Nelson Leads head coach Barry Wolff is eager for the puck to drop tonight as the KIJHL season officially begins, with Nelson hosting the Kimberley Dynamiters.
Following a string of injuries, Wolff said the team is back to full strength for the season opener and eager to see what the league and the season will bring.
“It’s a great development league. It’s always been competitive, and it is always fun to coach in this league, and I’m looking forward to this season,” said Wolff.
With some new and familiar faces lining the bench this year, Wolff says building the team on and off the ice is crucial.
“We’ve got guys who want to stick up for each other and play for each other, and that’s a big part of any kind of success.”
Looking at tonight’s game, he said the team is up for the challenge.
“There’s no question, Kimberly’s been good for years, consistently. Stuart’s done a great job there, and they’re going to be skilled and fast,” said Wolff.
“Usually they have some guys that can score goals, so for the most part, we’ve got to worry about ourselves and our systems and get better that way, but we also got to key on their top guys and try and slow them down through the neutral zone and making sure we capitalize on our chances.”
Nelson’s pre-season power play and penalty kill stats have been impressive so far, and something they will want to continue.
“50 per cent on the power play and 100 per cent on the penalty kill, so those are two things that can win or lose your game. So, to see that come together that early was definitely something good for us.”
Puck drops at 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, Sept. 19.
“Hopefully we can get a huge crowd and get behind the boys and come to Friday night hockey.”
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