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Steve Wilejto - Hockey Update
Steve speaks with enthusiasm about his time at UBC. He expresses respect and admiration for his coaches. "Milan has revamped the promotion and recruitment aspect of the program. He has a lot of connections in the hockey world." In discussing the calibre of play in the CIS, Steve maintains that many players who are forty goal scorers in the "Dub" come here and score five or six. The league is very competitive and tight-checking. "There is not a lot of room out there," insists Steve. His analysis of the T-Birds this season, is very positive. "I definitely believe we have a legitimate shot at making the CIS playoffs this year. We always play well against Calgary and we should have taken both games against Manitoba, and we match-up well verses Lethbridge."
He is confident that taking both ends of upcoming weekend doubleheaders, is possible. "The UBC team is on the cusp of making huge strides, particularly in the second half of our schedule," Wilejto says, With teams playing two games in two days, anything can happen and a sweep here and there would drastically alter any teams fortunes." Steve cautions that, being on the wrong side of a sweep, would spell disaster for a team. The future is bright with over half the team returning next year.

Things are starting to gain momentum at UBC. Coach Dragicevic continues to build up relations with Alumni and there are a lot of open spaces for an up and coming team to fill. Steve thinks the T-Birds will fill the void. The only negative aspect of the CIS as Wilejto sees it, is the "No fight Rule." When asked to elaborate, he says, "Honestly, I think the biggest problem is the "No Fight" rule. Guys are taking liberties out there and nothing can be done about it." He knows it's tough to make changes in league rules , but this would be a positive step. With more opportunities, and improved recruiting in the CIS, the league should be thriving at UBC by the time the 2010 Olympic year rolls along.

Courtesy of BC Hockey Now
(January 12, 2004)

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