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The Carman Beavers are preparing for the upcoming 2025-26 SEMHL season, and Lorne Zacharias is looking forward to getting things going.
Start of something
"It's always exciting to kick off a new season," Zacharias says with smile. "We've got a number of things in the works. We're still trying to finalize our coaching staff, and we still have a few opening for players. It' an exciting time."
As President, Zacharias takes a lot of pride in being involved with a community team like the Beavers. "It's important for a community like Carman and area to have a place for our senior aged players to play. When they get done playing competitive hockey, it's a time in their lives where they're looking to establish themselves, and become part of a community. Carman has a long standing history, the Beavers go back a long way, and it's important for the community to identify with the Carman Beavers, and ultimately, to have a place for players to play."
Positives from last year
Going back to last year, Zacharias says there are a number of positives he would like to see carry over into the 2025/26 season. "Our win/loss record maybe wasn't the most positive, but with that being said, we had a very positive culture within our group, both on the executive and in the room. I know our guys all enjoyed the season, and in fact, at the end of the year I went around the room after that last game, and to a man, they thanked me for allowing them to be a part of such a positive culture, and a positive place to play."
As far as a team identity and style of play, Zacharias want's the group to be competitive, and he believes it what the Carman fans deserve. "We'd obviously like to be competitive," he says with a grin. "We like to see parity in the league, and for us to be a part of that. That's important. But, maybe more important, the idea of a positive role model, not just in the room, but in the community. Make sure we have a positive image, that we're seen as a class organization. That's what we really hope to do."
Camp coming quick
Camp is right around the corner, and Zacharias is very much looking forward to seeing the returning players mesh with the new guys. "It's always exciting opening camp, and when you can get back on the ice, even though we don't want summer to be gone, it's still always exciting. We do have a good core of returning players, we do have some openings, and we do have some opportunities. We're looking forward to see the interest that is out there, and see what we can put onto the ice for the winter."
Dates for camp are on their website, and fans are more than welcome to come. "It's always special to see people come out," Zacharias says proudly. "To see people that have interest, they are more than welcome to come out and see the team."
Reunion
This summer, another highlight took place as the Beavers had a reunion, something Zacharias really cherished because it meant that the Beavers impacted the lives of some terrific people. "It speaks to the deep history that the Beavers have. Credit goes to Dennis Young, he's been a long time volunteer, he puts the event on, it's his baby, and he does an awesome job with connecting past players with current players. He makes sure that the alumni are always welcome, and that the Carman Beavers are a class organization."