CARROT RIVER —The Carrot River Outback Thunder will be looking to measure success in several ways this coming season.
The Prairie Junior Hockey League squad seeks to improve upon last winter’s 6-33-1 record. The team’s first full regular season under the leadership of head coach Luke Folk, a former Thunder player, and general manager Brennan Hall begins Saturday in Delisle against the Chiefs. The first home game will be Oct. 4 against Fort Knox.
“We are not only focused on a winning season as a team but also a successful season and enjoyable experience for each player on and off the ice,” Folk said. “Whether that's staying after practice and working on individual skills or having the boys volunteer in the community. We have a solid core of guys this year who want to be here and want to get better everyday. Already this year it’s common to see players and coaches alike on the ice hours after practice. "
As of Sunday, the Outback Thunder was still finalizing its roster. The Junior B squad is looking for not just talent when selecting players.
“We have had to make cuts due to lack of skill as well as lack of commitment,” Folk said. “I'll be expecting a lot from the guys this year starting with an extremely busy three practices a week. I believe the ice availability in Carrot River is an advantage we have over every other team in the PJHL and we are making the most of it.”
While the roster had not been carved into stone as of Sunday, Hall expected the Outback Thunder to be a younger crew. He estimated the average age to be around 17-18.
“We are focused on trying to be a competitive team with a community-based outlook and the goal of developing our players to get them to the next level,” said Hall, who took over leadership of the team along with Folk partway through last season.
He said that about three-quarters or more of the team hails from Northeast Saskatchewan or has ties to it. There potentially could be Outback Thunder players who were affiliates with the team last season.
The team returns the following forwards: Kaden Suski, who had five goals and 10 points in 33 games last season, and Tyler Almen and Tyson Norris, who each had nine points. Among the newcomers expected to see time up front are David Wiens, Kayden Graham and Liam Hallett. Wiens helped the Tisdale Trojans win the bronze medals at the 2019 Telus Cup national midget AAA championship. Graham and Hallett suited up last season for the North East midget AA team.
“We expect them to play big roles even though they are rookies,” Hall said of the trio.
On defence, Tristin Strunk is back. He had eight points and 55 penalty minutes in 29 games last season. The team recently acquired Brett Harper from the B.C.’s Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. The 19-year-old brings a year of Junior B experience.
Behind the blue line core, the Outback Thunder had, as of Sunday, three newcomers battling for two spots. Hall said all three are very strong and talented. He expects goaltending to be a strength early on.
