Vegreville Rangers training camp about to get underway

The Vegreville Rangers will be taking another step towards roaring back into the NEAJBHL.

Roughly 30-40 players are descending to Vegreville in hopes of cracking the lineup in the Rangers return.

“This is going to be a starting point where I start to really get to know the players, get to see them in action, and then we get to start formulating our season and kind of how I want to see our team playing,” said coach Trevor Carter. 

Talking about the team structure and team philosophy, Carter said he is a defence first coach and wants his team to be responsible in its own zone.

“I like having my game structured around that we’re getting out of own end before we’re getting the puck into the offensive zone. Having speed allows us to forecheck properly. And other than that, we definitely want players of all sorts of roles,” he said. 

“We need to have our goal scorers and we need to have the guys that have big roles in the team, whether that be physicality or just having that intensity or leadership role. So as we kind of narrow down the roster after this weekend, and then start taking in guys throughout the month, our exhibition games, they’re going to tell the tale on if we’re doing the right thing, or if we need to look elsewhere.” 

It’s been a busy summer getting this team off the ground.

But they have announced some new signings, including forward Carter Bergseth, defenceman Logan Bosch, and a netminder soon to arrive from the KIJHL.

While getting ingrained in the community at the Vegreville Fair parade, the team has lots of interest in local players who are looking to return to the club, said Carter.

With that said, the focus is on development and winning hockey games. The team wishes to be competitive this upcoming season.

“There’s a good, good possibility that we get some some young talent into the organization. And that can help lay the groundwork for consecutive years at the same group. Obviously, we want those guys to move on — and that is the focus of mine, I’m a player first coach, I like to make sure I’m supporting them and their goals,” said Carter. 

“My focus is on winning. Everything I do to prepare myself and and the team is geared towards that common goal. We want to be competitive, because if we’re competitive that continues the success story for Vegreville.”

Season ticket packages will be soon available and after that it won’t be long until the North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League starts.

The Rangers will host the St. Paul Canadiens and Killam Wheat Kings for exhibition games on September 16th and 17th, respectively. The Vermilion Tigers will be the opponent when Vegreville lifts the lid on their home opener September 30th.

Players can sign up by getting a hold of Carter through call or text 780-262-0132. Registration is $40.