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Quesnel Kangaroos drop both games in inter-league exhibition

The Roos hosted the Dawson Creek Canucks for two games at the West Fraser Centre

The Quesnel Kangaroos were very gracious hosts to the Dawson Creek Canucks.

The local senior men’s AA hockey team hosted the Canucks for a pair of exhibition games at the West Fraser Centre on Dec. 15 and 16. Dawson Creek, despite being undermanned, won both games.

The Canucks are the reigning Coy Cup champions. The competition pits the best B.C. senior AA teams against each other after the season is over. With the North Peace Hockey league not operating in 2021/2022, Dawson Creek needed to play exhibition games to qualify for playdowns.

READ MORE: Quesnel Kangaroos president hopeful for a three-peat season despite COVID-19

“We had to find six exhibition games, which isn’t always easy to do with other teams in leagues,” Canucks captain Jeff Taylor said.

The Canucks have also played two exhibition games against Camrose of Alberta’s North Central Hockey League, and are set to finish off a two-game series with their local junior B team in January. Coy Cup playdowns begin on Jan. 10.

“Kudos to Quesnel,” Taylor said.

“There’s some good crowds here in Quesnel, we really appreciate being able to come play the game and have a good opponent, it was really fun for us.”

Quesnel player Eli Jarvis said after the game it was a good test for the Kangaroos.

“They’re a fast team, they’re a big team,” he said of the Canucks.

“It’s nice to see what other leagues have to offer. We’re in our league, playing the top players in that league. It was a good experience, hopefully, we can do it again soon.”

Despite being billed as exhibition games, it was clear both teams were treating it as a potential preview of a Coy Cup matchup. Both games were hard-hitting, entertaining contests.

“That’s definitely our goal, to win the Coy Cup, and that’s what we’re gearing up for,” Taylor said.

“It was good to see a team in this central league, and one of these teams is going to host the Coy Cup, it was good to see these guys and it was a lot of fun.”

The Roos return to their regularly scheduled Central Interior Hockey League when they host Williams Lake on Dec. 18.

READ MORE: Roos game provides splash of hope

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com


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cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com

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