For the Canmore Eagles, things can only get better.
The 2011/2012 Eagles were a terrible hockey team. After beginning the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) season with a 3-23 record, they only managed to win five games on the road, costing them a trip to the playoffs for only the second time in team history. The season was also marred by the death of forward Patrick Steel and rumblings of the team’s future in Canmore continued to surface.
Now, with a mandate to regain respect in the league, the Eagles hope another year of experience and a few new faces will rescue the franchise from the doldrums of the AJHL.
Head coach and general manager Andrew Milne said he thinks his squad has the talent to make the playoffs this year and potentially compete for a top four spot in the division.
“With the veterans we’ve got, with the system we’ve got, the older guys know what’s required of them. We’re a year older, but we have to be a year wiser this year,” Milne said.
An 0-4 record through the pre-season may have the squad rethinking that prediction, however, hope springs eternal early in the season and the Eagles have 15 returning players including gritty forward Riley Point who has been named team captain, taking over from the departed Davis Claffey.
If the Eagles do surprise their opponents, it will come on the strength of their goaltending. Milne said the addition of Ty Swabb from the BCHL and return of Cam Barnes gives the Eagles the best tandem in the league. Barnes was 11-14-2 on a bad Eagles squad last year and hopes to push the 20-year old Swabb for playing time. In 19 games for the Prince George Spruce Kings last season, he posted a 2.83 GAA and .906 save percentage.
On defence, veterans Ciaron Driscoll and Alex Barnes provide a steady presence on the blueline along with newcomer Ashton McLeod, while Trey Phillips will be counted on to rush the puck.
Scoring will have to come from a committee of grinding forwards (Luke Simpson, Simon Philp and Stephen Phee) after talented centre Luke Philp left for the WHL. Zack Rassell, who was traded at the deadline last year to Prince George but re-acquired this fall, should be a larger factor.
“Zack’s a more mature player now that he’s been around the block. He has a better understanding of the effort we need from him every night,” Milne said.
Canmore native Nils Moser will also play a big role with the team. He spent limited ice time with the Regina Pats last season picking up just two assists in 23 games, however, he’ll have a bigger role with the Eagles. Power forward Connor Hoekstra appears set for a bigger year as well.
Key losses: Davis Claffey, D, Luke Philp, C, Mitch Kaufmann, D.
Key returnees: Riley Point, F, Zack Rassell, C, Ciaron Driscoll, Connor Hoekstra, F, Trey Phillips, D.
Key additions: Nils Moser, C, Ty Swabb, G, Jordan Revie, F, Connor Wilson, F.
