The Ice Wolves currently have 26 players on its roster. (La Ronge Ice Wolves)

By Derek Cornet

regular season

Ice Wolves ready for home opener against defending SJHL champion Mustangs

Sep 18, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The Ice Wolves are looking forward to their home opener on Friday following what Head Coach Kevin Kaminski called a good preseason.

During the preseason, which began Sept. 2, the Ice Wolves sit with a 3-3 record. They lost both their games against the Flin Flon Bombers (5-8, 3-7), won one and lost one against the Battlefords North Stars (5-1, 4-8), and won both their games against the Nipawin Hawks (5-2, 5-2).

“We finished strong with two wins. I thought we really came together. I thought the work ethic was outstanding,” Kaminski said.

“We have to stay focused on good execution, but I really liked what our veterans have done, and our rookies coming in are doing a hell of a job too, and they’re buying into Ice Wolves hockey.”

The Ice Wolves’ roster has 26 players coming out of the preseason, down from approximately 35 coming out of the main camp last month. The Ice Wolves’ home opener is against the Melfort Mustangs, who won the 2024 Canterra Seeds Cup (SJHL Championship).

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To celebrate the home opener, the Ice Wolves will be hosting a Pre-Game Party in the parking lot of the Mel Hegland Uniplex. A barbecue sponsored by Keethanow Group of Businesses will begin at 5 p.m. and doors to the Wolves Den will open at 6 p.m.

There will also be a 50/50 jackpot starting at $1,000 courtesy of La Ronge Petroleum.

Kaminski would like to see a sold-out crowd on Friday to show the players some recognition they deserve.

“Our first game against Melfort is going to be a big test. They are going to have another very good team. We’re looking forward to it,” he said.

“We’ve got to come out of the gates flying and have a good fast start and then don’t look back. Hopefully, we can get that first one under our belts, then go on the road and be road warriors and steal two points.”

The Ice Wolves are set to play the Nipawin Hawks on Saturday.

This week, the Ice Wolves have been on systems, powerplays, penalty kills and good execution. Kaminski noted Thursday will be about preparation and focusing on Friday’s home opener.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com