General Manager Brody Neufeld, as well as a number of Red Wings players, were part of the parade in Grunthal, and the team unveiled their new sweaters for the upcoming season.
New and exciting
"We were very thankful to unveil our new jerseys for the upcoming year," Neufeld explains proudly. "We got to do it at the parade, and it was a huge hit. Lots of smile, lots of laughs, everyone was excited to see them. We were so excited for the community to see them. We got to showcase the sponsors that made it happen, too. Grunthal Lumber and Prairie Ag Contracting Co. we couldn't have done this without them, we owe them a huge thank you. These will be our sweaters for the next couple of years, so it's very, very exciting."
Showing off
Getting to show the community during the parade was a big deal, according to Neufeld, and he says it was great to share it with people who love the team. "We couldn't do what we do without the local community support, the local fan base, they mean the world to us. It's just how Grunthal is. Without the people, we wouldn't have the team, so we're very thankful for everything. The town, the people, we're so lucky to be here and so grateful for the support."
Players loving it
Having a couple of the guys back around the community, getting to put on the sweater again, Neufeld says it got everyone looking forward to the upcoming year. "The guys were pumped, even a couple of the players that were not close to Grunthal, they were excited to drive out to showcase them. The jerseys look really good, which helps, but they're energized, and looking forward to the year."
That start of the year is coming quickly, and Neufeld is already gearing up for it. "It's been a busy time for sure, this time of year, it really starts to get into the full swing. You're preparing to get back onto the ice, training camp is right around the corner, you're figuring out the budget, and all those things. We have the league kickoff meeting coming soon, so that marks the start. It's going to be a busy year, we have a new team joining the league, and so it's going to be really busy. Fun, but busy."
Expectations
Coming off last year, Neufeld believes the Red Wings are ready to take a step up, and keep making the town proud. "It's nothing but excitement, having the young guys back with a year under their belt, it's huge. We were a really, really young team last year, and those core pieces are coming back. Some new additions to the coaching staff, it's all going to be more refined, and more exciting to watch, that's for sure."
Schedule
"Our training camp will be toward the end of September," the GM explains. "Then the season starts anywhere between October 3rd to 11th. There's nothing concrete yet, but it's usually within that window."
When training camp stars, Neufeld says the entire community is welcome to come on in and check it out.