Kemptville, Ont. —
With a few big pieces departed and a number of new faces joining their ranks from elsewhere, nobody is quite sure what to expect from the Kemptville 73’s.
Management and newly-minted head coach Rob Dopson want playoffs and perhaps more — it all depends on how their 13 new faces settle in. Others see Kemptville’s loss of key veterans and the dealing Owen Guy to Ottawa as insurmountable obstacles.
When the 73’s take the ice against Ottawa on Showcase Saturday, they will be one of the team’s most heavily-remodelled teams. Time will tell whether the redesign will pay dividends.
KEMPTVILLE 73’S
2016-17: 33-25-4 (5th, second-round loss to Carleton Place [4-2])
Key Losses: F Jake Gaudet (UMass Amherst, NCAA-I), F Matt Tugnutt (Sacred Heart, NCAA-I), F Alex Row (Queen’s, CIS)
Key Additions: F Ashton Fry (Cushing, Prep), F Jacob Thousand (Belle Tire, US Mdg.), F Alec Taillon (Bishop’s, Prep)
Style of Play: “We’re going to be more of a puck control team than we’ve been in the past. Play with a bit more speed across the lineup; attack wide, with speed, better puck movers.”
Season Goal: “We fully expect to be a playoff team. Where we end up will depend on the development of our players, with just 10 returnees and 13 new guys.”
Training Camp: “It’s been great. We’ve got a very positive group of players who are happy to be in town. They’ve bonded well as a group, and the leaders that we do have back have taken control of the group and helped the team mesh.” — GM Terry Nichols
