Osoyoos Coyotes fans follow the action during a recent game at the Oliver arena. In forefront (right) is loyal fan Stefano Marciano from Oliver, who is a season ticket holder.
Lyonel Doherty photo
Considering their win record (9-1) in the Oliver arena, the Osoyoos Coyotes should schedule more hockey games in the Wine Capital of Canada.
That would suit Oliver fans just fine.
Once again, the Coyotes gave fans what they wanted by defeating the Summerland Steam 6-1 on January 18.
It wasn’t a pretty start as Summerland finished the first period with a 1-0 lead. But the Coyotes soon dashed the Steam’s hopes with half a dozen straight goals. “Cool Hands” Luc Gradisar potted a hat trick to seal the deal.
Team owner Randy Bedard said there is definitely something about Oliver that bodes well for the Coyotes.
“We like it there because we win there,” he stated, noting they have only lost one game in the Oliver arena.
Bedard also pointed out that Oliver has produced two of the best players that the Coyotes have seen in the past few years – Stefan Jensen and Thierry Martine. Martine works at Fairview Mountain Golf Course and now volunteers as a coach for the new hockey skills development program in Oliver.
Jensen’s mother, Jen Jensen, is the Coyotes’ official team photographer.
“She is amazing; as big a part of the club as anyone,” Bedard said.
He pointed out that Oliver is an important part of the Coyotes’ success, which is why they play in the Wine Capital of Canada twice a year in the regular season.
Although the team has to pack up and turn a home game into a road game, Oliver is not far away.
Bedard said there is good fan and corporate support in Oliver, which they continually recognize.
“When players look in the crowd and hear the noise, it does a lot for them.”
He also noted that Oliver fans often make the trip to Osoyoos to cheer on the team.
Just ask season ticket holder Stefano Marciano.
“I’ve become addicted. They play as good or better than the NHL guys.”
Marciano said a recent tie game against Kimberley was the best game he has ever seen.
He hopes that the Coyotes will find a way to play more games in Oliver.
Osoyoos fan Bill Fryer, 75, said he doesn’t mind driving to Oliver to support the team. During one playoff game, he and his wife travelled to Armstrong and stayed there overnight.
“It’s exciting hockey,” Fryer said, adding that you definitely get your money’s worth.
Fryer noted the players not only have good character but they give 100 per cent effort in every game.
Bedard agreed that playing in Oliver makes for exciting games. He pointed out that the ice surface in Oliver is considerably smaller than the ice surface in Sun Bowl Arena in Osoyoos. Although you lose some space in the defensive zone, it makes for a fast game with greater scoring chances, he said.
Another plus is the fact that the team mascot (Yotie) is from Oliver. His identity is not a big secret, though.
Tyler Johnson, 16, said he was looking for a job, and the mascot gig came up. It was a good way to meet people and tame his shyness.
“You get to sneak up on people. You get to dance and do whatever you like because you’re a fool.”
He also likes expressing himself by learning his own sign language during the games.
Johnson said he likes the Coyotes because they are a smart team that can quickly read the strategy of their opponents.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
