Anticipation builds for THHL season to begin
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- Published on Friday, October 13, 2017
Submitted Photo
The 2017-2018 Tiger Hills Hockey League season will not feature the Carberry Plainsmen (pictured in black), who have informed league officials that they will be taking a one year hiatus.
Eoin Devereux
Neepawa Banner & Press
Several teams across the Tiger Hills Hockey League (THHL) are primed and ready for the 2017-2018 regular season to begin. THHL president, Wayne Deschouwer, said there will be 13 clubs involved for the league’s 36th season. One new team, the Wawanesa Jets, have joined the fold for the upcoming season, while the Carberry Plainsmen will be taking a one year hiatus. Deschouwer said that securing that elusive 14th team remains a priority, as it will assist with the creation of a balanced schedule. He noted that while it’s unfortunate that Carberry must step back for a season, the return of Wawanesa after an extended hiatus is a welcome addition.
With the loss of the Plainsmen, there will now be just six teams competing in the Eastern Division. The Neepawa Farmers and Minnedosa Bombers, who finished first and second in the East last season, will likely battle once again this year for the division’s top spot. Neepawa closed out the 2016-2017 season with a 13-5-0 record, while Minnedosa were close on their heels, with a 12-6-0 mark.
Heading into the new season, Farmers general manager Rodney White noted that while the core of the 2016-2017 squad is returning, there are a few new faces that will also be out on the ice.
“We’re heading into the season with 18 skaters and two goalies returning to the roster. There will be a few new names on the back of the jersey, though. Some I can confirm, but some I can’t just yet,” indicated White. “Reigan Buchanan, who was the Neepawa Natives captain last year, will be playing this year for the Farmers. As well, Daylon Creasy of Carberry is going to come up here and play with us this season. There’s a few more players we potentially could have in the lineup, but we can’t confirm just yet. But either way, we’re heading into the season feeling pretty confident.”
Just a little further west on the Yellowhead Highway, the Minnedosa Bombers are also feeling fairly confident. Forward Matt Saler said that they’re determined to improve upon their regular season record from last year.
“We’re confident we’ll be able to make some progress in the standings. The core from last season remains intact. There are a couple young guys from around the region looking to make an impression. [Centre] Grant Jacobson won’t be back this year, but it’ll be, for the most part, the same guys back. We’re heading into the season expecting to have a real battle with Neepawa in the East. That’s the way it’s been the last couple years. Combine that with Gladstone, who shouldn’t be overlooked, it’s going to be a real battle for top spot,” Saler stressed.
The third team to comprise the Highway 16 circuit are the Gladstone Lakers. Dale Evenson of Gladstone noted that they haven’t had the chance to hit the ice yet, so the early part of the season may be a bit of a mini training camp. He expects, however, that once they get past some scheduling concerns with players early on the calender, they’ll be able to push for a top three placing in Eastern Division.
These three teams, along with the rest of the league, will be looking to knock off perennial powerhouse, the Killarney Shamrocks. Killarney heads into the season as the two-time defending league champions, as well as the 2017 provincial champs.
The exhibition schedule begins this weekend across the league, most notably with the Neepawa Farmers and Minnedosa Bombers playing Friday, Oct. 13 at the Yellowhead Centre. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.
