As the leaves begin to fall and the chill in the air becomes more pronounced, the Airdrie Techmation Thunder is preparing to kick off another thrilling junior hockey season.
Head coach Randy Buckle, shared insights into the team's preparations and aspirations during a recent interview.
The Thunder has been diligently honing their skills and finalizing their roster in anticipation of the 2023-2024 season, said Coach Buckle. He remarked on the dedicated effort that goes into building a competitive junior hockey team.
“It's been a slow progress but it's picking up now as more players are becoming available,” said Buckle.
Reflecting on the exhibition games that the Thunder recently participated in, Buckle expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance.
“I was happy with both games; I thought the players played well and showed me a lot,” he said.
The exhibition games provided a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the squad before the regular season.
The Thunder were set to face Okotoks Carstar Bisons on Tuesday as one of their final exhibition games of the pre-season before they head to High River on Sept. 16.
These games serve as a crucial platform for players to showcase their talents and make their case for a spot in the starting lineup, explained Buckle.
But the true test for the Thunder will be on Sept. 22 when the team kicks off the regular season with a rematch against the Bisons in Okotoks.
When Airdrie City View spoke with Buckle he was working to prepare the new additions to the team for their debut.
“There are quite a few new players, but we haven't selected the whole team yet," he said. "Right now, we are still selecting, and we have four new players coming into the lineup for tonight's game."
While nurturing the potential of the new recruits, Buckle remains committed to the players who prove their mettle during the exhibition games, underlining the importance of consistency and determination on the ice.
“The guys that played last weekend, I was very happy with, and they showed me exactly what they can do," he said. "I can't wait to see how far they go in the season."
One of the key principles Buckle intends to instill in his team this year is accountability.
“I think the biggest lesson I'm going to try to teach this year is holding our players accountable for their actions and how they are acting on and off the ice. Accountability is one of my big things.”
The coach's dedication to building not just skilled players, but responsible individuals, is a testament to his commitment to their development both on and off the ice.
As the Airdrie Techmation Thunder readies themselves for another exciting season of junior hockey, the team's fans look forward to the action-packed games and unforgettable moments that lie ahead. The countdown has begun.
