Notes
When the 20th edition of the Canmore Eagles open the AJHL season on Sept. 12 at home against Whitecourt, their new captain could be the exact opposite of their last leader.
In 2013, 20-year-old Nils Moser wore the ‘C’ while patrolling the ice like a battleship, looking for targets to blast through the boards. The bulked-up WHL veteran saw injuries cut his season short, but he was still able to rack up 124 penalty minutes in just 37 games.
After three days of training camp, a 5 foot 9 slick skating centre appears to be the frontrunner for the captaincy. Connor Wilson is more likely to dangle than drop ’em, but the centre with excellent hockey vision could lead the way to the AJHL’s promised land.
Wilson, 19, is entering his third season with the Eagles. He tied for 15th in league scoring last year, with 14 goals and 43 assists in 60 games playing with Luke Simpson for much of the year.
Wilson is a pass-first centre with excellent hockey sense who instantly elevates the play of his linemates. A threat on the powerplay, he plans to shoot more this season in order to round out his game. He’ll likely start the season with Joe Serpico and Simon Philp, who are both proven point producers in the AJHL.
With Moser, Luke Simpson and Trey Phillips all moving on, Wilson could be the next one tapped for the gig.
“I would love to accept the captaincy and it’s a great honour, but everyone is a great leader on this team,” Wilson said when asked about the role. “Coming in, you’re a year older, you take on a leadership roll. It’s a new aspect of the game I haven’t had before, but the young guys need leadership.”
Andrew Milne, Eagles general manager and head coach, said the team lost some big pieces from the 2013 team, but with 16 returning players from the best Eagles squad in years, he doesn’t expect one player to step up, but the entire team.
“You’re not going to replace a player like Trey Phillips, the best player in junior A hockey last year. Our intention is not to do that. Our intent is everyone who played with Trey last year is better for it,” Milne said.
On the blueline, Milne wants to see Nik Kosman play a larger role on the team, as well as newly acquired Griffin Mumby.
“I think we’ll see Nik take the next step in his game. He’s going to want to have a good year. He worked hard this summer and he’s put himself in a positive spot,” Milne said.
“Mumby also has a lot of tools that can be successful … he was suppressed in the WHL and not given as much freedom as he would have liked. I think we’ll see him handle the puck more and more and by Christmas the fans will be impressed with everything he can bring to the table.”
On offence, Milne wants to see goals generated by committee, allowing him to roll his lines freely.
“Connor was impressive last year and I think he’ll be just as impressive this year. I like guys like Kurt Hildebrand, Lane Olson, Brett Radford, Ryley Risling and Kyle Pauls. All of those guys are set for breakout years. You saw what Hildebrand and Olson could do for us in the playoffs last year and I think you’ll see both of those guys explode into good first halves of the season,” Milne said.
In goal, Ryan Ferguson was the difference maker on most nights for the Eagles and there’s no reason to believe he won’t light up the league again this year. On many nights, he was the best Eagle on the ice and should be a contender for the AJHL top goaltender award this season.
“Fergie is healthy, stronger and quicker. With the addition of his brother to the team, it will be a good year for the Ferguson family. I wouldn’t be surprised if NCAA offers come early,” Milne said.
The Eagles play a mini-tournament this weekend in Calgary before beginning their season on Sept. 12.
