The Hawkesbury Hawks Junior A hockey team hosted a meet-and-greet session on September 1, to introduce the 2016/2017 team.
The team will be lead by Team Captain Bruno Cheff. It includes two new goalies, as well as a number of new and returning players. All of the players are between the ages of 16 and 20 years old. They have been recruited from across Canada and the United States. Many of the players depend on the support of local residents, who house them during the hockey season.
“We wish to thank everyone who billets the players during the season. They couldn’t stay here if it wasn’t for you guys,” said Hawkesbury Hawks Head Coach Rick Dorval.
Dorval said that almost all of his players this year are between the ages of 18 and 19. He said that most are pursuing post-secondary studies, with only one player, a 16-year-old, still enrolled in high school.
Players train at least five days each week. They train off-ice every Monday and Tuesday, with an intense program at FitLife Gym, in Hawkesbury. They have video sessions twice each week and they also train on ice.
“We have lots of veteran players returning this year and I think you will see that our strength lies in our attack,” said Dorval.
The Hawkesbury Hawks represent an elite group of hockey players who aspire to play NCAA, CIS, Major Junior and professional hockey. They play home games at the Robert Hartley Sports Arena, in Hawkesbury almost every Friday during the season.
“We really love it when the rink is packed and the crowds are there screaming for us,” said Cheff, who encourages the public to come out and cheer for his fellow teammates.
The season playing schedule is posted at www.hawks-cjhl.stats.pointstreak.com/teamschedule.html?teamid=56355
