The Nelson Leafs are gearing up for a tough game on the road this weekend, as they prepare to take on the Grand Forks Border Bruins Saturday night, with a depleted side.
The Leafs are suffering injuries across the bench, forcing new blood into the ranks with goaltender Dylan Spackman, forward Brendon Hall and defenseman Shawn Minnabarriet.
“We’re looking forward to see what they can do.” said Coach Briar McNaney.
“We also have a couple of affiliates who are going to be playing with us. So, just basically riding our healthy guys as best as we can right now and try and play our game to the best of our abilities.”
The Leafs are missing nine regulars, and key players, in their line up following a packed early season schedule, with three three-game weekends in four weeks.
“We’ve definitely played the most hockey out of the entire league so far.” said McNaney.
“Our last two games against Beaver Valley and then we played Revelstoke, we kind of knew it was going to be pretty tough.”
And this weekend won’t be easy against the Border Bruins with another short line up, but opportunities for players to step up.
“We’ve got a number of guys who can step up and fill either leadership roles, scoring roles, penalty killing roles, we have a pretty diverse lineup.”
“And we’re excited to see our three new guys in this weekend.”
McNaney hopes to see a return of force just in time for their next home game on November 2.
“Let’s try and get as many people out as humanly possible. We’re excited. The crowds have been large so far and everyone’s been supporting around town and with all the fundraisers we’ve been doing, our sponsors have been incredible.”
Despite current conditions, Coach McNaney says the teams had a good start to the season with eight wins and four loses, sitting third in the league ladder.
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