The Athabasca Aces are almost ready to drop the puck on another season.
The team will hit the ice for the first time in months on Sept. 12, when their conditioning/training camp opens at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex with an 8:30 p.m. workout. The club will work out eight times before the season begins, likely on Wednesdays and Sundays, according to new head coach Curtis Creaser.
The camp is open to anyone 18 or older who wants to try out for the team, at a cost of $100 for the eight workouts (and a potential exhibition game).
“We’ll call it a tryout if we have a lot of guys and then we have to make cuts,” said Creaser, who is preparing for his first season behind the bench.
“We’ve had lots of interest from all our returning players, and we’re looking to have some new guys coming out as well. All positions are open for competition.”
The coach wants all players (new and returning) to give the camp their all as he looks to put together the best possible team for this year’s North Central Hockey League season. Nobody is promised a spot.
“It’s going to be a training camp full of drills and evaluations. We’ll be looking at guys, seeing where they fit in terms of talent and hockey smarts,” he said.
“It will be preparing for the season, working on how the team plays as a unit, working on systems, focusing on sharpening skills and conditioning and getting guys back to or close to game shape.”
The incoming coach hopes to see more local hockey players come out for the team.
Creaser is also looking for some help behind the bench and is building his coaching staff. Anyone interested in coaching (or seeking information about the camp) can contact him at 780-327-9991.
In related news, the Aces won’t be hosting their annual hockey school this year, but Creaser hopes to see the event make a return next year.
For now, the focus is on putting together the best team possible for 2012-13.
The season begins on the road against the Devon Barons (formerly the Legal Vipers) on Oct. 12. The Aces open up their home schedule on Oct. 20 at 8:30 p.m. against the Edson Ice.
The NCHL will be comprised of six teams this year as the Slave Lake Winterhawks have withdrawn from the league. Athabasca will play in a division with Devon and Edson.
“Everyone’s excited and itching to get on the ice. It’s going to be really fun.”
