Story by Dave Anthony
Players have made their way to town, exhibition games are almost complete 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!
Winnipeg Blues: 2020/21 (5-0-0-1)
Leading scorers: Ethan Hersant (4g, 9ast for 13pts), Brayden Foreman (6g, 6ast for 12pts)
Key graduating players: Ethan Hersant, Carson Tiede
Season outlook: The Blues enter the upcoming season with optimism after taking a pair of steps in their development over the last two seasons. A very young Blues team clawed their way into the postseason in 2019-20 before jumping out to a 5-0-0-1 start in 2020-21 prior to the league-wide shutdown. You can expect another young edition of the Blues in 2021-22 that will be led by veterans Brayden Foreman and Josiah Vanderhooft. The pair of soon to be four-year MJHL’ers will be heavily relied on by their coaching staff to lead what’s expected to be the youngest team in the MJHL.
Q & A with Blues Head Coach & General Manager, Taras McEwen
Question: Which team are you most looking forward to developing/continuing a rivalry with?
Answer: I think it will continue to be with the Freeze this season, we play them to start the season and the games were really competitive in the pre season.
Q: What kind of team can fans expect?
A: I think fans can expect an offensive team that plays fast and competes.
Q: Which returning player should fans be really excited to see?
A: We have a really good group of returning players this year but Brayden Foreman and Josiah Vanderhooft would be the two guys fans will be excited to watch.
Q: Is there a new player that fans will come to love?
A: Pass
Q: What are you most looking forward to about this upcoming season?
A: Looking forward to the regular season games because I think the league is going to be really competitive this year and will be exciting to play in front of the fans again.
Q: Which visiting arena are you most looking forward to playing in again?
A: Looking forward to playing in Steinbach as they always have good fan support and the games are always competitive.
Q: On the road, which restaurant are you most looking forward to eating at for pre or post game meal?
A: We didn’t end up having any bus trips last season when the season shut down so I am looking forward to getting back to all the arenas in the league.
Q: What movie do you hope the team puts on for a long bus ride home after a big win?
A: Captains choice
Q: Do you have your first game suit all picked out already? What color will it be? What color is the tie? Shoes?
A: I have a couple that I have my eye on.