The Columbia Valley Rockies have had a slow start to the 2011-12 season but nobody in the dressing room is down.

“This is a work in progress,” says assistant coach Jan Kascak. “We’ve got some good, young talent who are making some mistakes but they’re working hard.”

Kascak spoke after the Rockies’ 7-1 loss to the Creston Valley Thunder Cats on Saturday night September 24.

The loss was the team’s fourth of the regular season, including a 6-1 game at home on Friday night versus the North Okanagan Knights.

Local defenceman Brendan Sage tried to rally the troops in Saturday’s game with a fight midway through the second period. He said his game plan was to play a more physical game and make some big hits.

“Guys don’t like it when you hit them, so they come back at you,” he commented after the game.

“When you make some hits, the other team backs up and it opens up the ice. We have to play more physical and communicate better.”

The squad travelled to Sicamous to take on the Eagles on Sunday afternoon. That game ended 9-2 in the Eagles’ favour.

“We have to get more pucks to the net and drive the net for rebounds,” Kascak said.

He also stated that the goalies are going to face a lot of shots this year.  Two of the netminders have already looked at more than 180.

A third ‘tender, Joel Adams, is still awaiting paperwork to come through prior to his appearance between the pipes. Kascak said it is the team’s intent to carry three goalies for the time being.

The young team under the direction of first year coach Marc Ward faced the Kimberley Dynamiters at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Tuesday night. The score for the night was not available at press time.

In upcoming games, the Nitros will host the Rockies on Saturday and the Fernie Ghostriders will visit Invermere on Tuesday October 4.

The team is still seeking more billet homes for players. If you can help, give Lucy Miller a call at 250-342-6883.