The AAA Sharks will open their regular season on home ice this Sunday, Sept. 25 at Battleford Arena. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Sharks hockey

AAA Sharks roster one of speed, skill in 2022-23

Sep 20, 2022 | 6:18 PM

The hockey season is fast-approaching, and inside the rink at Battleford Arena, the pace is even quicker when the Battlefords AAA Sharks hit the ice.

Getting set for their home opener this Sunday, Sept. 25, the Sharks roster was largely determined following their spring camp, supplemented by a few additional signings through the summer, to solidify the roster heading into the fall.

The AAA Sharks roster for the 2022-23 season (listed by position in numerical order by jersey number):

Forwards:

#5 Reece Hawkins (Kincaid, SK)

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#9 Marly Dumanski (Lockwood, SK)

#10 Brooklyn Salewski (Wilkie, SK)

#11 Zayda Summach (Dodsland, SK)

#13 Greir Slabaida (North Battleford, SK)

#18 Alexie Palchinski (Cudworth, SK)

#19 Martine Morelli (Viscount, SK)

#20 Cassidy Peters (Hague, SK)

#21 Gabrielle Zaleschuk (Saskatoon, SK)

Defence:

#4 Maci Nowosad (Nipawin, SK)

#7 Marleigh Mann (Lloydminster, SK)

#12 Sawyer Norman (Flying Dust, SK)

#15 Alyson Hockley (Saskatoon, SK)

#17 Mardi Wagner (Fox Valley, SK)

#22 Mia Weber (Edam, SK)

Goaltenders:

#31 Mikayla Christmann (Warman, SK)

#30 Taylor Enns (Carrot River, SK)

Much like last year, the Sharks opted for just nine forwards this year and will again roll three forward lines, rather than the more traditional four.

Head coach, Ricci Girolami said it’s a way to ensure everyone gets to play a key role with the club.

“With our group, we like running three lines, because at this level it’s still developmental and we believe everyone should be a part of the team [playing] power play and penalty kill,” he said.

Girolami added that if the team’s early play through practices and a pair of exhibition games in Lloydminster are any indication, they look to be a dangerous group heading into the season.

“This year it looks like we’ve got good intensity and the practices have been upbeat, the tempo’s been good, so I think it was a good team-builder that we have been going early,” he said. “The girls are getting along, the team is gelling and we’re really starting to figure out some lines.”

Leading the way for the Sharks this year, with be a strong veteran core led by forwards Martine Morelli and Brooklyn Salewski, and defencemen, Alyson Hockley and Sawyer Norman.

Girolami said the quartet have been instrumental in setting the tone for the team already, and playing to their identity as a group, as a fast team that plays an up-tempo game.

“In practice the intensity’s up and they’re showing great leadership, so we’re expecting big things out of our vets and even our second-year players,” Girolami said. “We’re going to be a fast team; we’re not that big but we did pick up a few speedy players, and I think that’s really our identity as a team.”

The Sharks will open their regular season this Sunday, on home ice against the Prince Albert Northern Bears. Puck drop will be at 1:30 p.m. at Battleford Arena.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1