Indians play to a draw with Traverse City

NEWS RELEASE

SOO INDIANS HOCKEY CLUB

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INDIANS TIE ONE ON As far as debuts go, it was rather impressive. Soo Indians of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League made their season debut on Thursday afternoon at Big Bear Arena, battling the Traverse City North Stars of the North American Hockey League to a 3-3 tie. The 3 p.m. exhibition game was played before a healthy crowd of more than 100, a turnout that reportedly surpassed what the Indians' predecessors -- the Northern Michigan Black Bears -- used to average last season. "Not bad for an afternoon exhibition," said Indians' coach/general manager Jim Capy. "It was a nice turnout of fans." Despite rotating more than 30 players vying for positions -- including 21 forwards and three goalies -- the Indians matched Traverse City stride for stride. "What you saw out there was Traverse City's team of 23 players up against the 30-plus players who we dressed. I'm pretty happy right now," Capy added. The Indians took a 2-0 first-period lead before settling for the 3-3 tie that both pleased and surprised the Indians' bench boss. "Like I said, we rotated seven lines and three goalies and more than held our own with a very, very good team."

Rookies Brent Lavalley and Paul Islieb and returnee Chris Cooper scored for the Indians, who open their NOJHL regular season with a pair of games on Fri. Sept. 15 and Sat. Sept. 16 at Big Bear Arena. Adult ticket prices for regular season games are $5. Season tickets for the 24 regular-season home games can be purchased for $100 by visiting Angela Roy at the Big Bear Arena Pro Shop.

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