Sparta set to host 1st-ever home games

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for Kelowna Sparta to make their home debut.

With the Kelowna Rockets on the road in Alberta this weekend, local hockey fans can get their fix by checking out the Senior AA team’s two-game series against the visiting North Island Capitals on Friday and Saturday. Both games feature 8 p.m. puck-drops at CNC. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10, or online at kelownasparta.com. Kids 12-and-under are free.

Boomers Bar and Grill will have game-day specials available for fans.

Sparta, comprised of former junior, college and semi-professional players including WHL, BCHL and KIJHL alumni, enjoyed great success in their expansion season — making it to last year’s Coy Cup final before losing a hard-fought championship game, 7-4 to the Whitehorse Huskies in the Yukon on April 1.

This year, Sparta is currently ranked No. 1 in B.C. and will again compete for the Coy Cup, to be held in Williams Lake from March 27-31.

Some familiar names on Sparta’s 30-man roster, coached by Kim Barnstable, include: Kevin Walrod, Sasha Golin, Aaron Buat, Matt Elia, Dave Mann, Branden Redschlag, and co-founders Kelly Loudoun and Kolby Barnstable.

Some of the top new additions include: Troy Bigam, Alex Dzielski, Steve Koshey, Bryden Marsh and Colton Semenok.

Several of Sparta’s players, ranging in age from 19 to mid-30s, previously suited up for the now defunct Okanagan College Coyotes in the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League.