By Joel van der Veen
MOOSE JAW — It’s been a growing year for the Moose Jaw Mavericks, but coach Cam King says his players are learning plenty as the season moves on.
With only four players returning from last season, the girls have taken some time to bond and develop team dynamics, King said last month.
“I used to say it was two steps forward, one step back,” said the head coach. “Now it’s about three steps forward, one step back. So we’re making progress.”
The midget AA team, part of the South Saskatchewan Female Hockey League, has three players from this area on its roster.
Forward Charly Nolting of Craik returns for her third season, while forward Breanna Shaw of Davidson and defenceman Jewel Bakken of Craik are in their first full season with the Mavericks.
The coach described Nolting as a “fast skater, very strong (and) very physical.” She has four goals and four assists so far, giving her the fourth highest point total on the team’s roster.
Shaw, described as a “playmaker,” has three goals and one assist so far. King also referred to Bakken, who has recorded three assists, as a “solid, hard-working, gritty defenceman.”
“They all know their role,” said King. “They all play their role well, and for me, the most important part is they’re great kids.”
As of last week, the Mavericks stood at sixth place out of eight teams in the league, with six wins, 14 losses and one tie.
The team began January with back-to-back losses to the Parkland Lions, followed by a 3-1 win over the Weyburn NOV Drillers.
King, who was interviewed following consecutive losses in Estevan on Dec. 19 and 20, said the team is focusing on puck handling.
“When you get the puck, you should really have a plan of what you’re going to do with it,” he said, adding, “I can see continuous improvement every night.”
He also noted he has benefitted from the contributions of Shaw’s father Jason, who has joined as an assistant coach this year. King called him a “tremendous hockey guy.”
“I’ve coached a long time and I’ve learned a lot of stuff just from having him on the bench this year,” said King. “So he’s been a great help as well.”
The Mavericks will visit Davidson on Jan. 22, when they will challenge the Regina Ravens at the Communiplex starting at 7:15 p.m.
(With files from Jamie Harkins)