The Yorkton Terriers have played five preseason games in the last week, all part of the ongoing evaluation of talent for the upcoming Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season.
The Terriers won three of the five games, including home ice victories over Melville last Tuesday 3-2, and Battlefords Sunday 4-1, but preseason is not focused on wins and losses, said Terrier head coach Trent Cassan.
"It's more evaluating individuals than a team as a whole," he said, although that does mean looking at players who fit into the various roles needed on a team.
"Not every player can be on the first line and play powerplay," he said, noting they look to see what players are willing to take on certain roles with a team, such as being satisfied with less playing time, and a checking role.
In terms of the preseason, Cassan said some players have used the opportunity to their advantage."There have been some guys who've come in and earned some spots," he said.
He added there have also been "some guys maybe overtaken by some (other) guys."
The veterans on the squad, those returning from the league finals' team, are all safe, at least for the moment, said Cassan.
"I've been happy with the older guys They've been good leaders, had good attitudes," he said.
Cassan said the returning players showed something last season that he want to carry forward.
"They battled real hard for us in the spring time," he said, adding the team owes them a chance this year because of that effort. "They should be rewarded for that."
At the same time Cassan said the veterans didn't show they felt they were owed anything.
"There's no sense of complacency," he said.
The team currently has 27 players in the city, two netminders, nine defencemen and 16 forwards.
The netminding situation solidified quickly with Devin Peters back for his third season, and Warren Shymko back after a back-up role late last season.
Cassan said both played well in preseason action, adding he thought Peters "played real strong today (Sunday)."
Offensively, Cassan said the team "don't have too many returning guys." but will still look to the veterans to lead the way.
In the playoffs last season Rylan McDonell and Brent Struble were teamed on a line and clicked. Cassan said he will look to keep them together to start the season.
Nathan Murray, still only 18, has a season of experience and will "be counted on to chip in more goals, as will Riley Paterson.
One offensive-minded veteran that likely won't be in uniform is Tory Stott, who Cassan said was a no-show at camp.
Craig Eisenhut, 20, and Zak Majkowski, 18, "have shown well in preseason, as newcomers, said Cassan. "They've shown some offensive upside."
The Terriers do have one new face in camp too, Rob Ciolfi, a Western Hockey League veteran whose rights were acquired late last season. Cassan said he won't see preseason action, but is expected to fill a role moving forward.
The Terriers still have half a dozen listed players at Western Hockey League camps.
Cassan said, "we're not calling to see how they're doing," but added the players are aware if they don't stick in the WHL "we'd be happy to have them," although " some we don't expect to see back."
The Terriers start the real action Saturday with the regular season opener at the Farrell Agencies Arena, hosting Weyburn.
