Like many Canadians, I have been spending so much time Olympic tv watching, looking at related web sites, and newspaper articles, that this blog will be a little different.

Last week, the Salmon Kings were in Utah and at the end of the series, which was close, came out with the acquisition of a new forward, Bryan Leitch, who was a BCHL superstar with the Merritt Centennials. Jimmy Sharrow's excellent play was noticed and he has been signed by the AHL San Antonio Rampage. Thus Coach Morrision had to add another defenseman, Bobby Davey, who was acquired from the Bakersfield Condors.

Friday and Saturday see the Salmon Kings in Bakersfield for a two game series. With Victoria ahead of the Condors by a slim margin in the Conference, and with the Condors having four games in hand, these two matches may be crucial to the final placement for playoff position. The following week will see a three game series in California Central Valley farm belt with games against the Stockton Thunder.

On March 10, the Victoria squad is back home for a home series with Idaho.

MARTY WAVES THE FLAG---At the last home game, the Burnside-Gorge Community Centre had a table in the lobby and they were promoting the Olympic Recognition Event they were hosting. A free event, for the first 100 to arrive to watch the US vs Canada game.

An RBC loonie exchange took place to give those who chose to a chance to obtain the new Inukshuk loonie. There was also face painting and crafts for the kids, a concession of hot dogs, pizza, drinks and snack for the grown ups.

Island Farms had their mascot Daisy the Cow and her handler Farmer Vicky. But the star of the day no doubt was the presence of Marty the Marmot!!! My friend had on herewhite Team Canada jersey and I chose to wear the Salmon Kings red jersey, which turned out to be what Marty wore. The result was not as hoped, but it was quiet the event. It is always heartwarming when children make positive comments about the Salmon Kings when they see someone in a jersey or wearing a team hat etc.

ISLAND HOCKEY OLYMPIANS---Frank Fredrickson and Hal Halderson were with the 1920 Winnipeg Granites in Antwerp. Both were members of the famous 1925 Stanely Cup winning Victoria Cougars. In 1984, Coach Morrison was part of Dave Kings Canadian National Team but hockey politics meant he and another player were not allowed into the Olympics. Another member of the team, Victoria's Russ Courtnall became Vancouver Island;s first Winter Olympian. Another Victorian, Kent Manderville would represent Canada in 1992 at Albertville. Just past the Salmon Kings dressing room, there is a Wall of Olympians that lists all with Island connection to the Olympics, both Summer and Winter. It is an inspiring thing to see.

That is my blog for this week, normal coverage of Salmon Kings This Week will return early next week.