Story by Dave Anthony
Players have made their way to town, exhibition games are well underway and coaches are optimistic with sights set high, it’s time to start the new season!
We asked each head coach a number of questions as they prepare for the season and here’s what they had to say!
Virden Oil Capitals: 2020/21 (8-0-1-0)
Leading scorers: Hunter Cloutier (6g, 11ast for 17pts), Jack Einarson (4g, 11ast for 15pts)
Key graduating players: Hunter Cloutier, Jack Einarson, Josh Belcher
Season outlook: Things couldn’t have been better for Virden who were just rolling along and built like an absolute unit. The only thing that could stop them was a global pandemic that shut the league down. The Oil Caps were veteran heavy but at the same time, still carried a number of younger players that will look to take the spot light. Virden is generally pretty quiet about their business but you can bet they’ve been working hard to bring in players and will look to take another run towards an MJHL finals and beyond.
Q & A with Oil Capitals Head Coach & General Manager, Tyson Ramsey
Question: Which team are you most looking forward to developing/continuing a rivalry with?
Answer: I think Wayway will be a good rivalry for us. They always play hard and logistically are pretty close, so we see fans from both sides at all the games.
Q: What kind of team can fans expect?
A: Our fans can expect a team that plays hard and plays with pace with a pride in defending.
Q: Which returning player should fans be really excited to see?
A: I think Logan Rands and Dylan Halliday are set to have big years as 20-year-olds in the league. We are also really excited to see the strides that Trevor Hunt and Branden Huminuk have taken in the last year.
Q: Is there a new player that fans will come to love?
A: I think our fans will love Braden Fischer. He is very skilled and works tremendously hard.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about this upcoming season?
A: Just getting back to playing the game we have been missing in front of our loyal fans and business partners.
Q: Which visiting arena are you most looking forward to playing in again?
A: I love playing in Winkler, that’s where I played my junior hockey.
Q: On the road, which restaurant are you most looking forward to eating at for pre or post game meal?
A: Y Not Johnny’s in Swan River
Q: What movie do you hope the team puts on for a long bus ride home after a big win?
A: Our guys don’t typically watch movies on the bus
Q: Do you have your first game suit all picked out already? What color will it be? What color is the tie? Shoes?
A: Blue suit, brown shoes, blue tie
