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Caps hopeful Matheson won’t stick in Saskatoon

Don Bodger - Cowichan News Leader
August 19, 2009

All going well, the Cowichan Valley Capitals will have a former superpest on their side this season.

The B.C. Hockey League Caps orchestrated a three-way deal to acquire Tyler Matheson from the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Grande Prairie Storm.

Matheson, who just turned 19 on July 24, played for the Victoria Grizzlies last season before being dealt to the Storm.

The Caps sent Taylor Holst, whose family requested a trade, to the Quesnel Millionaires and the Storm picked up Taylor Rovatti from the Millionaires.

The Caps are happy to acquire Matheson, who had nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points and led the Grizzlies in penalty minutes last season with 104. The only condition is he’s attending the Saskatoon Blades’ Western Hockey League camp and might not actually return to the BCHL.

“If Matheson sticks in the Western League, we get another player,’’ said Caps’ coach Scott Robinson.

Robinson has no doubts Matheson can play in the WHL, but it depends if he’s willing to accept whatever role the Blades might offer.

“I think he’ll have a real good shot at beating out everybody,’’ said Robinson.

But if things don’t work out to Matheson’s satisfaction, the Caps have a lineup spot waiting for him.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed,’’ said Robinson. “There’s risk on all sides for everyone. We really wanted to make sure we filled the hole when Taylor left.’’

Holst figured to be one of the Caps’ top six forwards this season and they’re looking at a similar role for Matheson.

“We were in a battle with Victoria a couple of years ago to sign him,’’ said Robinson.

“He’s a big, strong, physical player who’s a leader and knows what it takes to win.’’

The Caps return to the ice for a rather quick training camp, starting next Tuesday at Cowichan Arena.

Ice sessions Tuesday through Thursday are at 10 a.m. and 7:15 p.m.

The Caps open exhibition play Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. at Fuller Lake Arena against Nanaimo. They take on Alberni Valley at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.