The Churchbridge Imperials open their Sask East Hockey League season against the Wapella Blackhawks on Saturday, November 18th at 8:00 P.M. at the Kaminski Arena in Churchbridge.
Cole Cusitar of the Churchbridge Imperials was interviewed by Travis Longman of TL_Media on the Longman Apiaries Post Game Show following the THHL game between the Virden Oil Kings and the Boissevain Border Kings.
Longman asked Cusitar about the excitement he’s seen in the community with the return of the Imperials.
“Yes, lots of hype,” said Cole. “It’s been overwhelming at times with the support from the community and how everybody’s anticipating a great come back for hopefully the Imperials organization here and hopefully to bring some new light to our youth and try to introduce more of the game to our community and make hockey fun again.”
TL_Media: What’s the most exciting part or the most difficult part about bringing the team back to the community?
Cole Cusitar: Well, there were countless nights throughout the summer on the phone phoning old friends and hockey mates, but for the most part for local-wise we have a good local bunch of guys that are willing to commit. At times, it was kind of scary trying to line up a roster. After we kind of got over that hurdle of the commitment, it started to open up a few more doorways. Once word got out a little bit more, people started hearing and sharing the word which brought some more attention to the organization. We actually just submitted our roster here and we’re looking very forward to getting the team going Saturday versus Wapella.
TL_Media: You touched on it a little bit, who are some of the players that the fans will be excited about seeing?
Cusitar: I think lots will be excited for their local guys and I won’t be able to name all of them. Chris Korchinski would be one guy for sure. Certainly he’s come a long way with a little bit of a rehab programme he did throughout the summer with some knee problems. He’s looking forward to it and he’s a good locker room guy to have. We have a talented local goalie, who played a few years in Melville and he played down in Wisconsin with some Division II hockey, Colby Entz. I think a lot of people are very excited to watch him again. It’s nice for the community to see some of their local kids play. We have some imports coming in too. But for the most part, local wise, it’s nice to see that a lot of local guys stepped up. Some aren’t that young but they are willing to put their bodies on the line to help reintroduce the Imperial team into this South East Hockey League.
TL_Media: I am looking forward to coming to the rink to broadcast the first ever live stream of Churchbridge Imperials Senior Hockey. What can I expect to see in Churchbridge at the Kaminski area?
Cole: Well, from what I’ve been hearing, I think you’re going to expect a nice turnout. There’s a lot of people that are very excited to come to the game. A lot of the kids are excited to come on out and watch their dads, uncles, cousins and just to smell the popcorn in the bleachers again. It would be good to see the community out supporting their local team, as we support our community so much. I can’t say enough about how much we give to them. I think you’ll see lots of excitement, enthusiasm in the crowd and a lot of loud cheering. I’ve always said, there’s going to be a lot of people here when we get this team going. A lot of people are wanting to come from other communities that are wanting to see our roster this year and get a good idea of what they see against us this season.
Travis Longman mentioned that Churchbridge’s own Chris Hussey will be in attendance to assist with colour commentary throughout the game. Previous Imperials General Manager Rob Fiola will be in attendance for an interview at intermission as well.
Admission for adults 18 and over is $10, teenagers (12-17 years) is $5, seniors (65+) is $5 and kids 11 and under are free.
The game will be live streamed with commentary on the TL_Media Facebook page.