The NAIT Ooks men's hockey team is coming into the 2022/23 season on a hot streak. The 2021/22 team brought home the ACAC Men's Hockey Championship for the first time since 2016.
The NAIT Ooks, led by former team captain and second-year Head Coach Scott Fellnermayr, are coming back strong for another season, hoping to defend their ACAC Championship title and bring it home for a second consecutive year.
Although they look strong, the team doesn't look the same as last year. Fourteen new players have been added to the roster this season.
"The new players seem to fit into our culture of hard work and commitment to detail. This is a positive indicator that we will continue to progress as the season goes on. I look forward to seeing the recruits develop as the season progresses. Our new players are willing to compete and push each other in practice, which is a good sign going forward," said Fellnermayr.
Even though there are fourteen new players on the roster, one player is standing out this season.
"We have added a Japanese player named Rintaro Mashio. He moved to Canada in May and has a very strong work ethic and commitment to the game. He hasn't had much experience with organized hockey, so it'll be interesting to see how his high skill level can translate into our systems," said Fellnermayr.
Dylan Stewart was named to the 2021/22 First Team All-Conference in the ACAC last season, and he will be returning for another season with the team.
"Dylan Stewart is in his 4th year of eligibility and finished 2nd in league scoring last season. I expect Dylan to show some leadership and provide an offensive touch again this season. We have many returning players that have taken a step forward; I am excited to see how their improvements translate to a bigger role that they'll play this year," said Fellnermayr.
Last season was shortened due to the pandemic, but this season is back in full swing, and it's positively impacting the teams.
"Having a full season will be amazing this year after dealing with many shutdowns and obstacles that the entire league had to endure along the way last season. I look forward to staying on track and playing more games this year. I believe with more games and extra practice time, compared to last year, we will be able to dial in our structure much better and be more and more prepared as the season goes," said Fellnermayr.
The 2022-23 men's hockey regular season runs from October 21st to February 25th. The quarterfinals begin on March 3rd, and the final ACAC Championship winner will be crowned March 24-26.
The NAIT Ooks home-opener is on Friday, October 21st, at 7:00 PM at the NAIT Arena. Catch the action in person, on ACACTV or Telus Optik channel 1998.