The Cold Lake Junior B Ice is gearing up for another season of hockey.
Players were put to the test Sept. 9 to 11, as the team hosted their main training camp at the Cold Lake Imperial Oil Place arena.
The team may not have had the numbers they were expecting, however, the players that did take part in the camp show promise.
“It wasn't the greatest turnout, we didn't have a lot of players but there were definitely some quality guys there,” said Cold Lake Ice head coach Scott Hood.
Originally, the team had 29 players register for the camp, but due to conflicting weekends only 14 attended. Among those in attendance were players who showed skills in areas of significance to the Ice, including speed, accuracy and love for the sport.
“There's a lot of potential here,” Hood said. “Honestly, we have goals… but it's about getting these kids on the ice and having some fun.”
Hood noted that as it stands the team has 22 skaters, with more on the way.
Aside from winning the league, the team also has a goal of being more involved in the community, using the Bonnyville Pontiacs as a prime example.
“We are trying to build a program here, we are trying to build a community minded team that gets out in the community and helps out, one that kids want to play for… The Bonnyville Pontiacs do a great job of getting these kids (the players) out in the community and helping out and being involved, and we kind of want to model ourselves after that.”
Hood continued, “We think we will be in the middle of the pack or better (compared to the rest of the league), who knows, you can't tell right now, but we are going to push these guys for the next three weeks and six practices in order to be ready for our first game.”
The team's first game is Friday, Sept. 30 against the Lloydminster Bandits. The puck drops at 8 p.m. on home ice.
“We're really excited to get going and play a game or two and see how we stack up against the St. Paul, Killam, and Wainwright teams.”
