The Fernie Ghostriders will be lacing up their skates for the start of the 2022-2023 season tonight (Wednesday, Sept. 7).
“It’s an exciting time of the year,” said head coach Ty Valin.
The Fernie team will be facing off against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats for the beginning of exhibition season on Wednesday at the Fernie Memorial Arena at 7:30 p.m.
Following that are games on Sept. 9 (Kimberley Dynamiters in Fernie), Sept. 10 (Golden Rockets in Fernie), Sept. 14 (Creston Valley Thunder Cats in Creston), and Sept. 16 (Columbia Valley Rockies in Fernie).
Valin said they had all summer to prepare, recruit and build the team for the new season.
“It’s nice that we’re finally here and we get to see everything come together.”
He said there have been lots of changes to the roster, with players aging out or jumping to Junior A.
New to the team is Jacob Vanlerberg (Cranbrook, defenseman), Gaege Johnson (St. Albert, forward), Carter Breen (Fort McMurray, forward), Ravnoor Randhawa (Calgary, defenseman), Malachai Peigan (Lethbridge, forward), Michele Romeo (St. Albert, forward), Lucas Desjarlais (Spruce Grove, forward).
“It’s exciting to see the new players coming in and we’re really looking forward to getting things rolling at exhibition,” Valin said.
He said there are no restrictions this year so Memorial Arena is back to full capacity.
“It’s going to be nice to see, get the full Fernie Memorial experience.”
“I’ve heard from many different teams in the league, I hear from coaches, how crazy our building can be, and how full it is every night.”
Valin said it’s nice to be back in Fernie.
“We’re really looking forward to having a good year this year.”
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