Midget Chiefs ready for training camp
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- Published on Thursday, September 10, 2015
By Eoin Devereux
The Neepawa Banner
Hockey players from across the region will soon hit the ice in Shoal Lake, hoping to earn a spot with the Yellowhead AAA Midget Chiefs. At least 42 players are expected to be a part of the training camp, which is set for Sept.11-13, at the Shoal Lake Communiplex.
Head coach Craig Geekie said there will be a wealth of talent for the coaching staff to build its team from.
“We’re just thrilled with the numbers we’re going to have out there on the ice. It’s one of the largest training camps the team has had in the past few years,” said Geekie. “We’ll have about 10, perhaps 12 veterans from last year’s squad that’ll be out there as well as an incredibly skilled group of [hockey players born in 2000]. There’s going to be a few very interesting position battles going on. I think many returning players will be challenged by the younger group to secure their spot on the roster.”
Geekie noted that a few veteran players will likely be away at MJHL camps, so the Chiefs coaching staff will be able to give the younger players a better look. He added that the potential roster could be very talent laden and believes it’s something Yellowhead can build its core game strategies around.
Work is underway off the ice as well for the Chiefs, as the club prepares to name a new team manager. Jason and Michelle Young were in the position last year and will aid the new manager, once that individual is selected, to transition into the job. Outgoing co-manager Michelle Young also said that once the players have been picked for the team, the executive will begin working with the parents to organize volunteers for the upcoming season.
“There are lots of jobs that need to be looked after during the year to make the team run,” noted Young. “Fortunately, we see so many parents step up every year to assist in any way they can. Everything is already looked after when it comes to travel and accommodations for road games. It’s the home games, where the extra assistance is greatly appreciated.”
The Chiefs first pre-season game is set for Monday, Sept. 14 in Brandon against the AAA Wheat Kings. After participating in a tournament in Souris Sept. 17-20, final player cuts will be made on Sept. 22. The first game of the regular season is scheduled for Oct. 2 in Kenora against the Thistles.
