The Powassan Voodoos open up the 2018-19 season with a new head coach and plenty of local talent to go around.
The Voodoos, who finished 1-1 in pre-season action, host the defending West Division champion Rayside-Balfour Canadians on Friday night at the Powassan Sportsplex.
It will be a new look Voodoos team beyond the new head coach Max Gavin, as gone are all-stars Tyson Gilmour and Harrison Israels, but in their place is an unprecedented influx of local talent as the Voodoos hope to return to the top of the standings in 2018-19.
Thanks to a solid affiliation agreement, the Voodoos added eight players alone from the Battalion training camp cuts last Wednesday.
Many of those Battalion prospects came out of the North Bay AAA Trappers minor and major midget teams including Ryan Mills, Mat Hardwick, Jacob Peterson-Galema, Ian Denomme and David Campbell.
However, one of the surprises at camp ended up being Chippewa high school star Will Petrie who impressed the coaching staff early in training camp.
“Will’s work ethic, compete level and commitment to playing a complete 200 ft game will never be in question by fans or coaches alike,” stated Greg Richardson, Petrie’s former high school coach with the Raiders.
“The Chippewa Raider Hockey Team is very proud to see Will move on and reach his goal of playing Jr Hockey with the Powassan Voodoos.”
In goal, Christian Cicigoi is back in goal for the Voodoos as the Battalion prospect surprised many with a league-leading 23 wins as a 16-year-old last season.
Veteran forwards Cade Herd and Tomas Yachmenev will be joined by local product Joe Whittet to supply some experience to a young group of forwards.
On the blueline experienced blueliners Eric Allair and Cam Moore return while there are high hopes for offensive 2018 Battalion 1st round U18 pick Peterson-Galema, who finished second overall in great north midget league scoring as a defenceman last season.
Max Gavin, who came over from the U.S. College at Adrian College in Michigan, cannot wait to see the puck drop to start the new season.
“Our expectations are to compete for a league championship,” said Gavin.
“We expect to play a blue-collar, high-energy style of hockey.”
