STRONG FIELD HEADING TO VICTORIA FOR RBC

The field is set for the RBC Cup which begins one week from today. And what a field it is.

Representing the Pacific region is the Doyle Cup champion Vernon Vipers who swept the Grande Prairie Storm to advance to Victoria.

The defending RBC Cup champion Humboldt Broncos are back to defend and represent the Western region. Humboldt however, had to scratch and claw their way with the Portage Terriers in the Anavet cup to just have a shot to defend. They fell behind 3 games to 1 in their series, then sent a message in game 5 with an 11-2 win that they weren't going to go down without a fight. The Broncos then needed to return to Manitoba and get a pair of wins in overtime. In game 7, Humboldt was trailing 4-1 after 2 periods before rallying with 3 goals in the third period just to force overtime. Nick Kalnicki scored 6 minutes into overtime to complete the Bronco comeback and punch their return ticket to the RBC.

The Central region is represented by Kingston Voyaguers of the OJHL. They defeated the Fort William North Stars 4-1 in the final of the 4 team Dudley Hewitt Cup tournament to earn a trip to Victoria.

The Eastern region is represented by the Summerside Western Capitals. They needed a double overtime goal by Mike MacIsaac to give Summerside a 3-2 win over the Dieppe Commandos and claim Fred Page Cup.

And the field is rounded out by the host Victoria Grizzlies. The goal was to walk through the front door of the RBC at the start of the year for the Grizz. But that didn't happen as they lost in game 7 on home ice to the Powell River Kings in the Coastal Conference finals. But that's not to say that Victoria won't be sending a strong team. They finished the regular season with the BCHL's best record.

There's one story that stands out when initally looking at the field for this years RBC, and that's plenty of past tournament experience. Vernon, Humboldt and Summerside have all won this tournament in the past. With those 3 franchises combining for 7 RBC/Centennial Cup championships. Vernon leads the way with 4 (1999, 1996, 1991, 1990) followed by Humboldt 2(2008, 2003), and Summerside 1 (1997)

With a field this deep in RBC experience, it's the fans of Victoria who will benefit. And it all gets going next Saturday and runs through May 10th.

Sit down and buckle up because this tournament has the potential to be one of the greatest RBC's in recent memory. The only shame is the lack of national exposure and coverage this tournament gets during the week because it provides fans with great hockey, and the players memories that will last forever.

On a side note, keep on checking the Burnaby Expressions blog as I will be going down memory lane and will rekindle the Express run to the 2006 Royal Bank Cup by posting the highlights from that magical spring 3 years ago.

Wow, it's amazing how time flies, I can't belive that 3 years have already past since then. And those memories are as clear today as they were 3 years ago.