The Battlefords Beaver Blues tryouts will be held at the end of the month at Battleford Arena. (File photo/battlefordsNOW)

By Martin Martinson

At the Rink

Senior hockey tryouts fast approaching for Beaver Blues

Oct 18, 2022 | 5:00 PM

With the senior hockey season just around the corner, the Battlefords Beaver Blues will be holding tryouts for their 2022-23 team.

The tryouts will be held next Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m., at Battleford Arena.

Player/manager Kody Wolff said after seeing a strong turnout at tryouts last year, the team is hopeful to carry that momentum into this fall.

“Last year we had quite a good turnout with probably 40 guys or so that showed up, and we usually take about 22 to 25, so we’re hoping for the same this year,” he said.

Wolff added that this season there could be even more roster spots available, just due to the natural ebbs and flows of roster turnover that come with senior hockey.

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“We are looking for a few more guys than usual, we lost a few guys for various reasons: people having families and moving on from senior hockey, some guys move away, and so on, so we’re definitely looking for a few more guys.”

The Beaver Blues made it to the semi-finals of the league playoffs last year, where they ultimately fell to the Turtleford Tigers in three games.

It was just the latest result in a successful last couple of years for the team that also includes a league championship in 2019, and finals appearance in 2020. Wolff said he’s looking forward to seeing the team come together this fall in hopes of returning to senior hockey’s pinnacle.

“I’m super excited for the season and I know a lot of the other guys are as well,” he said. “We’re looking forward to it, to getting some new faces out there and having some fun, and hopefully we can take back our championship.”

Following tryouts Oct. 28, the team also plans to hold another skate Nov. 4 for those who might not be able to make the initial tryouts.

The Beaver Blues will open their season on the road in Maidstone Nov. 18, with their home opener the following night, Nov. 19 at Battleford Arena against the new-to-the-league, Redberry Raiders. Puck drop will be at 8 p.m.

Those interested in trying out for the Beaver Blues are asked to call or text Kody at (306) 480-6778, or message the Beaver Blues’ Facebook page.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1