The Comox Valley Glacier Kings open their 2025-26 regular season tonight as they travel to Nanaimo to take on the Buccaneers. Nanaimo played home and home series with both Oceanside and Port Alberni during the pre-season going 1-3 with their one win coming in overtime in Port Alberni. Jack Barrett scored the winner at 7:24 of the extra frame which was his 3rd goal and 4th point in 3 exhibition games.

The Glacier Kings meanwhile played Campbell River 3 times and Lake Cowichan twice going a combined 0-4-1, losing all their games by 1 goal (except in Lake Cowichan which was an empty netter that made it 2 goals).  Comox was led by Joel Schmidt who had 3 goals and 1 assist in 3 games. Suhaan Nagra also scored 3 goals during his 5 exhibition games.

It’s hard to see how this year’s Glacier Kings team stacks up against last year’s. They will have fewer 20 year old’s up front than they ended up with last season.  Head coach & GM Curtis Toneff believes the Defence should be better and is expecting the Forwards to be decent as well. He said, “I think with our Forwards, we’ll have 3 second lines and then a real good role line. It’s very early still but I like the attitude of our team. We have to see them execute more but I won’t say better or worse, just need a bigger sample size.”

Scoring goals was difficult at times for Comox Valley last season. Toneff said, “I can see that improving this season. Last year I thought we defended very well. I think me as a coach, maybe need to to loosen up on some details and the let the players make more plays.” Of course the issue with loosening the reigns would most likely have an effect on their defensive systems that they have in place.

It appears the Glacier Kings will start the season with 13 forwards and 5 defenceman. Toneff said that he will keep 5 defenceman for the time being while he awaits the fate of Kyle Mayenburg who is trying out with the Powell River Kings right now. The Comox bench boss also said, “I’m definitely on the hunt for defencemen but I’m just not the kind of guy anymore that in the back of my mind I know a guy I bring in that won’t make it through, and charge him money. I’d rather give the extra reps to our guys and when the one or two good ones come along, pick them up.” As a side note, the Glacier Kings will also be carrying 3 goalies, at least to start the year.

Glacier Kings Matchup Tonight

Comox Valley @ Nanaimo
Date: Sep. 6-25
Time: 7:15 PM
Location: Nanaimo Ice Centre
Comox Valley Record: 0-0-0-0 (T-3rd in North)
Nanaimo Record: 0-0-0-0 (T-3rd in North)
Last Year’s Head To Head: 4-1-0 (For Comox Valley)

Darryl Skender