For the first time in over a decade, a different face will stand behind the Chase Heat bench. Head coach-general manager Kyle Evans says the community is buzzing over the team in their Kootenay International Junior Hockey League Quick Shift team preview. Evans takes over following a 12-win season.
KIJHL: What should fans be excited about when it comes to this team?
KE: There is lots to be excited about with a good group of returning veterans who are hungry and excited. We have a good mix of young, high-end prospects to showcase to our fans.
KIJHL: What areas are you looking to improve from last season?
KE: It all boils down to being a tougher team to play against. Between the returnees and the players we’ve added, we know the skill is there. It’s just going to be a matter of making Chase a tough place to come play.
KIJHL: Are there any returning players that you are expecting to have big seasons? Talk about what you are hoping to see from them.
KE: I have high expectations for all of them – whether it’s from the offensive or defensive side of the game.
Lynden Robertson (30 points in 41 games) and Jalen Davidson (33 points in 43 games) are going to build on their point totals and be key pieces for our offensive attack.
Kaleb Preymak (33 points in 39 games – team leading 21 goals) and Josh David (10 points in 31 games) are going to have a more productive year. Those two bring a lot of leadership and carry a lot of weight in the dressing room.
Kieran Strauss (24 points in 39 games) is coming into his sophomore year and his speed is going to be a huge asset.
Andrew Morris (.74 points-per-game) and Easton Zenko (.53 points per game) are very skilled defenceman who like to jump up in the play. They will carry things offensively and get into the rush a bit more.
Carter Welke (.43 points-per-game) took a few steps forward this summer getting a bit bigger, stronger and faster and is going to be a steady presence on the blueline.
Meyer Gaume is better than his numbers have indicated over the last couple of seasons (eight total wins, .899 save rate, 4.13 GAA). He showed up hungry from day one and looked dialed during main camp. He has been lights out at practice every day.
KIJHL: Are there first-year players who you feel can make a seamless transition for an immediate impact?
KE: Aryx Siefker (2006 – Academie Ste-Cecile – Midwest Prep Hockey League) He is a big body (6-4, 210 pounds), who skates really well and has a great stick and poise with the puck. He doesn’t do anything flashy, but does the right things with the puck and finds the open man. He has looked great in our preseason games so far.
Malcolm Anderson (6-1, 180 pounds) has big reach and is a very good skater with a nose for the net. He loves to go to the dirty areas, plays gritty and has the skill to back it up.
KIJHL: When it comes to your leadership group, what are the important characteristics that you want each player to possess?
KE: We want the veteran players taking care of the young guys. One of the things we have talked about as a group is the culture that we want to have and what that looks like. For the returning guys, we want them to turn this program into what they want the program to be. Set that right example for the new guys and leave the place better than you found it. Our guys have really bought into that. I see it with the way they have been treating the young guys, the way they have welcomed them into the room and organization.
