The Comox Valley Pool League (CVPL) is off to a great start this season, with 14 teams playing to win trips to compete in the CCS Lucasi Hybrid 8-Ball Championships in Penticton Feb. 15-19 at the Lakeside Resort Hotel and Casino.
"The Valley has proven that there are some great pool players here and some of them have brought home trophies from this event in the past," notes CVPL organizer Rose Kantor. "Each year the players in the league are improving their skills because of organized league play in the Valley and I look forward to sending more teams to compete in the championships this season."
The CVPL plays by WPBA World Standardized Rules using a 16-game format with four-player teams plus spares. They play a 28-week schedule and play on Wednesday nights. "This night is an Open Division and all skill levels of play are welcome, said Kantor. "We use a 10-point handicap system to keep it fair for all teams. Teams choose their home venues in the Valley and this season we have eight teams out of The Avalanche Bar & Grill, two teams at The Bridge Lounge, two teams at Chalk Lounge in the Westerly Hotel (formally known as Snookers Lounge) and two teams out of Sunnydale clubhouse.
" When I first started the league in 2008 we had six teams and 24 players and only played out of the Avalanche. We are now up to 14 teams and have had over 190 players register with the league and now play out of even more locations."
The interest has grown and some players can’t play on Wednesday night but are available for Tuesday night and are looking for organized league play, Kantor says. "New this season I’m working on adding a Tuesday night Rec Division. This will be a three-player team, 18-game format and will be a shorter session of play.
"In the near future I will be hosting a 9-ball tournament at The Bridge on Tuesday nights and I will soon be bringing back Saturday afternoon tournaments at the Avalanche.
"There are still teams looking for players for Wednesday Open Division as well as Tuesday Rec. If you’re interested in getting involved with one of these events in the Valley call me at 250-218-8819, e-mail crazyaboutpool@shaw.ca or join our group on Facebook. Once you’re on my contact list I will send out information on upcoming tournaments and events," said Kantor.
"If you’re a hotel owner and want help increasing business by bringing league play to your venue, give me a call as well. I also lease pool tables if you don’t have one in your location."
– Comox Valley Pool League