The third season wasn’t quite the charm for the Athabasca Aces.
The team had a tough campaign last year in the North Central Hockey League, finishing seventh out of eight teams and losing to Slave Lake in the first round of the playoffs. But with training camp for the 2011-12 season right around the corner, head coach Tony Kiselyk is looking forward, not back.
And in order to strengthen the Aces for the coming season, he’s looking to add some talented players to his roster.
“We’re looking to attract players from around the region, not just Athabasca,” he said. “We like to pull as many people out of Athabasca as possible, but sometimes that’s not adequate.”
The calibre of hockey in the NCHL is fairly high, and far more competitive than recreational hockey. And the time commitment is manageable. The team plays a 20-game schedule, plus playoffs, practices just once a week and plays most of its games on Fridays and Saturdays.
Players must be 18 years of age or older, and there’s no age cap after that provided you can keep up with the pace of the game.
The team aims to be competitive every year, but winning isn’t everything.
“We’re trying to provide a good brand of hockey for Athabasca,” said Kiselyk.
Those who want to take a shot at cracking the Aces lineup can sign up for the tryout/conditioning camp beginning on Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Multiplex. Sunday ice time will be at 5 p.m. with another session on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m., culminating on Sept. 25. The team’s first exhibition game will be held on Sept. 28 in Lac La Biche.
The cost to take part in the training camp is $100, and prospective players can use the time to hone their skills or just get some quality ice time in.
“It’s a great place for guys who aren’t ready for rec hockey yet, and still want to play some good contact hockey,” said the coach. “After AAA senior hockey, it’s the next best level available in Alberta.”
Those interested in trying out for the Aces can contact Kiselyk at 780-675-2010 or 780-689-6869.
