New coaches. New players. New season.
Everything is new for Airdrie-Cochrane (AC) Avalanche.
The Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League squad has wrapped training camp and started exhibition play ahead of regular-season puck drop Oct. 3.
Coming out of a condensed, two-week training camp, new head coach Kenton Levesque, who coached Bow Valley Bantam AA Timberwolves last season, is confident in his 2000-born players. No fewer than eight are from Cochrane, with others from Canmore, Three Hills, Airdrie and surrounding areas.
“Training camp went really well. It went quick this year. We got our team down to 19,” Levesque who, along with assistant coach Kyle Baumgartner, replace brothers Dave and Scott McCulloch from last season. “Looking good, though.”
Cochrane players include Justin Berube, Josh Kroon, Kyle Lappin, Ben Davidson, Austin Wong, Scott Shugg, Caden Chudleigh and Keenen McElroy.
“Our defence is really strong and goaltending’s good,” Levesque enthused. “Forwards might struggle to score goals early, but it’ll come as the season goes.”
Avs played a pair of preaseson tilts Sept. 26-27 vs. Calgary Buffaloes Athletic Association Blackhawks. Calgary won both games 5-3 and 5-2.
Levesque is undeterred.
“Pretty good room so far. Some of the guys have played together before. The ones who haven’t got acquainted quickly,” Levesque relayed. “It’s a good room. Good group of guys. We’re excited. We’re lucky to have such a talented room.
“It’s only going to get better.”
Avs open the regular season Oct. 3 against visiting Northwest Calgary Bruins at Cochrane’s Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, 4 p.m. puck drop.
