Canadians set to host Shattock

FORT FRANCES—The Fort Frances Canadians begin their hockey season this weekend with a three-game exhibition series against the Shattock St. Mary’s Sabres’ Midget ‘AA’ squad at the Ice for Kids Arena.
The series opens Friday (Oct. 6) at 7:45 p.m., with Saturday’s game slated for 2:15 p.m. Sunday’s finale starts at 10:45 a.m.
Head coach David Egan has high hopes for a Canadians’ squad that is returning eight players from a year ago and also features a strong group of rookies.
“I like to think it’s going to be a gradual process,” Egan remarked.
“I think by Christmas we’re going to be a very, very exciting team. I think we’re going to be fast,” he added. “I think in tournaments and the games we compete in, we’re going to do very well.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say that we’re going to win them all, but we are going to be right there in the end in the championship round.”
Despite the fact Egan only has seen his team compete in practices so far, he is encouraged with what he’s seen to date.
“I’m pleased with the boys and their work ethic,” he remarked.
“We’ve got a mixed bag of young and older-age Midgets,” he noted. “We’ve got some that have not played ‘AA’ hockey but they all seem to be molding well together.
“This will be a test,” Egan conceded. “It will sort of give us a chance to look at what we need to further work on. It is early, but the boys are anxious to play.”
Adding to the excitement surrounding the Canadians’ opening series is the presence of a very famous hockey surname on the Sabres’ roster.
Tyler Gretzky, son of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, will take to the ice this weekend for Shattock. According to Egan, the Canadians are eager to compete against the son of the “Great One.”
“I think that’s really sort of an added feature to be able to face-off against the son of the greatest name in hockey right now,” he said.
“I’m sure there’ll be an extra effort when they go up against him.”
Admission to each of the three games costs $4 for adults and $2 for students. Children 12 and under are free.
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)