St Malo Warriors hoping to build on early-season success

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This article was published 01/12/2022 (1194 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The 2022/2023 season for the St Malo Warriors is off to a slow start, at least when it comes to the calendar.

The Capital Region Junior Hockey League (CRJHL) franchise had to cancel a few games after ice plant renovations at their arena were not completed in time to start the season.

The Warriors have only played 11 games so far this season, the fewest in the league and are sitting in third place in the standings.

“It’s been tough,” Ralph Collette, the team’s head coach and manager said after a game in Beausejour.

“I’ve got a really young team, and the guys want to get on the ice and get going… Once we get into a routine, we’ll be better.”

The Warriors faced off against the expansion Beausejour Comets Nov. 25, with St Malo able to take home the 7-5 victory after a back and forth affair.

“We’re going to make some mistakes, but we’re going to battle back and we’re going to work hard,” Colette said.

“I have a team of 18 and 19-year-olds, so it’s going to take some growing pains, but we’re happy so far.”

St Malo jumped out to a 4-0 lead mid-way through the second period, and had stretched their lead to 6-2 early in the third period when Jeremie Collette scored his second of the game. The Comets would strike back, scoring three goals in two minutes to pull within one goal with over seven minutes remaining.

The Warriors withstood Beausejour’s final push, and Mikka Lambert was able to seal the game with an empty net tally.

A key moment in the Comets failed comeback bid came nine minutes into the third period, as four players from both teams were sent off with 10 minute misconducts after a post-whistle scrum.

“Our top line was in the penalty box for the whole period, so our young guys had to battle,” Collette said.

“It’s hard to learn when you’ve got a team with a lot of rookies but that’s the way it is.”

Collette added it was nice to have the learning experience for his players while still walking away with a victory.

The CRJHL, like most hockey leagues in Canada, are enjoying the fruits of a full normal season in front of fans for the first time in three years.

“Some of these kids missed a couple years of hockey,” Collette said.

“The game experience means a lot to all these hockey players throughout Manitoba and Canada. It’s great for hockey and it’s great for our youth to get out there and finally get a chance to play at this level. We’re very lucky.”

The ice plant renovations have made a noticeable difference in the quality of the ice surface. Further renovations at the arena are planned to give the amenities a further upgrade.
“We’re a hockey town,” Collette said, noting attendance has been great at home games this season.

“We have such a local team this year, which means the crowds have been three or four hundred, and we’re just starting. It’s good for the future of the team, so young hockey players from our area can see a goal to strive for.”

The game in Beausejour wasn’t St Malo’s only action of the weekend, as the Warriors lost to the Selkirk Fishermen 7-1 Nov. 27. Selkirk has gotten off to a red-hot start in the CRJHL, and are undefeated through 13 games. Their only blemish came in a tie with Beausejour early in the season.

St Malo will host the second-place Arborg Ice Dawgs on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. inside the St Malo arena.