SUNDRE – The U13 Huskies are among the Sundre Minor Hockey Association’s teams starting regular Central Alberta Hockey League play this week after completing tiering rounds for the 2022-23 season.
Despite his squad experiencing a somewhat rocky start during tiering rounds with only one win, Tim Kennedy, head coach and association president, nevertheless sounded optimistic about the year ahead when he spoke with the Albertan during a phone interview on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
“Last year was the same thing; we had trouble in tiering,” said Kennedy. “But once the kids catch onto the program, it changes things.”
After all, following last season’s tough start in tiering when they didn't win a single game, the Huskies went through the rest of 2021-22 season undefeated, he said.
“It was kind of funny,” he said. “Last year, we never lost a league game. And we’re hoping for the same thing this year.”
The U13s are a young team, especially since a few players were bumped up to ensure there was a full roster.
“We brought up some U11s because we didn’t have a team, and they’re catching onto the positions now. So, it’s coming together,” he said.
Once the smoke settled in the aftermath of pre-league play, the U13s were placed in tier 5. The U18s are in tier 3, while the U15s are in tier 4. The younger squads play half-ice games in a shared arena against a few teams, he said.
The Central Alberta Hockey League’s regular season starts this week following a tiering break over the weekend, he said.
The coach said he has seen some strengths surface during practices and tiering.
“They’re starting to catch onto our system for positioning and skating,” he said.
As for where coaching staff are honing in, Kennedy said they’re striving to improve the team’s five-minute, pre-game routine.
“You got to get all you can in in that short of time,” he said. “Right now, we’re trying to improve our warmup before the games start. When they do the horseshoe and pass; it’s not looking too good.
“Last practice, I tried something new and they all had fun and enjoyed it, so I think that’s probably the way that we’ll go.”
Players all progress at different speeds and some need a little longer to catch up, but they’ve lately been starting to click, he said.
“We’ll have a good year,” he said.
And while coaches of course want to create opportunities for their players to improve their abilities on the ice, the mentors also want to help their team develop not only sportsmanship but especially a love for the game, he said.
“Our goal as coaches this year – like any year – is let the kids enjoy it and learn to love the game. If they’re having fun, we are,” he said.
“If the kids are enjoying it and how you’re doing it, they’re going to catch onto the way to play. That’s what it’s all about.”
As there were no games over the past weekend during the tiering break, the U18 Huskies hosted their annual home tournament. The U13s will be hosting their home tournament in late January.
