The British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) is gearing up for the start of the regular season. 

The Okanagan Lakers held tryouts through the last weekend in August. 

New head coach Arik Breton is excited to start the season and kick it off with a team fundraiser at Rusty's Sports Bar in Kelowna on Sept. 7. 

"The biggest thing I'm seeing is a lot of skill and a lot of speed," Breton said about the 28-man roster. 

Simon Nemethy takes on the role of captain for another season and will be supported by three assistant captains - Coletyn Boyarski, Carter Bettenson and Garett Gilbertson. 

"They have everything I wanted and looked for in a leadership group," Breton explained. 

The adults-only fundraiser is $15 entry with all proceeds supporting team operations. A ticket includes entry to Rusty's and a beer. There will also be door prizes and raffles. Doors open at 7:15 p.m.

Everyone who attends the Sept. 7 fundraiser will also receive a ticket to the first home game of the regular season for the Lakers. The game is set for Kelowna's MNP Place on Oct. 5 against Simon Fraser University. 

Exhibition games have started. The Okanagan Lakers take on Simon Fraser University in the first exhibition game for both teams on Sept. 14. 

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