The South Okanagan Heat is a Bantam Rep Hockey team that draws players from Osoyoos, Oliver, Grand Forks and Princeton. 26 players tried out in August with only 17 spots available. This year Mike White and Corey Thompson, both local boys brought up in Princeton Minor Hockey, made the team and have been large parts of a very successful year so far!
Thompson is one of two goalies on the team and as such he splits duties. Coaches have commended Corey on his play of late and his always positive attitude on the ice and off.
“This is the best team I have ever played on. All the guys are playing for each other and we really have fun together,” said Corey after the tournament. “Winning is pretty cool, too!!”
White has spent time at center this season, but has recently moved back to defense, where his coaches have praised the way he sees the ice and makes smart decisions. It showed in Merritt, where he was on the ice for zero even-strength goals against in four games.
“I have been playing D for about 8 years, so I see things better back there. I feel a lot more comfortable. We are very strong up front, we score a lot. Moving back I think I help the team more, and I can bring some help to our first year D-men.”
Over the Nov. 25 weekend the Heat travelled to Merritt for a 3 day tournament against teams from North Shore, Mission, Chilliwack, Langley, Burnaby and Merritt.
Corey was in goal for two games, winning both against North Shore and eventual runners-up Langley. White chipped in 6 assists as the team won all four games on their way to the first tournament win of the season. In winning the tourney the Heat out-scored their opponents by a whopping 41-13, including a 12-2 final against the Langley Eagles.
The South Okanagan Heat is scheduled to play in Princeton in January at the Annual Jr. Posse Bantam tournament. Dates of play are January 10 -12. Come out and cheer on the boys, as they play their only true home games of the 2013-14 season.