Cloverdale HC Kicks Off Inaugural Season with 600 Fans in Attendance

UPDATE: Nearly 600 fans filled The Barn on September 18, 2023, for Cloverdale HC’s highly anticipated inaugural regular season hockey game. Team owner Ronnie Paterson expressed immense relief as the team finally took the ice after a tumultuous two-week delay to the start of their Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) season.

“This is a tremendous relief for our players, their families, and the entire community,” Paterson stated, emphasizing the overwhelming local support that surged in the lead-up to the game. Just 24 hours before the match, he noted, the team’s future was uncertain, casting a shadow over their debut.

On September 9, PJHL president Trevor Alto shocked fans with a statement declaring that Cloverdale HC was ineligible to participate in league activities due to compliance issues. Following this announcement, the team faced a potential season cancellation after their first game against the Surrey Knights was called off.

However, in a remarkable turn of events, a court battle between teams resulted in a resolution just days before the game. Paterson highlighted the “gobsmacking” level of community support, which included an online petition that gathered nearly 3,500 signatures advocating for the team’s future.

Paterson, a member of the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame and a former Team Canada goalie, remarked on the community’s rich hockey history and the passion demonstrated by supporters. “The energy here is unmatched. It’s incredible to witness such dedication,” he said, praising the resilience shown by his players during this tumultuous period.

Despite the last-minute nature of the game, the turnout was impressive, with 580 fans attending on less than a day’s notice. “To have such a full barn showcases the community’s enthusiasm and commitment to junior hockey,” Paterson commented.

As Cloverdale HC embarks on its inaugural season, all eyes are on the team and its supporters. Paterson is optimistic about building a strong partnership with the community, stating, “We look forward to a tremendous season ahead.”

The next match is crucial for the team as they aim to capitalize on this momentum and further engage with their passionate fan base. The unfolding story of Cloverdale HC serves as a reminder of the power of community and the love for hockey that binds fans together.

Stay tuned for further updates as the season progresses and Cloverdale HC continues to strive for success on and off the ice.