The first regular season game at the Mel Hegland Uniplex is Nov. 6 against Nipawin. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
Junior Hockey

Ice Wolves back in the rink for exhibition games

Oct 28, 2020 | 3:30 PM

The La Ronge Ice Wolves are back in action and have already played two Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) exhibition games.

“It feels great. It’s been way too long of a break,” said Ice Wolves Head Coach Kevin Kaminski. “I know the boys are excited to be back playing again. This is their life, this is what they do and they are looking for scholarships and that kind of stuff. The first two games it was nice to be behind the bench, coaching them up and having some fun.”

All four scheduled exhibition games are against the Flin Flon Bombers and the first game took place Oct. 22 at the Whitney Forum. The Bombers won that first match 3-2 in overtime, but the Ice Wolves rebounded Oct. 24 and won 4-2. The goals in the latest game were made by Logan Holm, Holden Knights, Jerome Walker and Brandon Della Paolera.

The next exhibition game is scheduled for Oct. 28 at the Mel Hegland Uniplex at 7:30 p.m. with the final game to be held Oct. 31 in Flin Flon.

“We were on our toes the first period and we were set on our heels in the second and third,” Kaminski said. “It’s a learning experience and that’s what these exhibition games are for. You’ve got to keep your foot on the gas and you got to keep pressuring them all the time to take away time and space. I think that’s what we did against Flin Flon here.”

Kaminski noted since attendance at games is currently capped at 150, the teams have had to make noise and excitement on their own. He added the SJHL is hoping to receive permission from the Saskatchewan Health Authority to host games at 50 per cent capacity when the regular season begins Nov. 6.

“The only challenge there is is trying to keep all teams isolated, staying in our bubble and being reassured we’re doing all the things right like wearing our masks when we’re supposed to and all that stuff to keep the season going,” Kaminski said. “We’ve got to do whatever it takes to not get the virus in one of the locker rooms.”

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

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