ST. PAUL – The St. Paul Jr. B Canadiens faced tough opposition when they played at home last week.
On Oct. 18, the team matched up against the Vegreville Rangers at the Clancy Richard Arena and lost 3-1.
The following day, the Canadiens played the Vermillion Tigers. Neither team scored in the first two periods, but Kelton McAuley with the Canadiens found the net during the third period with an assist from Jayce Lessard – securing the win.
During the first intermission against the Tigers, head coach Corey deMoissac provided some updates on where the team is at this season.
“We’re a younger team. We’re working through some of the little details of the game at the next level,” said deMoissac, adding that newer players coming from the U18 level, for example, may not have played at this higher level yet.
But the players are getting better and showing some promise. It’s a matter of more practice and teamwork, “Then things will get better.”
“It’s a little different ball game playing against bigger and stronger guys,” at the Jr. B level, according to deMoissac. “It’s just going to take time.”
He said the team is continuously practicing and there are some strong teams out there this season in the North Eastern Alberta Jr. B Hockey League.
“There’s a lot of parity in the league this year.”
Vegreville has become a stronger team, and several other teams have shown to have some promising players, he said.
“Every game is a tough one.”
However, deMoissac is confident in the Canadiens.
Thanking the fans and the community, he said, “They do a fantastic job supporting the team, and I always say that we have the best fans in the league because they continue supporting us.”
That support means a lot, he added. “That’s how we keep these young kids playing, while bringing some entertainment to the town.”
The Jr. B Canadiens will be home again on Saturday to play the Onion Lake Border Chiefs on Oct. 26, before driving to Cold Lake on Oct. 27 to face the Ice.
The Canadiens are currently sitting in sixth place in the league with three wins and four loses.
