Fanshawe College's competitive extramural men's and women's hockey teams are gearing up for the 2011/12 season. This tournament league features 32 teams, with around 700 players in the men's league and 100 in the women's.

Eric Collins, Head Coach of both the men's and women's teams, said he is very excited for this year. "This is a dream job for me to run a hockey program, especially one with the excitement level that we have here at Fanshawe College for hockey."

The extramural college hockey tournament league features a series of tournaments from November until March at colleges across Ontario, ending with a men's championship tournament at Durham College on March 22 and 23. The teams are ranked based on how well they do during the tournaments, and the top 12 teams compete in the championship tournament in March.

According to Collins, the teams all have very talented players. "Most of our players are Junior caliber players for sure, I would equate them to the average player being a Junior 'C' caliber player," said Collins. Because of the high quality of the players, Collins said the teams are selected by invitation only. "I'll definitely take a look at you in the intramural league, and if you stand out to me, you'll get an invitation," he said. Last year, 250 players skated for 20 to 25 spots on the men's team.

Fanshawe forward Adam Chilvers had four goals and eight assists in 13 games last season with Fanshawe. He said both the coaching staff and the leadership from other players is a key factor in helping the team succeed. "There is lots of experience with our coaching staff," said Chilvers. "Combine that with the veteran leadership we had on the team last year and there is lots to look forward to."

Another member of the Fanshawe team, forward Jesse Dale, said he is honoured to have the chance to be a part of the team. "It is nice to represent Fanshawe," said Dale. "I'm definitely proud to wear the jersey."

With the number of returning players and quality new players, Collins said selecting the men's team this year will be tough, but any players who are still interested in playing are welcome to speak with him.

As for the women's team, Collins said that with the exception of a few returning players, including goalie Hilary Heighton, this year's team will be mainly new. Doug Cooper, a veteran coach and general manager at the minor and junior hockey level, joins Collins on the bench. "We've already had the first preliminary women's skate and I'm very impressed. Myself and assistant coach Doug Cooper, we're very excited to see that take shape." Even though the preliminary skate has already happened, Collins said that because of the strike, they're being a bit more lenient. "If there's a Fanshawe women's hockey player out there that wants to come play in our women's league, for sure come talk to me."

Collins said he hopes that in the near future hockey will become a varsity sport at colleges across Ontario. "Last year we were as a college supportive of varsity hockey returning to the OCAA. That said, we didn't get enough teams who joined to reach the minimum for the 2011/12 season, but we are hopeful going forward," he said, adding that there is another push to take it to the varsity level for 2012/13. "This is just something that the students are asking for that we're investigating and that perhaps we could facilitate in the future."

Collins is a part of the scouting and coaching staff for the Lambton Shores Predators Junior B hockey club, who many are talking about this season as a team to watch. With the level of experience from the coaching staff combined with the talent of the players, the 2011/12 season for Fanshawe extramural hockey is sure to be a success.

To speak with Eric Collins about skating for the men's or women's extramural hockey teams, visit J1034.