Matt Samson can feel the pressure already.
The 麻豆社国产Wolfpack head coach and general manager knows an expansion team's third year is a crucial one - so this being the Wolfpack's third season, he's already aiming for the playoffs.
"This is a really big year for us," he said. "We need to make the playoffs. We felt a lot of pressure last year, but as an organization we are going to pull out all the stops and make the playoffs."
The Wolfpack had been mired in last place for most of their first two seasons on the Pacific International Junior Hockey League, which is why this summer saw a number of changes designed to upgrade the team.
The club made a big splash on the trade front, acquiring promising prospects Mason Malkowich and Trevor Kang from the North Delta Devils.
Kang was a top five scorer in the league last year and if he remains in Junior B, will provide a huge offensive impact, said Samson. And Malkowich will play a key offensive role, likely cracking one of the Wolfpack's top two lines.
The team also signed two local players from the 麻豆社国产Midget Eagles, forward Jacob Dickau and goalie Johan Peterson. Samson said he expects both players to play significant roles on the ice this year.
Another notable addition was the hiring of associate coach Mike Allen, who comes to 麻豆社国产with a wealth of coaching experience, including seven years in minor hockey with Hollyburn and the North Shore Winter Club.
Allen also has a number of ties to North Shore players, which Samson said he hopes to utilize to recruit top talent from that area.
Other key signings include North Vancouver residents Marcus Houck and Ben McWilliams, Jordan Liem from Coquitlam and Sean Stahlnecker from Arizona.
As far as returning players, Samson expects continued improvement from Brady Bjornson and Marc Chabot.
Training camp begins for the Wolfpack on Monday (Aug. 23) with an intra-squad game planned for Wednesday (Aug. 25).
The team wants to drum up their fan base in the weeks leading up to the competition season, so the entire community is invited to a free intrasquad game and barbecue Wednesday (Aug. 25) starting at 4:30 p.m.
"Our intra-squad game will see the team split into two teams," Samson said. "Admission is completely free and we're also going to be having a free barbecue outside of the rink for fans."
Samson also said the club is still looking for billet families for the players as well as game day volunteers.
The club will open their regular season on Saturday, Sept. 11 when they host the Richmond Sockeyes at Brennan Park Arena, starting at 7:15 p.m.
For more information on billeting and volunteering, visit www.squamishwolfpack.com.
