The Olds Midget A Mustangs are awaiting the first games of the year after completing a successful selection camp last week.
Eight of the 15 skaters are returning from last year's team with the two goaltenders 鈥 Jaydan Adrian and Kyle Kardos also looking to improve upon last year's exit from the first round of the North Central Minor Hockey Association Tier 1 playoffs.
Coach Joel Hunter said the team should do well this year, as the team has a lot of experience up front, with six players returning.
鈥淲e've got a real offensive team this year that will score a lot of goals and hopefully that will carry us far,鈥 he said.
Defensively, the Mustangs will be relying on skill rather than experience.
鈥淥n defence though, it's going to be a little bit different. We have a skilled defensive group, it's just that we have four kids who have never played at this level on defence, (so) there's going to be a period of adjustment where they're going to have to adjust to the speed and the size of the players鈥 he said.
Based on the skill of the team, Hunter made a bold statement.
鈥淚 honestly think this is a team that can win the league this year, just kind of based on the way things are shaping up,鈥 he said.
"I honestly think this is a team that can win the league this year, just kind of based on the way things are shaping up."Joel Hunter, coach, Olds Midget A Mustangs