As far as the Athabasca Aces are concerned, the results for the coming season should be better than last year.
A 7-11 record that saw them finish in last place in the North Division of the North Central Hockey League (NCHL) should improve with the Aces core group of returnees and the addition of some players that will make their defence stronger.
“It’s been a struggle so far to get the guys in for practice, but we have 22 players and three goalies committed for the season,” said head coach Curtis Creaser.
“That includes our core group that are coming back and a couple guys that will help us remain competitive this season.”
That core group includes the likes of D.J. Giacobbo, Keegan Desroches and Jeff Creaser.
“Having Keegan back will help us up front, especially with loss of Alfred Lavalee and his scoring,” Curtis explained.
“Though, our defence will be stronger with the addition of Justin McKinnon, along with having D.J. returning to the blue line. As for Jeff, he felt bad about how last season ended, he knew he didn’t play as well as he could have.
“He’s been working hard and I know he is going to be better and have a good season in goal.”
Creaser hopes both improved netminding and defence can help turn around the number of one-goal losses the Aces had last season. Of their 11 losses, eight were by a single goal.
“If we could have taken at least half of those one-goal losses and turn them into wins, we would have been second in our division,” he said.
“That’s were we can make up points this year.”
League notes
The NCHL is back to eight teams this season with Devon back in the South division with Edson, Whitecourt and Rocky Mountain House with the Aces, Slave Lake, Westlock and Morinville in the north.
The schedule will remain an 18-game regular season, with the playoffs changing to best-of-five series for each round.
The Aces will head to Morinville on Saturday for their first pre-season game.
Morinville will return the favour on Oct. 3 with Devon coming up on Oct. 4.
Both games are at the Multiplex with puck drop slated for 8:30 p.m.
