The U18 AAA Central Plains Capitals are set to return this season with a new man under the helm. Troy Gould has been named the new head coach for the Caps this season and says he can't wait to get on the ice.
"I'm really looking forward to getting started. Our training camp opens on September 7," Gould explains. "The region hasn't had a U18 AAA program in the last two years, once because of COVID and the other because of lack of numbers. As it looks right now, we have a good number of boys registered."
The last time there was a U18 Central Plains squad was the 2019-20 campaign, where the team had a record of 26-22-0. Gould was an assistant coach for that team but he notes this is his first time being a head coach at the AAA level. Prior to the pandemic, Gould was set to take over as the head coach of U15 AAA Capitals before that season ended up being cancelled due to COVID-19.
The new head coach says he's ready for the challenge ahead.
"I've been doing a lot of preparation, leading up to the season starting. I'm looking forward to meeting the kids and seeing what calibre of players we have," Gould continues. "The unfortunate disadvantage we're going to have, leading into the season, is that a lot of these players haven't had the opportunity to play AAA at the U18 level yet. It's not their fault but there just hasn't been a team in the region. So, that'll be a little bit of a disadvantage to start but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Gould notes one of the obstacles he expects to face initially will be getting all the players to buy in and believe they can compete with every team in the league.
The new leader of the squad adds September will be a very busy month.
"Our training camp opens on September 7, we're going to have an inter-squad game on the 11th, and we're attending a pre-season tournament in Souris the following weekend," says Gould. "We're also looking to have two exhibition games on the 24/25th weekend."
The Capitals' regular season will begin on October 2.