After a turbulent season last year, the Kindersley Red Lions aim for nothing less than a position in the Senior A Provincials.
During the summer months, the Lions’ experienced some change as Head Coach Curtis Graham stepped down and Wayne Sampson, nicknamed “Sambo”, took up the challenge.
During a recent interview, Sampson expressed regret over Graham’s resignation, noting that he had been doing a “great job” with the Lions’ last year. Sampson himself had just stepped down from coaching the Kerrobert Tigers, as the traveling commitment was just a little too much. With that year of coaching and over 15 years studying the game and working at the rinks in Kindersley, Sampson is ready for the challenge of the 2017-2018 season.
“The talent of the team this year is incredible; all we need is a little guidance and a strong team spirit to pull us to the Provincial A finals this year’” Coach Sampson noted.
Along with their new coach, the Red Lions will see several new faces for the 2017-2018 season. Kelly Guard, current goalie consultant for Kindersley Klippers and previous goaltender for the Kerrobert Tigers; Cameron Reid, goaltender of the 2013 SWHL champions; and Luke Sproule will join Travis Vogel in sharing the goaltending duties.
“With this kind of talent backing the goals, our whole team will loosen right up and focus on the offence part of the game.” Coach Sampson noted other new or returning players such as Jesse Gramlich from the Lions’ 2013-2014 season; Scott Brownlee, Unity Hall of Fame inductee and former WHL player; and Jordon Getz from the Red Lions 2013 SWHL winning roster.
“I expect great things this season,” said Coach Sampson firmly, “We are very solid in several aspects, our front scores, the defense, and goaltending, right down to the great leadership we have with the veteran players. Our fans will want good hockey this season, and we will give it to them. ”
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