By Craig Beauchemin

NSRBL season preview: NB Beavers expect bounce-back year

May 10, 2016 | 12:14 PM

The North Battleford Beavers expect to be back in the playoff hunt in 2016 after a tough 2015 season.

A 1-4 start but sealed the Beaver’s fate last year as the team finished 4-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time in over five years.

“It was a struggle compared to what we’re used to,” Beavers coach Rory Gregoire said. “We struggled out of the gate and that set us up for not making the playoffs which is not something we’re accustomed to. It was a down year for us.”

Gregoire noted defence is normally one of the team’s biggest strengths, but it wasn’t up to their normal standard which was a major factor in their tough season. The Beavers did host provincials last year and made it to the semi-final, marking the high point of their season.

Gregoire boasts his team has contributors up and down the line up, which is what makes them successful every year.

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 2

20h ago

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 1

Apr 18, 2024

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

“Everyone has their game I guess you could say. We don’t just rely heavily on one or two guys. Kyle Palmer is usually our go to guy offensively, but if one guy isn’t doing it there’s normally another guy who is,” he said.

Gregoire mentioned a few players who they will be missing this year who were big contributors last year. Pitcher David Miller threw 30 innings last season while striking out 19 batters. He also posted a .364 average at the plate. Brennan Lampitt was a player who Gregoire said kept the mood light in the dugout, but he’ll be out with a knee injury.

Returning players for the Beavers include: Rory, Brandon and Kyle Gregoire, Ryan Shepard, Kyle Palmer, Brad Eischen, Derrick Chapman, Bryce Gatzke, Blair Geering, and Dion Tederoff.

“We’ve got a fresh crew coming; we’re getting a few more bodies that haven’t played with us for the last few years. We’re hoping those guys can come in and step up. It may take them a few games to get going but hopefully we can pick it up quicker than we did last year,” Gregoire said.

The new faces for the Beavers this season will be: Martin Smith, Brent Kauth, Jared Inkster, Braden Karmazinuk and Darren McIntyre.

The Beavers are in the Colliar Division this year along with the Wilkie Brewers, Macklin Lakers and Unity Cardinals. North Battleford begins their season with four consecutive road games, starting Tuesday, May 24 when they travel to Lloydminster to take on the defending champion Border City Blue Jays.

Email: cjnbsports@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @craig_beauch