New coaches, new players and new systems will hopefully equal a new attitude and better results for the Ponoka Stampeders this season.
With the exhibition portion ending tonight — at home to Blackfalds, game time 7:30 p.m. — the local junior B hockey club has already seen some significant off-season changes that have been producing some interesting results.
The starting point of those changes is new head coach Matt Williams, who has also revamped the rest of the coaching staff by adding assistants Andy Williams, Colton McRae and Joe Lovell.
The Stamps have also managed to hang onto a handful of veteran players that include leading scorer Nate Higgins, playmakers Jordan Sears and Jacob Sayler as well as rearguards Kacey Straub, Kolton Muyers and Austin Ancion.
Willams is hoping the rest will be able to gel and allow the club to get out of the gate quickly.
Hoof prints - The Stamps have been a bit hit and miss during the pre-season, beating Stettler 4-1 Sept. 13 followed by a 10-4 loss in Wetaskiwin Sept. 17. The result of last night’s game in Blackfalds was not available at press time. Fans are encouraged to catch the home opener on Sept. 24 when Red Deer comes to town. Game time is 3 p.m. at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex. The Stamps kick off the season on the road in Didsbury Sept. 22 against Mountainview.
