New Stampeders Junior B hockey manager Denny Pannenbecker knows he has a lot of work ahead of him but feels the team is on the verge of a breakthrough.
Pannenbecker accepted the position in March and says he has been working hard to change how people see the team. Their image already seems to be improving; spring camp in April had 54 players attend, more than normal.
“It’s very positive and a lot of excitement around,” said Pannenbecker.
His main goal is to improve the quality of play fans expect to see during games and growth in camp attendance will help him get there. Bigger teams such as the Red Deer Vipers and Blackfalds Bulldogs generally draw more players to their teams, which makes it challenging for the Stampeders to recruit players.
Despite heavy losses in games over the last two seasons, Pannenbecker says there is a strong fan base in Ponoka and development from coach Mark Dobler is seeing better hockey from the team. “Mark’s a good guy. He definitely knows hockey.”
Managing comes naturally to Pannenbecker, who coached his son in hockey and baseball over the years. Being organized helps and he looks forward to ensuring players get what they need for games. Players’ strength was formidable at the April camp and Pannenbecker feels if they get those same athletes in their fall camp, then the team will have a good chance this season.
“We should be close to challenging for a playoff spot, I think,” said Pannenbecker.
Becoming more involved in Ponoka Minor Hockey is another area the manager wants to see growth. He feels if the team gets out into the community more, they will be able to draw more local players to the team.
The Stampeders home opener is Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. against the Blackfalds Bulldogs. Before the league starts, though, there will be three home exhibition games, on Sunday, Sept. 7 vs. Three Hills, on Saturday, Sept 13 vs. Wetaskiwin, and on Wednesday, Sept. 17 against Blackfalds.