The VIJHL season begins for the Nanaimo Buccaneers and Oceanside Generals. Nanaimo opens at home Sept. 5 versus Port Alberni and Oceanside starts on the road Sept. 6 in Saanich. (Buccaneers/Generals)

By Dan Marshall

PUCK DROP

Buccaneers, Generals begin new begin VIJHL seasons

Sep 5, 2024 | 10:15 AM

NANAIMO — The Oceanside Generals and Nanaimo Buccaneers are set to begin their 2024-25 Junior hockey campaigns.

The Buccaneers have made significant roster changes and former BCHL coach Bill Bestwick is now guiding the team.

Bestwick said he and the players are looking forward to the challenge, starting with Nanaimo’s home opener Thursday, Sept. 5 against the Port Alberni Bombers.

“There’s excitement and anticipation and an opportunity for the players to display their talents early in the season at home in front of family and fans so it’s an exciting time.”

After finishing with only a single win in the 2023-24 campaign, Bestwick is putting the building blocks in place for much more success in the short and long term.

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“Our ambition is to work hard each and every shift and to let the outcome be the outcome. We want to be prepared to play every day, be prepared to be the most disciplined team in the league and hopefully be the hardest working team.”

The Generals have a new coach as well with Marek Babic moving from Europe to Vancouver Island to take over the club.

He replaces long-time coach Dan Lemmon, who guided the team to a VIJHL championship in 2023.

Babic liked what he saw in training camp and the exhibition season.

“I was impressed with the speed and the size. I was pleasantly surprised with the size of our defence. It looks like the back end is going to be big and talented and we’ve got some speed up front.”

Oceanside will begin on the road Friday, Sept. 6 in Saanich and Babic can’t wait to get going.

“I’m beyond excited. I’m really looking forward to seeing the boys play and I think we’re in for a treat this year.”

The Generals had a third place finish in the North Division last season with a 27-15-5-1 record.

Nanaimo and Oceanside split a pair of preseason games in late August.

Their first regular season head to head matchup is Saturday, Sept. 14 at Oceanside Place.

— with files from Kyle Ireland

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