The 2025/26 season is quickly approaching, and training camp is open for the SRSS Sabres with Head Coach John Laninga can't wait to see what this team can do.
Thinking hockey
With the new season quickly approaching, Laninga says they are going through the process of building this years Sabres team. "A lot of excitement, because we started our main camp (this week). We've got an abundance of new talent to look at this year. We are in particular going to be a team that is in search of forward help. We had seven graduates in June that moved on, and six of those were forwards for us last year. So, main camp for us this year is going to be an intense battle for many of those spots there."
Guys taking a step
With more opportunities, Laninga believes that returning players can take a step, but also need to remember the kind of player they are, and don't try too hard. "I think that the onus is going to be on some returning players, some guys that have played two or three years for us, so that's always exciting. Getting to see the trajectory from grade 10 through 12, that's a lot of fun, we're hoping for those players to take the next step. We're also very excited about the talent that is on the ice for our main camp, foreshadowing what kind of offensive production that we'll get there, as well."
Defense and goaltending
Offense may be getting the focus, but the coaches are allowed to do that thanks to a strong backbone of defense and goaltending. "I think we're very excited about the prospect of having a defensive core that has a lot of returning players. Over the years, this is my fifth year as head coach of the program, I think the years we've been the most solid have come when we've returned a lot of players on the backend. I think that continuity is huge. We've got some d-pairings that have played together for a couple of seasons. In particular, we're very excited about our situation between the pipes with Kash Amor coming back for his third season, he's been incredible in grade 10 and in grade 11. Every time he's between the pipes, he gives us a chance to win. Personally, I think he's going to be in that conversation for top goaltender in the Platinum Promotions Division this year, and I think it's a pretty good place to be with him in the net."
Being a team
Throughout the years, another big point of emphasis for Laninga and the staff has been the closeness of the group, and character is important. "It's super important to have a group that gels well together, and works well together as a team. I think about some of the years through the program, it's my 10th year overall, and some of those special years come from the teams that mesh well. We're excited to have a couple of our leadership group back in Peyton Froese and Jager Bueckert. I think over the next three weeks, we're going to have a chance with many ice times, including some exhibition games with some tough opponents for the guys to showcase some character."
Balance
Laninga believes that it's important to find a balance between coaching the players up while also allowing them to naturally showcase their abilities and hockey IQ. "In the tryout season and in the main camp, I'll focus more on the evaluation side of things. We're up in the booth for many of our tryout skates, and then we'll be behind the bench for the exhibition games, so there will be plenty of opportunities to get to know some of the players, and seeing how willing they are to apply the coaching advice. There's great opportunities for everyone in those exhibition games."
Back on the bench
Getting back into the swing of things, Laninga says he's counting down the days to getting back behind the bench, a place he loves to be. "It's an incredible privilege to be the coach of the Sabres," the coach says proudly. "I think that Steinbach and surrounding areas have really embraced high school hockey over the last decade. I believe high school hockey is continuing to grow, and it's becoming a place where more and more talented players are wanting to play. We're excited to call the Southeast Event Centre home for the upcoming season, and we're very thankful for the support that we've had from the TG Smith the last couple of years, but we're really excited to play in the big, new facility. We're also very excited to bring our intimidating style of play to that large sheet of ice."