Courtesy: Huskie Athletics

By Wray Morrison

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As is the case with just about every USports men’s hockey program, the U of S Huskies have a number of additions to the roster that fans will have to familiarize themselves with over the course of the 2023-24 Canada West hockey schedule. The off-season was busy for head coach Brandin Cote and new assistant coach Jon Barkman.

Saskatoon hockey fans know Josh Pillar, who joins the U of S from the Saskatoon Blades. According to Cote, the Minnesota Wild draft pick has “lots of jam, speed and skill.” Another newcomer is Legal, Alberta product Raphael Pelletier. Cote coached Pelletier in Swift Current before he joined the Everett Silvertips. “He plays with a real good pace and has a real good shot.”

Sherwood Park’s Ben Tkachuk, who was a captain with the Melfort Mustangs, and former PA Raider, Keaton Sorenson, who had 25 goals with the PA Raiders last season, are also Huskies that Cote is excited about. “Our (offensive) skill set and team speed has improved. We have way more depth than we’ve had.”

Defensively Cole Jordan comes to Saskatoon from Moose Jaw. Jordan, who is recovering from off-season surgery, will play a big role on special teams for the Huskies. Mac Grosse is also a big mobile blueliner who joins the U of S after spending last season in Spokane.

The Huskies are 2 and 0 after 6-1 and 3-2 wins over Manitoba last Thursday and Friday. However, the season opener came with a price, as returning centre Liam Keeler suffered an injury and will be out for a significant period of time according to Cote. The outlook looks good. “Liam is in good spirits and is still a big part of our team.”

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Goaltenders Roddy Ross and Jordan Kooy return to the Saskatchewan net this season. “They are third year guys now”, said Cote. “A lot of times, it’s in the third year is when you see goaltenders take another step. The consistency is now where we have to take it to another level. It’s good to know you have two capable guys you don’t have to worry about. They are both major junior goalies that have had major success.”

Cote was asked about fifth year defenceman Shane Collins in his new role as captain. “Shane is a prototypical Huskie. He’s in law school. He’s able to really communicate to the guys on how important that it is to be a Huskie. He just does things the right way.” Justin Ball, Jaxan Kaluski and Ty Prefontaine will be alternate captains.

The Huskies home opener is Friday, October 6^th against the MacEwan Griffins, who are 0 and 2 after suffering back-to-back set backs to Calgary. “They work hard”, said Cote. “They’ve had some solid goaltending. You have to find ways to bear down.”

The puck drops at 7pm on Friday night, Saturday’s game against the Griffins starts at 5pm at Merlis Belsher Place. Both games can be heard on the free HuskieFAN app.

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wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

X/Twitter: @wraymorrison