For the first time since 2020, the Portage la Prairie region has a Triple-AAA U18 hockey team. The Central Plains Capitals have been getting their legs under them to start the season with an entire roster of players who have never played U-18 hockey.
Travis Foster, a Male Director with the Central Plains Minor Hockey Board, says it's nice to have the team back.
"We have gone quite a few years without a U18 Triple-AAA team in running out of the Central Plains. Our last season that we tried to run the team was back in 2020, and we got shut down due to COVID, so it has been a few years."
Foster adds that having a fair number of local players has also caused them to have a bit of a steep learning curve due to inexperience.
"No one on our team has any U18 Triple-AAA experience, so we've been fighting an up-hill battle, but the boys are playing very well, they're already sitting here with five wins, and we're pretty early in the season, so kudos to them. Hopefully we see them fight out some more wins coming up."
Foster adds that the team is coached by a great group, with some outstanding local pedigree.
"Our Head Coach is Len Dupasquier, and we've got Tanner Jago and Tanner and Zack Waldvogel as assistant coaches, so we have a fantastic coaching crew. The boys love their coaches and they're definitely working hard for them."
The team has gone 5-12 to this point, but have won their last three games with a 3-2 victory against the Norman Northstars, a 9-2 thumping of the Yellowhead Chiefs, and 5-4 overtime decision over the Southwest Cougars.
Foster adds that all their homes games are played at Stride Place, including their upcoming game on Wednesday, November 20 against the Eastman Selects at 7:30 p.m.