Alberta Alpine unveiled its 2013/2014 team on Oct. 29 and, for the first time in years, there are no Bow Valley natives on the team.
Canmore’s Logan Thackray and Matt Monod both retired at the end of last season to chase other careers. Using his massive VO2 Max, Monod is chasing a mountain bike career while Thackray moved to Tofino, B.C.
Despite the losses, high performance director Brett Zagozewski believes this year’s team is slated for a strong performance.
“We have six men and they’re all returning athletes. They understand they have to perform to take the next step forward in the racing system,” he said.
Jeff Bell (Calgary Alpine Racers), Kevyn Read (Banff Alpine Racers), Jonas Haehlen (Calgary Alpine Racers), Tony Naciuk (Edmonton Ski Club/Calgary Alpine), Rob Greig (Team Panorama) and Russell Ronsky (Banff Alpine Racers) will all wear the light blue of Team Alberta, vying for a chance to ski for Canada at the world junior championships.
“There are a few on the radar to the national ski team, namely Jeff Bell and Tony Naciuk. Based on their performances, they had the opportunity to interact with the men’s development team. That always helps with confidence. To know they’re being watched, it’s a big boost for them. I look forward to seeing them perform,” said Zagozewski.
Most of the athletes train in the Bow Valley and some, such as Read, reside here part-time, but the lack of locals on the ski team is a concern for Team Alberta. Zagozewski said there is a new crop set to graduate to the provincial team, however, new FIS (Federation International du Ski) age restrictions pushed them back another year.
In order to compete in a FIS event, athletes must now be 16 years old, up from 15 years old. The move was made to bring ski programs in line with long-term athlete development models, allowing them to develop physically and technically before they start racing.
“Men’s ski racing is competitive globally and it takes longer to develop,” Zagozewski said. “We have to pay attention to where the talent lies. We’ve had no promotion through the age groups for two years. Banff Alpine Racers has a lot of younger talent and we’re seeing more diversification, with athletes coming from other areas like Edmonton and Lethbridge.”
The Alberta women’s team is much less experienced and includes three first-year athletes. Jenna McIntyre (Lake Louise Ski Club), Jocelyn McCarthy (Rabbit Hill Ski Club), Hannah Melinchik (Rabbit Hill Ski Club) and Mia Henry (Banff Alpine Racers) round out the team.
“Jocelyn McCarthy is our lone returning athlete and Jenna is in her first year as a U21 athlete. The rest are U18 athletes,” Zagozewski said. “This will be a year where they’ll really cut their teeth and gain the experience of what it’s like to be on a provincial team.”
Going into the year without expecting big results, Zagozewski said the team is gelling well and eager to learn. McIntyre is the only skier they expect to get a crack at the world junior championships, while the others should peak for the Canadian championships in Collingwood, Ont. from Feb. 10-16.
“There is a great team atmosphere. They’re an exciting group to watch and while they lack experience, they show patience,” he said.
The group of 10 is also smaller than in years past. Zagozewski said that has no bearing on the caliber of ski racers in Alberta, but provides a manageable group for coaches.
The team got its first test of the season this week with a NorAm race in Colorado. Naciuk finished 42nd and Read was 54th in giant slalom.
