Three Kerry Park Islanders players and a family member were injured in a single-car accident after the teamB次元官网网址檚 Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League game on Saturday night, serving as a reminder that there are things bigger than hockey.

The car containing the players lost traction on the highway as they returned home to Victoria. Everyone involved was treated and released, but it was a shocking moment for the entire club.

B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e back in their own beds, but they were shaken up for sure,B次元官网网址� Troy Newans, head coach of the Mill Bay-based team confirmed on Monday.

It wasnB次元官网网址檛 lost on anyone that SaturdayB次元官网网址檚 game was the IslesB次元官网网址� annual Nick Collins Game, honouring a Kerry Park Minor Hockey goalie and volunteer who died when he was struck by a car on a November night 14 years ago.

B次元官网网址淭hat was one of those things we discussed, that there was somebody definitely watching out for our players,B次元官网网址� Newans said. B次元官网网址淭hat car accident could have been a lot worse. Nick was watching out for our guys.B次元官网网址�

Although the Islanders organization has been through a lot of changes in the last 14 years B次元官网网址� in players, coaches and ownership B次元官网网址� the connection with the Collins family remains strong. Veteran players who have participated in the memorial game in previous years reminded their current teammates, and Kerry Park alumni returned to show their support for the Collins family on Saturday.

B次元官网网址淚 think the whole community and organization will keep supporting the Nick Collins Memorial Trust Fund and the Collins family as long as we are playing hockey in that rink,B次元官网网址� Newans said.

Inspired by the Collins family, the Isles defeated the Victoria Cougars 4-1 on Saturday night. It was only the fourth loss for the Cougars in 24 games this season, two of which the Isles have been responsible for.

B次元官网网址淭hat was a really emotional game for the players,B次元官网网址� Newans commented. B次元官网网址淭hey were focused on coming out of the game with a win. In my eyes as a coach, they played their best game of the year.B次元官网网址�

The Cougars opened the scoring at 1:26 of the first period, but Mateo Sjoberg tied it at 5:51, and Brady Estabrook put the Isles in front at 17:37. Cole Sloboda and Marko Tokic scored in the second and third periods, respectively. Sloboda finished the game with a goal and an assist, and Carson Strom had three helpers. Dryden DeMelo finished with 27 saves as the Isles outshot the Cougars 29-28.

The night before, the Isles lost 5-1 to the Peninsula Panthers at the Panorama Rec Centre. Kerry Park had momentum early, but couldnB次元官网网址檛 capitalize.

B次元官网网址淚 think the shots were 10-0 for us early on,B次元官网网址� Newans said. B次元官网网址淏ut before we knew it, it was 3-0 for them.B次元官网网址�

The Isles got their only goal from captain Matt Baird on a third-period powerplay. Eric Young made 28 saves as the Isles outshot the Panthers 38-33.

Including a 5-4 defeat six days earlier, that was back-to-back losses for the Isles against a team they are chasing in the South Division standings.

B次元官网网址淚t was disappointing to lose four points, especially to them,B次元官网网址� Newans said.

The Isles were scheduled to play host to the Comox Valley Glacier Kings last Sunday, but that game was postponed following the accident on Saturday night. Newans expressed his gratitude to Comox coach Mike Nesbitt and to the VIJHL for rescheduling the game on short notice, and said how much he appreciated the first responders and bystanders who helped the injured players after the accident. The entire league has been providing encouragement for the team.

B次元官网网址淥ver the last couple of days, my phone has been ringing off the hook with messages of support from other coaches and GMs around the league, and even random parents around the league,B次元官网网址� Newans said. B次元官网网址淎nd IB次元官网网址檓 sure [owner Brandon Cox]B次元官网网址檚 phone has as well.B次元官网网址�

The Isles are slated to visit the Saanich Predators this Friday and the Westshore Wolves on Sunday, but the partial closure of the Malahat might force a schedule change. Never mind that hockey isnB次元官网网址檛 at the forefront of their minds this week.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l make sure everybody is happy and healthy and in the right mindset to prepare for the games,B次元官网网址� Newans said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important to remember it is just a hockey game and that itB次元官网网址檚 important that our family and friends are happy, healthy and safe.B次元官网网址�