The men's hockey team has 12 new players joining the team this season. The biggest change to the lineup comes to the forwards with 10 new recruits being brought in.  

Head Coach Scott Fellnermayr is pleased with the progress the team is making so far. "We are pushing them hard in practices and workouts, and I haven't seen the team slow down or lose enthusiasm. If we can keep this energy all year, the rest will take care of itself." He stated. One point of focus for recruiting this year was for good skaters who could add speed to the lineup. The strategy in the arena is simple but effective – Focus on playing fast and putting pressure on the opponent from both offense and defense.   

Standing at 6'7, Cole Fisher will be unmissable as he shores up the defensive line. Sam McPeak, former Captain of the Waywayseecapo Wolverines, will bring valued leadership skills to the team. Kyle Venneman, Dylan Leslie, and Evan Arnold are coming in as veterans of the AJHL, the trio hailing from the Whitecourt Wolverines, where they were the runners-up in last season's championship.  

Other notable recruits include Sheldon Kwiatkowski, Tyler Blocha, Ty Hodge, Josh Medernach, Ashton McNelly, Josh Hoekstra, and Blake Astorino – all of whom are ready to bring their combined skill and experience to the Ook name. 

For the new recruits, the majority of whom are junior hockey graduates and therefore have likely taken a few years off school, the transition back into a student-athlete can be tough. Coach Fellnermayr takes a personalized approach when it comes to athlete development, emphasizing individual goal setting and being aware of processes that are within a player's control. 

The team will open their season on the road against the Briercrest College Clippers on October 18th at 7 pm.