The Battlefords Sharks open their season at home this weekend. (submitted photo/Battlefords Sharks)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Home start

Battlefords Sharks prepped for season opener

Oct 8, 2021 | 2:59 PM

Women’s hockey returns to the Battlefords in a big way Saturday and Sunday.

The Battlefords 18U AAA Sharks will host the Swift Current Wildcats, playing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Battleford Arena. This serves as the team’s home and season debut, after a few exhibition games earlier this fall.

Head coach Ricci Girolami said the squad has eagerly anticipated the return to the ice after almost two years with competition, an absence caused by restrictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These young ladies are very excited to start playing and begin the season,” he said. “As coaches we always look forward to seeing the growth of our players.”

The Sharks have seven new players, whose adjustment into the lineup is something Girolami believes won’t be a struggle, but rather a fun challenge. Goaltending will be key for this team, but they will also have to rely on depth, as their coaches are expecting every offensive and defensive line to contribute.

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“I think with the group we have this year, things are looking pretty good,” Girolami said.

The league projects to have significant parity this year, between the major centres and teams like Notre Dame and Swift Current. Girolami said their exhibition contest against the Wildcats, a 2-0 loss, provided some important lessons.

“We did have a chance to play Swift Current and recognized our mistakes,” he said. “Hopefully we’ve corrected them this week and we come out stronger than we did there.”

Because everyone is grateful to have this return to the ice, Girolami added he hopes everyone is able to remain safe amidst the current wave of COVID-19 cases.

“Hopefully our kids have good, successful season this year.”

Following this weekend, the Sharks will have two more home games on October 14 and 17, both at the Battleford Arena. More information on the team’s season, including their roster, full schedule and more, is available online.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW