Tigers high school hockey team looking to contend once again this season
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- Published on Friday, October 25, 2013
By: Lanny Stewart
myWestman.ca
Over the past few years, the Neepawa Tigers high school hockey team has had its fair share of success. With the 2013-2014 season just around the corner, the Tigers are hoping to once again prove they're a contender in the Westman High School Hockey League.
Like every season in high school hockey, the Tigers, who captured their second straight provincial AA crown in March, will look a bit different when they lace up the skates for their season opener early November. Gary Salmon has taken over as head coach, replacing Mike Adams, who will remain a member of the coaching staff, joining Rob James, Ward Rempel and Jim Krzyzaniak as an assistant coach.
The Tigers wave goodbye to six players who graduated in June, including last year's captain and leading scorer Kyle McDonald, who is now a member of the MJHL's Neeepawa Natives, along with Riley Kolesar (also with Natives) and Jesse Adams. The three forwards finished in the top five in league scoring -- McDonald led the league with 21 goals and 52 points -- and they all played a key role in the team's recent winning ways.
"We are definitely going to have our work cut out for us, but the team still has some of the most talented and hard working players in the league," said Salmon.
To offset the losses, the Tigers are banking on the return of 13 players -- nine of which are in Grade 12, while the other four are in Grade 11. An important returnee who should see significant ice time this season is forward Garett Rempel, who was the provincial AA tournament MVP, scoring eight goals and 11 points at the event in Carman last March. Other returnees include Shane Levandosky, Trent Nelson, Wyatt Salmon, Bryson Kaye, among others.
The forward line of Rempel, Salmon and Levandosky has been put together for exhibition games by the coaching staff and so far, it's worked out. The Tigers recently took part in the Carberry/Glenboro/Baulder Wildcats tournament and the trio combined for 16 points, helping the Tigers end up in third place.
"Each game I am seeing better communication and effectiveness from all of the forward players," said Salmon.
Meanwhile, on the blueline, Salmon has high hopes for the group as six players return to the club. Among those that are coming back include Jeremy Hodgins, who finished last season with five goals and 14 points, as well as Braedon Mitchell, Blair Krutkewich, Preston James, Hayden Kolesar and Brendan Harris.
Lastly, between the pipes, Brady Plett is back and should see plenty of action in net for the Tigers. Plett ended up with a 9-0 record and a sparkling 2.07 goals against average during the regular season last year, helping Neepawa finish on top of the standings with a 17-0-1 mark. Brett Kozak will be the club's other netminder this season and, along with Plett, is expected to provide the Tigers with a solid one-two punch in net.
Salmon says he's well aware of the fact that Neepawa has had some winning seasons as of late and because of this, the club will have a "pretty large target" painted on them.
"We have set our goals, as in the past, to play the best possible hockey and continue the tradition of excellence in hockey and provide the players on the NACI tigers hockey team the best possible high school hockey experience," he said. "If the efforts we have seen the players make in the preseason so far this year are any indication of what we can expect, I am optimistic about how our season will unfold."
The Tigers begin their Westman High School Hockey League season on Nov. 8 when they travel to Rivers to take on the Rage. Neepawa's first home game will be Nov. 13 when they host the Minnedosa Chancellors.
