Article content“Guys are fighting for spots,” he said. “We have a lot of talent. We had a lot of talent (not dressed) tonight. Guys are reaching over the top of each other for positions here.”Article content Bage Valley Wildcats goalie Cohen Lesperance-Spack prepares for a shot from Yarmouth Mariners forward Justin Garneau during Maritime Junior Hockey League pre-season action Sept. 6 in Berwick. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentThe two-week training camp wasn’t a cakewalk.Article content“It’s been a grind. I didn’t make it easy for them,” Flanagan admitted. “This is probably the hardest training camp for a lot of these players with the two-a-days.”Article contentHe said there were many tests and it gave the coaching staff an opportunity to see where players were at and who was invested for the long haul. He was impressed with the rookies and noted the draft picks played well, which bodes well for the future.Article content“We put these guys through a pretty tough two weeks and, at the end of the day, I am pretty happy with the result.”Article contentThe bench boss said he likes the culture and team-first mentality that is forming. He sees camaraderie within his group as guys are hanging out away from the rink.Article contentArticle contentA decision on the leadership group had not been announced as of press time.Article content“The leadership from last year that’s still here is fantastic and, of course, some of the guys that we brought in have leadership qualities, too,” Flanagan said. “It’s going to be really hard to see who pins a letter on someone because, at the end of the day, there’s probably eight or nine guys who could easily do that in that room.”Article contentThe team announced the leadership group on Sept. 10. Ryan Fletcher is the captain with Caleb MacDonald, Michael Arsenault and Raphael Michaud serving as alternates.Article contentWith the roster reduced, it provides the coaching staff a chance to work more with the goalies, define the systems better and hone in on its special team units.Article content“The fun stuff starts now,” Flanagan said.Article content Bage Valley Wildcats forward Felix Belanger fires a shot on goal during the team’s warm-up prior to their exhibition game with the Yarmouth Mariners Sept. 6 in Berwick. Photo by Jason Malloy /Annapolis Valley RegisterArticle contentArticle contentRoster revealArticle contentA look at the 2025-26 Bage Valley Wildcats junior A hockey team’s roster.Article contentArticle contentGoaliesArticle contentCohen Lesperance-SpackArticle contentCohen StoddardArticle contentDefencemenArticle contentNoah Befekadu*Article contentCole BentArticle contentNolan ChabotArticle contentJacob DenommeArticle contentRyan FletcherArticle contentRaphael MichaudArticle contentNikolas MokriakovArticle contentNate Pearson*Article contentForwardsArticle contentTommy AmosArticle contentMichael ArsenaultArticle contentAidan BentArticle contentFelix BelangerArticle contentBrady BurkeArticle contentJude Campbell*Article contentJack Flanagan*Article contentLuke FoleyArticle contentArnaud LucierArticle contentDrew LutzArticle contentCaleb MacDonald*Article contentDylan MacLeanArticle contentAlexi Parent*Article contentGavin SmithArticle content* Denotes 20-year-old playersArticle contentArticle contentMark the calendarArticle contentA look at this month’s games for the Bage Valley Wildcats junior A hockey team.Article contentSept. 11Article content7 p.m. – Valley at Pictou County.Article contentSept. 13Article content7 p.m. – Campbellton at Valley.Article contentSept. 14Article content3 p.m. – Summerside at Valley.Article contentSept. 17Article content7 p.m. – Pictou County at Valley.Article contentSept. 20Article content7 p.m. – Yarmouth at Valley.Article contentSept. 26Article content7 p.m. – Edmundston at Valley.Article contentSept. 28Article content3 p.m. – Amherst at Valley.Article content
Valley Wildcats eager for Maritime Junior Hockey League regular season to begin
