WHITE ROCK – An equipment manager is the lifeline for players who want their skates sharpened just right. Now, the Whalers will say goodbye to their stalwart behind the bench.

Tyler Peters, 22, the Pod’s equipment manager for the past two seasons, shall step behind a new bench on the Sunshine Coast: the BCHL’s Powell River Kings.

“I’m excited for the new challenges and new opportunities,” Peters said Aug. 24. Four years ago, he became a manager as a “way of staying in the game” after injuries piled up.

Peters will miss the “tight-knit group” of the Pod’s coaching staff and players.

‘Incredible all the way through’: Captain Price

In return, the Whalers also notice Peters’ absence. “I’m going to miss having him around the rink,” said White Rock captain Tyler Price. Peters was “incredible all the way through” the past two seasons, Price added.

‘Backbone’ will be missed

Whalers assistant coach Julian Feijo noted that a background role, such as an equipment manager, is quite crucial. The manager “acts as the backbone to a hockey club.”

Feijo concluded that Peters’ “passion for the game and work ethic are going to be missed, but we’re proud our program was able to contribute” to his new role with the River Kings.