Yellowhead "AAA" Chiefs prepare for season
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- Published on Thursday, September 11, 2014
By Eoin Devereux
Some of the best young talent in our region was on the ice in Shoal Lake, hoping to earn a spot with the Yellowhead Chiefs, as the Manitoba Midget AAA Hockey League team held its annual training camp last weekend. Head Coach Chad Facey said the number of players participating was down from what they’ve seen in previous years but the skill level was not.
“We ended up with 25 skaters and six goalies, which is down quite a bit from what we’d been hoping for. [While] the numbers were a little bit low, I definitely thought that the talent was still there.” Facey said. “Having six or seven goalies in camp was definitely a nice thing to have. It was quite a battle throughout the whole weekend, which was good to see. A lot of competition at that position.”
Facey noted several veteran players from last years squad are away at MJHL camps, so the coaching staff for the Chiefs is giving the younger players ample opportunity to show what they have.
“We still have three guys away at junior camps, so that’s hurting us a little bit. You know, you never know what could go on there. But, we’re looking at probably around eight or nine of our roster from last year, who are returning. Ten returning probably.” said Facey. “So for right now, we’re going to give our young guys lots of opportunities to see what they can do before we make any moves or anything like that. So, we’re just definitely going to see what they can do and hopefully everything looks good.”
Facey added that the compete level from the players was very high, as well as their willingness to learn and take advice, which he stresses is exactly what you want as a coach.
Overall, Facey said he likes what he’s seen so far from his potential roster and believes it’s something the Chiefs can build its core game strategies around.
“I’d like to work everything from the defence. Make sure that we take care of our own defensive zone first. I do look at activating the D into our offence to support the rush and jump up. But, as well, we’re going to be a hard working in your face type of team. That’s what I’m planning on having going forward.”
The Chiefs played a pre-season game in Brandon on Wednesday against the Wheat Kings and will face off against them a second time on Friday Sept. 12 in Shoal Lake.
The regular season for the Yellowhead Chiefs begins on Oct. 4in Shoal Lake, when they host the Norman Northstars.
