Cowichan Valley Capitals
The Cowichan Valley Capitals are a junior ice hockey team based in the Cowichan Valley Regional District of British Columbia, Canada. Established in 1979, the Capitals have been a prominent team in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and have had many notable matchups with rival teams throughout their rich history. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most important and intense matchups in the Capitals’ history.
The Victoria Grizzlies, a team founded in 1994, have been a fierce rival of the Cowichan Valley Capitals since their early days in the BCHL. From the very beginning, these two teams have had a strong and heated competition, often battling it out for the top spot in the standings. The geographic proximity of the two teams only adds fuel to the fire, with fans from both sides filling up the arena and creating a high-intensity atmosphere.
In fact, one of the most memorable matchups between the Capitals and the Grizzlies took place during the 2008-2009 regular season when the two teams were neck and neck for the division title. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams giving it their all and showcasing their talent on the ice. In the end, it was the Capitals who emerged victorious with a 4-3 win, securing the division title and bragging rights over their long-time rivals. This intense and thrilling victory further solidified the longstanding rivalry between the two teams.
Another noteworthy matchup for the Cowichan Valley Capitals is against the Nanaimo Clippers, a team that has been in the BCHL since 1972. This rivalry dates back to the late 1970s when the two teams were vying for the top spot in the standings. The rivalry only intensified when the Clippers relocated to a new, modern arena in Nanaimo, drawing in larger crowds and creating an electric atmosphere for their games against the Capitals.
One memorable game between the Capitals and the Clippers took place during the 2004-2005 season, when the two teams were competing for the playoff spot. The game was tied at 3-3 with only a few minutes left in the third period when the Capitals managed to score a late goal and clinch the victory, securing their spot in the playoffs. The arena erupted with cheers from the Capitals’ fans, while the Clippers were left stunned and disappointed. This game not only showcased the intense rivalry between the two teams but also the resilience and determination of the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Moving on to the current era, the rivalry between the Capitals and the Powell River Kings has also been a significant one. The two teams have been battling it out in the Island Division since the Kings’ induction into the BCHL in 1998. Over the years, these two teams have had their fair share of intense and closely contested games.
In the 2019-2020 season, the Capitals faced the Kings in the first round of the playoffs, with the series stretching to a decisive seventh game. The final game was a nail-biting affair, with both teams giving it their all in a do-or-die situation. Ultimately, it was the Capitals who came out on top with a 6-2 victory, clinching the series and moving on to the next round. This win not only showcased the talent and determination of the Capitals but also the intense competition between them and the Kings.
The Cowichan Valley Capitals have had several intense and memorable matchups with their biggest rivals throughout their history. Whether it’s the fierce competition with the Victoria Grizzlies, the longstanding rivalry with the Nanaimo Clippers, or the current battle with the Powell River Kings, these matchups have created a rich and exciting history for the Capitals.
Looking ahead, one can only anticipate more thrilling and intense games between the Capitals and their rivals. As the saying goes, The best part of a rivalry is the rivalry itself, and that rings true for the Cowichan Valley Capitals and their fans. So let’s gear up and get ready for more exciting battles on the ice as the Caps continue to make their mark in the BCHL.
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