DANKOCHIK’S DRAFTINGS: Thoughts from the Centennial Cup in P.E.I.

It’s been a whirlwind few days here for me at the Centennial Cup in Summerside, P.E.I. I’m typing this column above the ice surface as the hometown Summerside Capitals appear on their way to clinching a spot in the playoffs, as they lead Thunder Bay 3-0.

Here are some thoughts as I take in a lot of the Junior A National Championships.

NIGHTHAWKS ROLLING

I was a little worried the trip out East wouldn’t be all that fruitful after watching the first game online, with Summerside giving the Nighthawks the most trouble I’ve seen from any team all year.

Two games later and wins over Thunder Bay and Canmore have certainly ended those worries.

The Nighthawks deep roster, and their now-guaranteed spot in the semi-finals should give them a great chance to hoist the championship.

They’re well equipped to deal with a back-to-back at the highest level, which they’ll need to sweep to hoist the cup

MARITIME TEAMS LOOK STRONG

The Maritime Hockey League has two teams at this tournament, and far from being spot fillers, they’ve looked as dangerous as any team. Summerside not only took Niverville to overtime but also defeated Central Canada Hockey League champions Rockland.

In the other group, MHL champions Truro have looked dangerous as well, defeating Flin Flon and Toronto and appear on pace to advance to the playoffs as well.

SUMMERSIDE FACILITIES IMPRESS

The building in Summerside is spectacular. From the P.E.I. Sports Hall of Fame, the major events wall detailing the history of the building everything oozes quality. They even have a pool and bowling alley, alongside the Summerside Raceway where harness racing training has been taking place over the weekend.

I can see why the community has become a bit of a hub for events, hosting the Ray Carter Baseball Tournament coming up and previously hosting the Canada Games.

ISLAND TRANSIT

After flying into Charlottetown, I was worried I’d need to spend hundreds more on a taxi to make the hour drive across the Island to Summerside.

Instead, all I needed was a toonie, as P.E.I.’s transit system made traversing the Island a breeze. Two bucks was all I needed to get a ride in between the two biggest centres in Canada’s smallest province. It would be great if Manitoba could support some kind of transit system in between centres as well.

It’s also been great to walk along the ocean to get to the rink every day.