Season Preview: WolfPack eager to erase bridesmaid tag in third season

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THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY WOLFPACK 

2010/11 Record: 19-4-1, First Place

Key Additions: Shane Oatway (D, Fort McMurray Oil Barons, AJHL), Curtis Tonello (D, Trail Smoke Eaters, BCHL), Duncan Schulz (F, Kamloops Storm, KIJHL), Josh MacDonald (F, Golden Rockets, KIJHL), Shane Mainprize (G, Portage College, ACAC).

Key Returnees: Jassi Sangha (20-14-22-36), David Gore (24-9-23-32), Andrew Fisher (24-18-16-34), Cody Lockwood (23-5-11-16).

Key Departures: Joel Leonard (24-13-19-32), Tyler Halliday (10-20-30), Zac Rasmussen (23-12-14-26), Kory Gannon (20-2-3-5), Darcy Huisman (24-6-24-30).

Outlook: Entering a season where their rivals have experienced wholesale changes to their rosters, the WolfPack return the core of last season's top regular season squad. Leading scorer Jassi Sangha is perhaps the league's most dangerous sniper, while linemate Andrew Fisher is an excellent second option. Two-way centre David Gore moves up to replace graduated top-line pivot Joel Leonard.

The departues of top-six forwards Zac Rasmussen and Tyler Halliday will be a welcome sight for the competition, as the pair defined TRU's controlled, under-your-skin agression. KIJHL standouts Duncan Schulz and Josh MacDonald will look to fill the void.

On the blueline, the losses of team captain Korey Gannon and 30-point scorer Darcy Huisman will hurt the 'Pack in the defensive and offensive zones respectively. And while rookies Shane Oatway and Curtis Tonello may not bring the same toughness (Gannon) or offensive flair (Huisman), both are steady and dependable additions who should emerge as top-pairing candidates.

In goal, Shane Mainprize brings two years experience from college hockey in Alberta to replace outgoing starter Anthony Manfredi, while Riley Wall returns to back-up.

Perhaps the most interesting change is behind the bench, where 2011 BCIHL Coach of the Year Lorne Cumming has given way to Don Schulz. The new coach will face a challenge to match last year's stellar record, but the prize most sought after by the WolfPack is the BCIHL Championship trophy they've fallen just short of in consecutive seasons.