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Fan support doesn't go unnoticed by Caps


Friday, April 3rd 2009Fan support doesn't go unnoticed by Caps
JASON SIMMONDS
The Journal Pioneer

  SUMMERSIDE -- Strong fan support is nothing new for the Summerside Western Capitals.
But three individuals experiencing this for the first time admit they've never been with a team that has received the support the Caps are getting in the Maritime Junior 'A' Hockey League playoffs.
"I've said it before, the fans of Summerside are passionate about their hockey," said head coach Kenny MacDougall of Stratford. "They support their team and they'll travel anywhere to do it."
An example of that was Game 4 of the Maritime Junior 'A' Hockey League's Roger Meek Division final series in Miramichi, N.B., last Saturday, when the Caps were cheered on by two busloads of fans and a large number of supporters who travelled by vehicles.
"It was quite a feeling for us to get on the ice over in Miramichi and the roar of the crowd," said MacDougall. "One of the boys commented to me, 'It's just like a home game.'"
The Capitals host the Truro Bearcats in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Kent Cup final Sunday at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are available at Credit Union Place's box office daily from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.city.summerside.pe.ca 24 hours a day.
With the Capitals averaging a league-high 981 fans in the regular season and 2,051 in four playoff home games, those numbers are expected to swell as the Caps and Bearcats battle in what is expected to be a close series.
"We had a great turnout the first two series and we're hoping we get nice crowds in the final since there'll be no other hockey on the go," said Capitals forward Chad Locke, who was acquired from Halifax on New Year's Day. "People always want to follow their Island teams."
Forward Nathan Snowie joined the Caps for his final year of junior 'A' eligibility. Has he ever been on a team that has received support like the Caps have?
"Never to this extent," answered the Harrington native. "With the (P.E.I.) Rocket, we might have had one or two fan busses, but I've never seen anything like this.
"With the two fan busses and the vehicles travelling over (to Miramichi) and all the parents, it was incredible."
Locke agreed with Snowie.
"When I first came here I heard it was a great place to play and the team had good fan support," said the 20-year-old from St. John's, N.L. "This is really my first opportunity to experience good crowds like this.
"In Miramichi, I couldn't hear any Miramichi fans -- it was all Caps' supporters.
"I don't think there is a team out there that can compare (their support) to here."

jpsports@journalpioneer.com
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