Hockey season is almost here in Terrace, and the River Kings are getting ready to hit the ice. Team president Tammy Braid said the roster should look a lot like last year’s, but open tryouts could bring a few changes.
“Our roster looks very similar to last year,” Braid said. “We do have tryouts coming up, so I’m not sure who’s going to show up, but as far as I know, the roster looks very similar.”
One of the more exciting developments is the return of former River Kings captain Austin Turner.
Turner has been away finishing school, but now he’s back with the team full-time. Braid noted he played a few games last year, but this time he’s here for the whole season.
“One of our returning players from two seasons ago, our former captain Austin Turner, will be back,” she said. “He did come home for some games last year, but now he’s finished school so now he’s back.”
With the roster shaping up, Braid made it clear that the River Kings have high expectations. She noted that after a couple of strong years, the team’s focus hasn’t changed. It’s still about pushing themselves into the playoffs and chasing the Coy Cup.
“Our expectations are the same every year,” she explained. “We want to make playoffs and we want to win a berth to the Cup and try for a threepeat.”
The competition won’t be easy. Braid reflected on last season and said there were no blowouts, with nearly every game being decided by just a goal or two. She pointed to one rival that always brings out the best in the River Kings.
“Historically, our toughest competition has been Quesnel,” Braid said. “In recent years it’s been Hazelton, but last year every game was close. We beat Kitimat by one goal, we beat Rupert by one goal. If I had to pick one team, it’s probably Quesnel.”
Beyond the wins and losses, Braid emphasized how important it’s been for the River Kings to stay connected with the community. She talked about how the team has worked to build not just a strong roster, but also a strong bond with the people of Terrace.
“Over the last couple years we’ve really tried to bring back community within our hockey team,” Braid noted. “We want to provide fun, affordable entertainment for Terrace, and our fan base has been awesome.”
That connection is now even stronger because many of the players grew up in Terrace and now get the chance to play in front of family and friends who used to cheer them on in minor hockey.
“A lot of these guys are from here, so their families are coming to watch them,” Braid added. “We just want to have fun, don’t get hurt, and provide some entertainment for this small town.”
The home opener for the Terrace River Kings will take place on Sept. 20 where they take on the Kitimat Ice Demons to kick off their 2025/26 season.
