached the provincial championships in 24 years.
