By now, you’ve likely heard the Castlegar Rebels have captured their first division title since 1996.
It’s an impressive feat for our local KIJHL team, who are also sitting with 80 points in the Kootenay Conference, just four points shy of first-place Fernie Ghostriders (who are also tied for the league title with the Osoyoos Coyotes.)
After this weekend’s games against Beaver Valley, the team will be heading into playoffs, which start Monday night at the Complex against Spokane.
Whether you’ve played a sport before or not, there’s no arguing a certain adrenaline rush comes from playing in front of a packed arena, gym or field.
Knowing that many people have come out to support you and your team makes you work harder, and appreciate all the effort you’ve put in to get to that moment.
This isn’t to say that Castlegar hasn’t supported the Rebels the season. During weekends especially, the stands are often full with more fans standing above on the landing.
But there’s something about playoffs that makes a fan’s presence just that much more important.
While this year’s Rebels wind down, this will be the last time to see graduating players on home ice as well. As reported on page 19, veteran players Anthony DeLong and Ryan Aynsley are both heading south for university next year.
So let’s get out there next week and show the Rebels that we can cheer louder than any other fans in the KIJHL.
And who knows? We might be part of history in the making.
The playoff series starts at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, and continues at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both games are at the Castlegar Complex.