Senior ‘AA’ hockey is mere days away from returning to Westlock.
The Westlock Warriors, the newest entrant to the North Central Hockey League, open their regular season on Oct. 19 at the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre, playing host to the Edson Ice.
With the team’s first season starting in just over two weeks, club president and team coach Joe Kuhar said the realization that it’s going to happen is setting in. “It feels good,” he said. “It’s been a lot of work. It’s nice to have it started and going so that all the work that’s gone into it will be able to show a result.”
Tryouts started on Sept. 21-22, and continued through this past weekend. Not all of the players who had signed on to play had made it out to the rink as of Sept. 25, Kuhar said, but he expects to see them fairly soon.
Fortunately, there is time before the final roster of 25 players needs to be set with the league. The Warriors can carry between 25-30 players up until January, when the final 25-player roster must be finalized.
Even though all the players haven’t made an appearance yet, Kuhar said it’s still exhilarating to see the players on the ice competing for a precious roster spot.
“It’s exciting to get the numbers and start whittling down our team and getting to where we need to be,” he said.
The club’s first test is Oct. 12, when the reigning league champion Devon Barons come to town for an exhibition game.
In the meantime, Kuhar said the club is still looking for volunteers to fill positions either on the board of directors or behind the bench.
He said he’s a bit disappointed there are still holes to fill, but is confident people will come out of the woodwork as the season progresses.
Currently, the coaching staff consists of Kuhar as head coach and Barry Brost as the lone assistant coach. A second assistant coach and equipment manager/trainer are still required.
Kuhar said he encourages everyone to come out to the exhibition game and the regular season games to cheer on the Warriors.
“It’s a competitive league,” he said. “We’ve got good quality players who play at a good competitive level. It’s just going to be nice to see another level of hockey above minor hockey.”
He also said it’s a much cheaper hockey experience than travelling to Edmonton to take in the NHL Oilers or WHL Oil Kings, as well as a night out that can be a spur of the moment decision because of how little travel is required.
Tickets to the exhibition game are free. Regular season tickets are $5 for adults and seniors, and $2 for students 16-years-old and over.
