Kings hockey team hoping for another exceptional season

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Keeper says three veterans in particular could be key to making lightning strike twice — Captain Chance Longjohn (Bachelor of Education), goaltender Arik Weersink (Kinesiology and Sport Studies) and assistant captain Jacob Wozney (Bachelor of Education).

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Weersink was a top goaltender last season, finishing with a 2.76 GAA and .899 save percentage. Longjohn, potted 20 points and will be looked to for more offense, while Wozney finished with nine goals and nine assists in the regular season, then tied for the playoff lead with seven points.

“Usually, our team has eight players in the leadership group. This year we have 12. Those 12 guys are all third and fourth-year players who add a lot of maturity to the team, which will help the three first-year players onboard. This will enhance our culture and expectations day-by-day and week-by-week,” says Keeper.

“Everyone’s goal is to win. I preached last year that we need to finish in the top two because it gives us the bye to the semi-finals, which means less risk of being injured. I think it is clearer to the players now that they have gone through it. Our goal is to get to the top of the standings and stay there. It’s a new season and before we ever entertain the thought of repeating as champions, we must behave like champions, every week, every month leading up to playoffs. We must stay committed and focused on doing the things that get us there.”

The Kings will begin defending their ACAC Championship on October 13 as they welcome the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings to town for a 7 p.m. puck drop.

For more information on the Kings Hockey program, please visit rdpolytechathletics.ca.