For most people, a beautiful warm sunny day means enjoying the many outdoor activities 樱桃视频has to offer. But for the World Hockey Association's 樱桃视频Cougars hockey team, it was time to get back inside the rink to work on the chase for the championship.
About 25 young hockey players registered Wednesday (Sept. 12) for the Cougars training camp at the Brennan Park Arena.
For coach Matt Samson the upcoming season shows tremendous potential, as among those 25 were league leading scorer, Troy McLean, sniper Spencer Samson and defenceman Nils Hanfstingl.
With the demise of the Bellingham Bulls, Samson was able to secure a couple of their players he says he feels will immediately contribute to the offence.
The defence looks solid with the return of Cole Nelson, Kyle Ritchie and Bruce Zimmerman. Graham Hallenbeck is back between the pipes to provide the stellar netminding that had him ranked as one of the top two WHA stoppers last season.Coach Samson said he expects a much better season from the Cats, and from himself.
"I learned a lot from last season," he said while reflecting on the previous year's campaign.
Samson also said the Cougars are still seeking billeting for a few players who are left with no permanent place to live. Anyone interested will earn the team's gratitude with season tickets, and should email him at [email protected].
The players said the community, coaching and their teammates were their reasons for returning. But one of the new hopefuls is Andrew McKinney from Chester, England. He read about the WHA on the Internet and chose the Cougars because he has family in 樱桃视频- he adds, the Cougars are also the best team.
McKinney has played minor hockey in England and said he's looking forward to the fast play of the WHA.The Cats will be facing an expanded league this season. Despite the Bellingham Bulls folding, the Armstrong Sharks, Lumby Fighting Saints, Osoyoos Spurs and the WHA champs, New Westminster Whalers will be returning.
New to the circuit are the Fort Vancouver Pioneers of Washington State and the Barrhead River Kings in Alberta, making the WHA an eight team loop for 2007/08.
The Cougars' season opener at Brennan Park is Friday, Sept. 28 against the Armstrong Sharks.
