Thanks to the strength of a core group of returning players, for the first time in nine years, the Banff Hockey Academy Bears appear poised to earn a playoff spot in the Junior B Alberta Heritage Junior Hockey League.
The Bears currently sit in second place in the southern division thanks to a 17-11-1 record, eight points behind first-place Okotoks. The Bears have a big four-point match-up against High River on Saturday (Jan. 25) at 4 p.m. and head coach Bill Doherty said the Bears are fighting for home ice advantage.
The southern division is tight, and the Bears still aren’t celebrating, but things look promising for the Banff squad.
“It could be the first time in a long time that we’ve made the playoffs. Nine years ago we made it, but we’ve been nipping at it the last couple of years. Now we’re setting our sights on capturing that spot and getting home ice advantage,” Doherty said.
The Bears ice a skill-based lineup, which has three players in the league’s top 20 in scoring, along with a big, puck-moving defensive corps and solid goaltending.
“There are lots of things going on that are creating a positive atmosphere. We have a great group of returning athletes that are back and we’re watching them develop and mature. It’s coming together,” Doherty said. “We have a quick team that transitions well with strong special teams.”
Captain and shifty centre Dylan Robertson is leading the club with 41 points in 26 games. He’s found chemistry with Russian Oleg Losev, who leads the team with 22 goals and Banff native Yannis Soukas.
“We’re playing a skill game and our conditioning is strong: we’re a really well-conditioned team,” Doherty said. “Losev and Givi Shepotko give us a strong, offensive slant, Robertson is a strong, crafty centreman and Soukas is hard working.”
In goal, Aaron Mackay and Michael Lenko have excelled for the Bears, as both have posted scintillating save percentages. MacKay has signed on with the Junior A Brooks Bandits and appears ready to make the jump.
“McKay and Lenko are playing solid, solid hockey right now. They’ve gotten their save percentages into the .900 range and have been a big factor this year in keeping us in the playoff race,” Doherty said.
They’re protected with a veteran defense which mixes size and puck movement. Logan Milliken and Kobe Eagletail have been solid and Jonas Gordon (brother of Canmore Eagles’ Jeremy Gordon) has been strong since moving back to defence.
“It’s been a big, big factor to have a player back there who can move the puck and make great outlet passes,” Doherty said.
Assistant coach Colton Wildman has been another positive influence on the team. The former Bears star has been instrumental in the team’s success this year, Doherty said, as he garners a lot of respect from the players.
“He knows the system and mentality of our program and he’s able to help the players through some tough times,” Doherty said. “He’s been a positive role model on the team.”
Despite the success, the team isn’t content to rest on its laurels.
“Nothing is sealed yet and the race is tight, but we’ve been playing well. We’re keeping the players focused on the process and right on top of execution. The big thing has been our returning athletes. With Dylan as captain, Yannis and Nick Drought as our leadership group, they’ve done a great job,” Doherty said. “The goal is to finish with home ice advantage in the playoffs. With seven games left and eight points out of first, we’ve got a shot.”
