INNISFAIL – The Innisfail Eagles are getting ready to soar into their upcoming 70th anniversary season.
Practice started at the beginning of September, and the team was set to stretch their legs in a pre-season game this past weekend in Lacombe.
“We've had about seven or eight skates under our belt,” said general manager and assistant coach Ryan Dodd.
The team was slated to face off against the Stony Plain Eagles and Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs at the tournament last weekend.
“It gives an opportunity to have a look at more players and also for some of our players to get their feet underneath them,” Dodd said of the pre-season activity, noting the NHL does a similar routine.
For Eagles fans eager to see the team skate at the Innisfail Arena, the season officially opens with a home game on Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. The Eagles will be facing off against their longtime archrivals the Lacombe Generals.
Dodd said they're hoping to fill the stands.
“The guys look great. We've got a big returning core, and then we're looking to add a couple or three more guys and hopefully make a good run to the Allan Cup this year,” he said. The team placed third in the league last season and were knocked out of the Allan Cup run by the Stony Plain Eagles in the sixth game of the semifinal round. The Chinook Hockey League has been newly renamed the Allan Cup West League.
When the Eagles take the ice this month, the players will likely be striding through the lobby to get there, departing from the brand new dressing room. The new 20-foot by 45-foot addition on the southwest corner of the arena includes a trainer's room, coach's office, storage space and a meet and greet area. The cost, $370,000, was split between the town and the hockey club.
“We are just completing our stalls. We will be into our new dressing room for the first home game of the season,” Dodd said.
There will be some games on Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and Sundays this year, a move Dodd said is to try and help more young people attend games. Innisfail minor hockey players who come dressed in their Innisfail Minor Hockey Association apparel, such as team jerseys or other team clothing like track suits, will get into games free.
The Eagles plan on honouring late player and coach Larry Reid on Oct. 20 with Larry Reid Night, and a dedicated game against the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs.
NHL alumni will face off against the Eagles on Nov. 25.
Ryan Dodd, general manager and assistant coach
"The guys look great. We've got a big returning core, and then we're looking to add a couple or three more guys and hopefully make a good run to the Allan Cup this year."
