PHOTO: Garrett James/BCHL
The West Kelowna Warriors are just 14 days away from hitting the ice for the 2017 version of Main Camp, free and open to the public with preseason games following shortly thereafter as they kick off the exhibition on Wednesday, August 23rd at RLP against the Penticton Vees, the first of six preseason contests.
Parm Dhaliwal is one of twelve potential returnees for the Warriors in the upcoming 2017/18 season, some of which will be featured in a “Countdown to Warriors Hockey” leading up to the late August camp. The Surrey, B.C. native put up an impressive rookie season in 2016/17, scoring 6 goals and 29 points while adding 26 penalty minutes. Dhaliwal made an immediate impression on the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and NHL Central Scouting as he was selected to play in the CJHL Top Prospects Game in Cornwall, Ontario.
The 18-year-old forward is looking to carry his experience as a rookie from last year into the beginning of this season, “Last year was a big jump for me from the Canadian Sport School League to the BCHL,” commented Dhaliwal, “The first month or so was hard for me to get used to the pace and playing with bigger, stronger and faster players. After that I kind of got into a rhythm and the veterans helped out the rookies a lot, which made for an easier transition.”
Being a veteran and helping out younger players is something Dhaliwal is looking forward to in his sophomore season, “I want to contribute on helping the rookies learn the league and help making their first years a little bit easier and fun.”
Offseason preparation is a key for every player at every level, especially when talking about junior hockey for developing not just physically, but mentally as well. The 5’11”, 185-pound centre got a better understanding on how to prepare for a grueling 7-plus month period of hockey, “Learning last year how fast the league is made me prepare even more this offseason to get ready for the season ahead by doing a lot of extra training.”
Dhaliwal, like every player, expects the best out of themselves and has personal goals set for himself for 2017/18 which includes scoring some goals, “For me to have a successful year, I think I need to produce more on the scoring side and try to be point-per-game kind of player,” continued Dhaliwal, “Contributing more on the defensive side of the puck and winning a lot more faceoffs is a big factor for me as well.”
Parm and the Warriors are set to hit the ice at Royal LePage Place for Main Camp on Monday, August 21st before the first preseason game on Wednesday, August 23rd at 7:00 PM at RLP against the Penticton Vees, tickets are just $5.
2017/18 Warriors season are available, along with news of the brand-new Booster Club! For more information, head down to the Warriors office or contact Kim or Alex at (250) 769-7051.
The Warriors are in need of billet families for the 2017/18 season. For more information on how to join the Warriors family, contact Nicole Ellis at (250) 878-9110 or email her at nicole@westkelownawarriors.ca.
