Nanaimo Buccaneers set for a swashbuckling hockey season

Nanaimo's junior B hockey club will try to carry on its course toward a winning season as it opens the 2025-26 campaign this coming weekend. The Nanaimo Buccaneers start the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season this Saturday, Sept. 6, with a home game against the Comox Valley Glacier Kings. The Bucs went 1-3 in the pre-season, but finished strongly with a 4-3 overtime win against the Port Alberni Bombers on the road. This week the games start to count for the Bucs and new head coach Tyler Gow, who takes over bench boss duties from Bill Bestwick. Gow was part of the Bucs' coaching staff last year and helped with the team's "cultural turnaround," according to a club press release. "Known for his leadership, discipline, and developmental mindset, Gow has earned widespread respect for his work behind the bench," the release added. GAME ON … The Bucs and Glacier Kings play Saturday, Sept. 6, at 7:15 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. For ticket information, visit http://nanaimobuccaneers.ca/buy-ticketshttp://nanaimobuccaneers.ca/buy-tickets [http://nanaimobuccaneers.ca/buy-tickets].