The Powassan Voodoos open up the 2018-19 NOJHL season with a new head coach and plenty of local talent to go around.
The Voodoos, who finished 1-1 in preseason action, host the defending West Division champions, the Rayside-Balfour Canadians on Friday night at the Powassan Sportsplex.
It will be a new look Voodoos team beyond new head coach Max Gavin, as all-stars Tyson Gilmour and Harrison Israels are no longer with the team. In their place is an 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.
One of the surprises at camp was 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-foot 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 last season with a league-leading 23 wins as a 16-year-old rookie goaltender 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, seasoned defencemen Eric Allair and Cam Moore return while there are high hopes for offensive 2018 Battalion first 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 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.”
