Battlefords Minor Hockey saw a fairly busy start to the preseason schedule this weekend, with three teams in action. (battlefordsNOW File Photos)

By Martin Martinson

Hockey Underway

BMHA kicks off preseason with opening weekend

Oct 19, 2020 | 1:43 PM

It is a time many in the community have been waiting for with eager anticipation; hockey season is officially back in the Battlefords.

The Battlefords Minor Hockey Association (BMHA) kicked off their preseason schedule with a bang over the weekend, as three local teams took to the ice for game-action.

Two of the three teams came out victorious, as both the AA U15 and U18 NorthWest Stars defeated their U15 and U18 West Central counterparts, 5-2 and 8-2 respectively. The AAA Sharks fell 5-2 in their opener with the P.A. Bears, though it remained a hard-fought contest to the end.

Head coach of the U15s, Boyd Wakelin, said it was great to see the team get out there and have some fun competing after a bit of an extended offseason.

“It was really exciting for everyone involved: the kids, the coaching staff, and the families,” he said. “These kids have put in a lot of work practicing, waiting to hear if we could play some games, so to actually be able to get out on the ice and put all the hard work to the test was a lot of fun; it was awesome.”

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Wakelin said while the victory may not have any real standings implications, it should still bode well for morale and the overall confidence of the group.

“Preseason doesn’t count for anything in the standings, but when you can start to build that momentum in the preseason, it’s definitely getting off on the right foot,” Wakelin said. “It was a full team effort with five different goal scorers too, so it’s always nice to see the depth working early as well.”

Lee Ulmer, who serves as head coach of the U18s, also saw a number of contributors in his club’s 8-2 win. He said following a couple weeks of practicing, the team brought a real spring in their step on opening night of the exhibition season.

“The boys were itching to get back into a game atmosphere, and I guess I was waiting to see how they did in a game too,” he said with a laugh. “It was good to see everyone get back at it and see where we’re at ahead of the season.”

Head coach of the AAA Sharks, Ricci Girolami, said while the team may not have come out with a victory in their opener, it was still a great atmosphere around the rink throughout the day. He said the girls took to the ice with real excitement and enthusiasm.

“The mood was excellent, and [the players] were excited,” Girolami said. “It’s always great to get back out there because everybody misses a team atmosphere and it’s just a good thing when you can get all these girls together and they’re having fun and just enjoying something they want to do.”

The U15s will play their final exhibition tune-up Sat. at 2 p.m. in Battleford. The U18s and AAA Sharks will play their final preseason games Oct. 31. The Sharks will travel to Saskatoon, while the U18s will play West Central in Unity.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1