The Eckville Senior Eagles are gearing up for another season in the North Central Hockey League.
Tryouts and camp skates for the Eagles are scheduled for Sept. 22 and Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. at the Rimbey Arena.
The Eagles will close their pre-season with an exhibition game against Red Deer on Sept. 30. Game time is 3:30 p.m. at the NexSource Centre in Sylvan Lake.
“Obviously Red Deer’s going to be very strong, but it’ll just kind of give us a little bit of a measuring stick,” said Coach Cale Walker in regards to how the team will be this upcoming season.
The Senior Eagles’ regular season opens on Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. with the “Battle of Highway 11” against the Sylvan Lake Pirates at the Bentley Arena.
The Eagles are looking for a win in the season opener, as well as every other game, but ultimately they are looking to improve.
“We obviously want to win it all,” said Walker about the 2018/19 season.
“We made it right until the end last year and we want to keep improving every year, so the only improvement we can make now is win the league and hopefully win provincials,” added Walker.
The Eagles will play in eight home games this season at the Eckville Arena. Tickets are $5 each and kids under five get in for free.
“We want it to be a real family friendly [and] family oriented environment,” said Walker.
The Eckville Senior Eagles’ home opener is on Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. against Bonnyville.
“We like to get fan support and if we can keep that rolling that’s what keeps the team going, because of the fans, the fan base and the support from the town.”
Walker said near the end of the regular season and in the playoffs last year they had very good fan support.
“What we really strived for was to get more involved in the community [so] people can put a name to the face,” said Walker. “I think it showed last year with the crowd and it doesn’t hurt that you’re wining right?”
The Senior Eagles are hoping for that kind of support again this year out at the Eckville Arena.
To keep updated on the Eckville Eagles throughout the season follow their Facebook page.
2018 Home Game Schedule - Eckville Arena
Sat., Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. vs. Bonnyville
Sat., Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Devon
Sat., Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Whitecourt
Fri., Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Red Deer
Sat., Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Daysland
Sat., Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Westlock
Sun., Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. vs. Morinville
Fri., Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. vs. Sylvan Lake
