MacGregor Wild captain Justin Minoletti updated Portageonline on progress in the 2024 senior hockey season and the impact of league changes. Despite facing some challenges, including a two-game losing streak, Minoletti remains optimistic about the Wild's future prospects.
The team started the season strong with a win over Carberry but struggled in their next few games, including a tough loss against Boissevain.
"It was 1-0 after the first period, and we just ran out of steam. We were short on defence, and the boys gave it their all, but we couldn't keep up after the second period."
With a game against Deloraine on Friday, Minoletti is hopeful the Wild can bounce back.
The season has been shaped by the absence of two key teams, the Gladstone Lakers and Pilot Mound Pilots, both of which have taken a year off from the league. While the loss of these teams has reduced the number of games, Minoletti believes it hasn't had much of an impact on the Wild’s performance.
"Personally, I liked playing Gladstone and Pilot Mound. They were always tough, competitive games."
As captain, Minoletti also shared insights into how the Wild has evolved over the years. While many of the players and coaches have remained, including long-time teammate Brayden Klippenstein and manager Trevor Kehler, the team has seen some turnover.
"Senior hockey is a bit of a revolving door; some guys stay for life, and others just play a season or two."
In the larger picture of senior men's hockey, Minoletti acknowledged that the SEMHL, with teams like Portage and St. Anne's, is more competitive, some partly due to the financial incentives being offered by some teams. Players can be drawn to these bigger pockets, Minoletti however is content with his commitment to MacGregor.
"If MacGregor wasn't here, I might have looked elsewhere, but I'm happy where I am."
The MacGregor Wild are determined to make a strong comeback and continue to give their fans something to cheer for this season.
Minoletti concluded with a message to the fans: "Keep supporting the Wild; it really helps us out, and we truly appreciate it."