The Nanaimo Steelmen play AA senior men's hockey teams from around the province. They play home games out of both Nanaimo and Port Alberni. (Nanaimo Steelmen)

By Dan Marshall

Senior Men's Hockey

Nanaimo Steelmen bring high level senior hockey to the mid island

Nov 2, 2024 | 5:57 AM

NANAIMO — Senior hockey has made a return to the Harbour City.

The Nanaimo Steelmen are in their second season playing AA men’s hockey with home games in both Nanaimo and Port Alberni.

Goaltender and team spokesman Riley Medves said they’ve had great support so far with at least six home games this season scheduled in Nanaimo.

“We’ve got a bunch of really good local players and committed guys. Garrett Dunlop, David Osborne and myself all played on the inaugural Nanaimo Buccaneers team.It’s pretty cool to be playing on the Steelmen with those guys again.We have Curtis Toneff another name people will know, a couple guys from VIU and other players from around the island.”

The Powell River Regals are the most established West Coast team with the Lake Cowichan Apollos starting up this fall.

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“With us on the west coast we’re independent teams,” Medves said. “It’s nice to have those teams around to keep the competition going.”

The Steelmen practice usually once a week with 15-20 players making it out.

There are currently 15 games scheduled, averaging three to four nights a month.

Medves is impressed with the commitment of the group.

“If we go to someplace like Powell River that’s typically a whole weekend away from the family and away from work. The guys take days off, they just make it work.”

Nanaimo can also compete for the Coy Cup provincial championship.

The Coy Cup tournament will be held the last week of March 2025 in Prince Rupert.

“Right now we’re super focused on the Coy Cup and we’ll how this team goes and if it turns out really good maybe there’s a chance turn AAA in the future.”

The Steelmen have home games Nov. 1 in Port Alberni and Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Frank Crane Arena.

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