A new associate coach for the Ice Wolves should be hired by some time in July. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Junior Hockey

Ice Wolves eager to hit the ice as upcoming regular season date set

Jun 8, 2021 | 2:16 PM

La Ronge Ice Wolves head coach Kevin Kaminski is excited junior hockey will be returning to Saskatchewan in September.

It was announced this morning the regular season will begin Sept. 24 with training camps given the go ahead prior to that date. Kaminski believes it will be a smooth transition, noting players should be well rested and now they will need to get back into shape.

“This is what we have been waiting for. It’s been a long process,” he said. “Players are champing at the bit, coaches are ready to coach and the fans are ready for some hockey. It will be great to get the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) teams back in their community and just be part of everything.”

Kaminski also feels confident that by that time the Canada-United States border will reopen, which will allow American players to join the Ice Wolves roster. He explained the Ice Wolves already have a good goaltender in place, as well as an excellent defense.

“I feel we have the best goaltender in the league,” Kaminski said. “I think upfront we have very good depth. I’m looking for that natural goal scorer as well. We might have it with the recruiting that we did, but we’re always looking to improve our lineup offensively.”

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Kaminski is currently in the process of recruiting, and viewing footage has been sent to him from agents and players. He’s also in the midst of hiring an associate coach to replace Gaelan Patterson, who moved to British Columbia earlier this year.

“I’m down to my shortlist of three coaches left,” Kaminski said. “It’s been a process. It’s taken time to do it correctly and hire the right guy. We should be hiring here probably by the end of the month or the start of July.”

The SJHL has set the date for their annual general meeting for June 24 to 26. Click here to find out other important dates for the hockey league.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno