By Ryan Laverty /
One series down, four more to go.
That’s how the CAC Gregg Distributors Canadians are looking at their first seven games of the new Alberta Midget Hockey League season and it’s how they’re hoping to keep pace with the top teams in the North Division this year.
And the verdict so far? Well, with a first-place record in-hand, it’d have to be so far, so good.
“I would say we have met our expectations so far, sure,” said Canadians head coach Brett Elanik, who spent five years as an assistant with the club before taking the top job this season. “I think our goal was to win five games, so maybe we weren’t quite there, but we were pretty close so we’re happy with the start.
“And we’re only going to get better from here.”
The return of defenceman Josh Middleton from the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Grande Prairie Storm on Oct. 15 and the impending return of fellow blueliner Mike Berry from a wrist injury should shore up what has already proved to be a steady defensive zone.
Elanik also attributed a good deal of the Canadians’ early effectiveness to the play of goalies Christopher Wray and Brett Lewis, who have both played steady if not spectacular to date.
“We’re definitely a lot grittier of a team than we’ve been, but I think the biggest thing for us this year is that I think we’re going to be a lot more consistent,” said Elanik, noting his team’s sixth-place finish a year ago.
“These kids are putting the expectations on themselves this year. They’re the ones setting the goals for themselves, for what they want and I think that’s going to make a big difference.”
That sort of ownership has made for a cohesive unit inside the Canadians’ dressing room and on the bench.
It’s also what Elanik knows is necessary should the Canadians want to hang with the early season favourite St. Albert Sport Raiders.
The Raiders benefitted from unparalleled strength from its feeder system this year. Coach Sandro Pisani has assembled the best of the best from last year’s Raiders squad in addition to the top two Minor Midget teams in Alberta, two Bantam AAA teams and two strong Midget AA teams from 2008-09.
Despite the skill of the players, the Raiders haven’t been as quick out of the gates as some would have thought, going 3-1-1 in their first five games while posting 18 goals for and
nine against.
Modest numbers when you consider the Canadians have potted 29 markers in seven games.
“Really, it’s just too early to tell how things will end up, but I have a feeling there will be a couple of teams in the North who pull out in front and the battle from three to 10 will go on until the last day,” said Elanik. “And at the end of the day, as long as you make the playoffs, that’s all that matters because from there, anything can happen.” |
