New head coach Geordie Wudrick says the Creston Valley Thunder Cats will be playing differently this year.
After a 21-win season that saw them lose in the first round, Wudrick is assembling a bigger, faster, and more aggressive team.
“We’re going to push the pace, and looking at some of the guys we have - they are big, strong, fast, and like to play the body,” said Wudrick in an interview for Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s Quick Shift series. “They like to be all over the puck. As a fan, I think that is always exciting hockey to watch.”
Defenceman Jordan Gale, a trade from Osoyoos, and Brayden Gosselin, a new signing from Summerland last season, have joined the roster.
“We want to get bigger and that was high on my list through the off-season,” said Wudrick. “Gosselin and Gale are two bigger guys that can skate really well.”
Gosselin (6-2, 207 pounds), boasts skating ability and physicality, especially playing in the league as a 17-year-old.
“I thought watching him on a team that struggled a little bit, he was a bright spot,” said Wudrick. “He’s got leadership in his blood, and I like that he has that defensive side to him – he can play a shutdown role. He is really starting to blossom with his skating, puck handling, and his ability to open up offence. He is going to be a great two-way defender.”
Similar to Gosselin, Gale (6-0, 190 pounds) is also a leader. Before playing in the league, he captained in midget.
“He is very mature and has a calming presence,” said Wudrick. “It looked like he had a phenomenal off-season building up his body to be a guy that can handle heavy minutes. I think he has underestimated skating ability and can do really good things with his feet. He has a nice offensive touch too. He will be one of our top penalty-killers and is a great addition.”
For the past three seasons, brothers Luke and Max Chakrabarti were the ones to watch. Luke has moved on to Castleton University and Max has been traded to Weyburn in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
Between the two, the brothers put up about 80 points, something Creston will have to replace this season.
Despite the change, Wudrick assures Thunder Cats fans there are lots of new players to be excited about.
Dryden Harding is another big player (6-4, 187 pounds) with exceptional skating ability.
“(He has) some of the softest hands I’ve seen from anyone on the ice with us,” said Wudrick. “I think he is really going to blossom and have a lot of confidence to be able to do things in an offensive manner.”
Bradley Boyarski (5-11, 171 pounds) played a bit of a lesser role but has done phenomenal off-ice conditioning to improve his skating. He has collected a goal in 22 games after coming in a trade from Revelstoke where he played one game.
Jace Litkoski blends defence and offence in a style of play that will fit well with Wudrick’s plans.
“He is strong, confident, a good leader in the dressing room and has really impressed us,” he said.
On offence, Liam Munro (11 points in 11 games as a Thunder Cat after the trade deadline) is a proficient shooter and playmaker that could turn into a high-end forward in the league.
There are a few first-year players expected to make an immediate impact as well.
Berkley Gross has shown great puck handling and finish and touch around the net.
“When I saw him play in the summer, it looked like he was bringing that same edge with his feet,” Wudrick said. “He has exceptional vision out there.”
Defenceman Braeden Lackey was the first signing this season, with a diverse skill set making him quick on the ice.
“He has a calm demeanour and can use his feet to open up offence for himself and his teammates,” said Wudrick. “He is coming from maybe the best AA team in Western Canada – the KC Colts.”
Sanjay Chalupiak is another player with a blend of offence and defensive awareness.
“He is one of the hardest working guys on the ice and will slowly start to add in the offensive part of his game,” Wudrick said. “He is hard on the puck and is smart and can play in all situations.”
Daine Thomas (5-8, 135 pounds) features a skill package with vision and some of the best hands and finish on the ice.
“He is a great stick handler and the more comfortable he gets, and the more he adjusts to the speed and level, he will turn into quite an offensive guy,” Wudrick said.
Most importantly for success, Wudrick believes the whole team needs to play well together to compound their skills and score by committee.
“My philosophies are being able to have four lines and six defencemen every night that can play any situation,” he said. “I think we’re going to have a really deep roster and win games through hard work. Pressuring the puck and lots of physicality.”
For the 2024-25 season, Wudrick will be pushing a culture change of being champions on and off the ice.
“Three big things I ask from all the players, especially leaders, is sacrifice, accountability, and commitment,” he said. “Sometimes you have to sacrifice things personally to be able to benefit the team. Sometimes you have to play different roles and hold each other accountable.”
