An Okotokian has an outstanding opportunity to be the main man between the pipes for the defending Heritage Junior B Hockey League champions.
With the graduation of Christian Chivilo from the Junior B ranks after four seasons as netminder for the Okotoks Bisons, there’s a large void in goal. Okotoks product Tyler Hughes, now in his sophomore season with the Bisons of the Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL), is expecting a completely different role in his second year of goaltending duty with the organization.
“It’s kind of a big change,” said Hughes. “Last year I had (Chivilo) to look up to whenever I had problems. This year the roles have changed and I’m going to have to show the new guys how to play this game.”
It was baptism by fire for Hughes in his rookie season in the HJHL. The netminder started 18 games in the regular season, posting a respectable record of 11-5 with a 3.17 goals against average and .901 save percentage.
After Chivilo, the Bisons’ post-season MVP, suffered a dislocated shoulder in Game 2 of the HJHL finals, Hughes was thrust into the starting role in the third and clinching game of the series and did not disappoint, helping the Bisons to their eighth league title.
However, after capturing the HJHL title Hughes and the Bisons were given a rough ride at the Alberta Junior B Provincial championships. Although Hughes gained further experience at the tournament in Leduc, the Bisons went winless in three games.
Hughes, who played both AA and AAA minor hockey for the Oilers organization, admitted to being both excited and anxious at the prospects of being the number one goalie for the Bisons, but added he’ll be better suited for the role after getting a taste of post-season action.
“I managed to get a lot of experience last year with (Chivilo) getting hurt in the playoffs,” he said.
Bisons head coach Mike Hannigan said he’s taking a wait and see approach with his goaltending situation, adding there are still three other goalies on the Bisons’ roster.
“I think we needed a veteran presence for sure,” said Hannigan of the Bisons goaltending. “So hopefully Tyler can hold on to that.”
The other Bisons goalies remaining in the fold are newcomers Blake Carey, Tyler Violet and Dylan Bachmeier.
Teammates of Hughes expect the goalie to prosper with his increased responsibility this season.
“I think he’ll do great,” said Bisons forward Brett MacDonald.
“I think he learned a lot playing last season and picking up some tips from (Chivilo).”
Okotoks forward Ty Fehr said he’s just fine with having Hughes as the last line of defence.
“I have complete confidence in him,” Fehr said. “He’s more than good enough.”
Contrasting the transitional state of the team’s goaltending is the Bisons’ defence.
Okotoks has six returnees on the back-end this season, including last season’s top defenceman Lane Wagner and top defensive player Michael Savage.
Hughes said the familiar faces on the blueline will be of great assistance.
“That’s going to be a big help knowing who’s on the ice and what they do and the style of game that they play so I can kind of play my game to how my defence are playing,” he said.
The Bisons hit the road for their next tilt as they face off with the High River Flyers Sept. 23 at 8:30 p.m.
