To honour our own game — that’s live hockey on the south Island — and not to honour Hockey Night in Canada’s 57th year on TV, now’s a good time for a preview of the pro and junior scene.

First of all, let’s address the rumours. A group of Western Hockey League all-stars are coming here to play the Russian Junior national team. Does this mean the WHL is priming for a return to the Island? Judging by WHL commissioner Ron Robison’s recent answer to that question, no.

For the record, Robison said “Victoria is a priority for the non-expanding ... healthy league,” whatever that means.

Victoria Salmon Kings:

Now that the American Hockey League is in Abbotsford, it would seem the rumours of the AHL expanding west are coming true. Just don’t expect the league to come to Victoria, at least not for the foreseeable future.

When the recession hit last year, the ECHL lost three franchises. So pulling out of Victoria, a stable market and the Tier II league’s only Canadian team, would require considerable pressure from both the NHL and AHL. Plus, the parent Vancouver Canucks are quite happy with the Manitoba Moose, their top farm team and one of the more successful AHL franchises.

On the flip side, expect more from the Canucks’ No. 2 feeder, the Salmon Kings. Captain Wes Goldie returns to lead a squad that for the first time, lists two Victoria-bred players directly under contract to the Canucks.

Homeboy Taylor Ellington will play his first full season of pro hockey here alongside ECHL all-star and second-year King, Dan Gendur.

Victoria Grizzlies:

Representing Victoria in the the B.C. Hockey League are the pride of the West Shore, the Jr. A Grizzlies.

Some things never change, like that loud guy in the Tie Domi jersey who berates the refs, win or lose, at every Grizzlies game. But some things do.

New coach Vic Gervais and new associate coach Wade Bartley lead a mostly revamped team. The best story so far is the return of Jordan Heywood, who will captain the Grizz in 2009-10. The top-four defenceman was forced to sit out last year’s Royal Bank Cup run due to a respiratory ailment.

The Grizz were off to a 3-2 start as of Tuesday, and have four more games in a seven-game homestand that starts tonight (Oct. 2) at 7:15 p.m. at Bear Mountain Arena.

Victoria Cougars:

Three words, er, I mean names. Mark Van Helvoirt.

Seen the guy coach? Try talking to him after a loss. No really, try it. It’s the same as when he wins. Talk about even-keeled. Is he really in his 20s?

The Cougars “don’t rebuild, they reload” is the team’s motto. You can’t argue when Van Helvoirt’s behind the bench. Look for the Cougars to challenge the early favourites, the Kerry Park Islanders, for the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League championship.

Saanich Braves:

This team is one-goal-per-game away from being among the VIJHL elite, whether they find it offensively or give up one less. With a young defensive corps still finding its groove, this team could be a month away from making noise. Once they gel they could string together a really big winning streak, something this team hasn’t done in a while.

Peninsula Panthers:

Speaking of Cougars’ coaches, former Victoria associate coach Geoff Grimwood is head coach of last year’s VIJHL regular season champs. The team is now owned and operated by former Grizzlies general manager Jackson Penney and his wife, Charity. Look for this squad to get the inside track on talented skaters climbing the junior ladder.

Westshore Stingers:

The kids are playing their best, and to travel the Island as a Stinger these days takes serious cojones.

To recap, the Stingers moved into Juan de Fuca arena from Sooke only to go from four wins in 2007-08 to an 0-48 record in 2008-09. It’s hard to see them shooting the moon again, but they’re off to an 0-6 start.

sports@vicnews.com

— Travis Paterson is a sports reporter for Black Press in Victoria.