For the first time in a long time, it's hockey night in Winkler as the Flyers will open their exhibition schedule against the rival Steinbach Pistons tonight at the Icon Arena.
Lots to like
Head Coach and General Manager Matt Melo was impressed with what he saw during the teams camp, and he liked the way everyone came in and competed for spots on the club. "I think we have a lot of veterans who are eager to take on bigger roles, and prove they are top players in this league for a top organization. I've really liked how our veteran crop really asserted themselves off the ice. I think the guys have been really hungry to set a tone, like physically, in terms of how they take care of their body, and getting in the gym. I think the young guys have responded. They're eager to be a part of a high standard, and what we're trying to create here. It's been a good mix of leadership, young guys really chomping at the bit, competing, and it's absolutely what we desire in our culture, that compete and work ethic."
Actual opponents
Melo knows that guys are going hard during camp, but there's a big different when it comes time to suit up together and face an actual opponent. "Obviously, it's really exciting. Our guys get up for practicing, and certainly it's an exciting time of year when everyone gets to town, and we get into camps. But, when we get to play actual games, to get to compete against other guys going for spots in their lineup, it's always a little different. I also know too, that we desire to be really hard to play against, play heavy, play physical, it's maybe not quite the same, you want to have the standard in the practices, but it's easier to do it in a game. I know our guys are really excited about taking the next step and having the opportunity to play some games."
Preseason coaching
Going into the games this weekend, Melo believes he and the staff will be doing some coaching, while also allowing players to go about things naturally, allowing them to kind of see how they react to actual circumstances. "I think that maybe once we get in the moment, see how things are going, we see how it plays out. We all love coaching, and we all get into a game. We want to do our part in terms of correcting, building guys up, and teaching. I think we'll get right into it. Another piece about tonight, we have a pretty young crop. It's guys we want in our program either this year or in future years, so the opportunity to start investing into them, teaching them how we want to do things, we view this as a development opportunity. We like to start to invest in guys who want to give back to our program, so we'll make the most of it during our exhibition games."
New coach addition
Earlier in the week, the Flyers announced an addition to their coaching staff, bringing in Billy Cawthorne as an assistant. "I'm really excited about adding Billy," Melo says with a smile. "He's a relationship that I've had, I know him coming in, so I think first and foremost, there's an immediate trust, an alignment in vision, and what we're trying to build here. That was a huge positive for me. I think Billy is an incredibly hard worker, he's going to hold that standard. He takes care of himself exceptionally well, so I know when it comes to the off ice side of our program, he'll push that side forward for our group. I'd also say he has a teachable heart, he's going to be a guy that is passionate about the game, and building relationships. He's going to be hungry to learn. I'm excited about how he's going to invest into our guys, and try to be a sponge, learning as much as he can. That's what I was looking for, someone I could trust, someone who's eager to learn, hungry, passionate for the work, and a guy that wants to build, and he's that guy. I'm so excited to bring him in."
Preseason butterflies
Even though the games don't count for points or stats, these preseason games mean that he can be on the bench in front of the home crowd, something Melo appreciates, and doesn't take for granted. "It's an awesome time," he says beaming. "This is what we love to do. It's been a really great opportunity getting to know our group, continuing to build with guys who have been here in the past. We have a long way to go, but it's kind of fun just to see where we are at right now, and start climbing that mountain. I'm excited to see where we'll be at Christmas, where we'll be in March, and I'm really excited for what our group can do. I can't wait to get back out in front of our fans."
Game time tonight is 7:30 p.m. at the Icon Arena in Winkler.