After this weekend's home game against the Westside Warriors, The Penticton Valley First Vees will have hit the twenty game mark of their season. I recently sat down with head coach, Fred Harbinson, for his thoughts on how the season has unfolded so far.

Q: You must be pretty happy with how the season has gone to date?

A: We are making progress, and as you've seen from a season ago, the mind set has changed a little bit. At this stage of the season, we have taken 49 less penalties than that of a year ago. A prime example of this is Captain Brett Hextall, who is a much more disciplined player this season.

Q: With forwards Brett Hextall, Trevor Nill and Zac Dalpe gone to the World Junior A Challenge in Trail, should fans expect to see some affiliated players from the Summerland Sting dress for any games?

A: We have a very good working relationship with the Sting. Players like Dustin Johnson and Mitch Labreque (who has already played a game this season with the Vees) are players that we have strong interest in. They should see some action while those players are gone. They are young players and they are the future of this team. The best thing for their development is to dominate at the Jr "B" level.

Q: Is there a fear of other teams plucking your good affiliate players as they continue succeeding at the Junior "B" level?

A: That's always a concern. All we can do is continue to reinforce and show these players that they are the future and continue to keep them involved. Hopefully with the structure of our program and the new South Okanagan Events Center being built, these guys will choose to stay with the Vees.

Q: How do you like the group of players you currently have on the roster?

A: I really like the foundation of this club. The dressing room is good and the important thing is that all the guys get along well. They are doing the right things and are a very focused group who are looking for big things this year!

Q: You have chosen to split the ice time for your goal tenders, Alex Evin and Bryan Mountain, to this point. Are you looking for one of them to emerge as the number one guy, or how do you see things playing out?

A: I like keeping everyone involved and with both guys competing hard, I see things continuing with the way it's been going.

Q: Have you been surprised with any of your own team personnel or any surprises within the BCHL itself?

A: The team has progressed as I thought it would and they are all hungry to learn. Most importantly, they are buying into our system. As a few of the statistics show, the payoffs are quite apparent. We are scoring a lot of goals and also have a very good goals-against average. As for the league itself, the league is very strong top to bottom.

Q: How do you like your team in the toughness department?

A: I believe team toughness is measured on whether you are are able to set out a game plan and if you're able to follow it through to the end of a game. I like our toughness and this team isn't intimidated by any team in this league.