The Cariboo Cougars are set to embark on their journey to repeat as BC Major Midget Hockey League Champions this weekend when the play host to the Valley West Hawks on Saturday and Sunday from Kin 1.
This year’s edition of the Cougars will be vastly different from the previous two seasons with 12 new players on the roster.
Out are households names like Jeremy Gervais (Nanaimo Clippers), Joel Patsey (Junior B), Jesse Pomeroy (Junior A), Daine Dubois (Trail Smoke Eaters), and Trey Thomas (BCHL), while newcomers like Brett Fudger, Braeden Young, Jacob Gendron and Matthew Marotta look to fill the void.
However, the biggest change may be behind the bench with a brand new coaching staff led by former assistant Tyler Brough followed by RJay Berra and Justin Fillion filling the assistant roles.
Despite all the new faces, Brough liked what he saw in the pre-season from Cariboo.
“This team with the region that we have and the players we have scouted over the past few months, I think we are pretty happy with what we have – I think every year this region should contend for a championship and I fully believe we have the group to back it up this year and maybe have a chance at repeating. It is a bold statement but we’re pretty happy with what we have right now.”
The new head coach believes a top three finish in the regular season is an attainable goal.
“I don’t think there is a reason why we shouldn’t be, with the guys we got back from junior hockey that we weren’t expecting this quick or at all – with Marcus Allen coming back we think he is one of the best goalies in the league and with the young guys coming up are going to score a lot of goals for us. With the progression we have made in the pre-season, we are shooting for that for sure.”
Cariboo expects another big season from 17-year-old forward Mason Richey who was returned by the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers during training camp.
The Terrace product led the Cougars in goals last season with 30 and has been named the captain of the major-midget squad.
Brough believes the leadership aspect of Richey has come full circle.
“This goes back three years ago when Mason was 15 years old as our coaches have seen leadership qualities in him – last year we made him a coaches captain and even though he didn’t wear a letter, he was involved and that is one of things Trevor Sprague has brought through and one thing I’m going to continue.”
Richey has been one of the hardest working guys in camp since returning from the Blazers who believes some of the lessons learned from the previous leadership will rub off.
“Some of those guys in the past helped me be a little bit more outgoing and have more confidence. What you say and what you do will have an impact on the rest of the team and it’s all about image. The guys before me did a great job of that and is probably what I learned most.”
Like most players at this level, Richey has his sights set on junior hockey after the season is done.
Following his experience with Kamloops, he now sees a clearer path to the next level.
“What I learned while up there is that all those guys push hard and are all excellent players – I think that pushed me to try and reach that level. I am definitely leaning a little more towards Junior A now and to try and get a scholarship somewhere and that should be the main focus.”
Puck drop for both games is at 4PM and 10AM; a Telus Cup presentation will be made before the game.