The Yorkton Kinsmen Maulers head into the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League regular season with confidence after completing an undefeated preseason.
Head Coach Jason Gordon credited both the team’s depth and their goaltending for the early success.
“Our goaltending was outstanding all the way through, and we really showcased the depth of our roster,” Gordon said. “It’s great to have experience in net with Cole Ivey, and he’s ready to go.”
Gordon cautioned, however, that preseason results only go so far. “We played strong competition from the Manitoba U18 AAA League, which has a great reputation, but now the real season begins and the message to the group is not to get too high or too low — the games that matter start now.”
Yorkton opens Wednesday in Wilcox against the Notre Dame Hounds, a team Gordon expects will be difficult as always.
“Every time you play Notre Dame, it’s a battle,” he said. “With Casey O’Brien now behind their bench, we know they’ll be hard to play against. Those points are always important when you’re battling in the standings.”
For fans, Gordon promises an up-tempo, four-line brand of hockey with mobile defense and quick transition play.
The Maulers will also continue building community connections by visiting schools, engaging sponsors, and distributing “golden tickets” ahead of the home opener Saturday against the Prince Albert Mintos at Westland Arena.
“We want Westland to be one of the toughest rinks for visiting teams,” Gordon said.
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