The wait is almost over for the Red Lake Miners.
The Miners will begin play for a national junior hockey championship Thursday afternoon in Estevan, Saskatchewan.
The team made the 10 hour trip west Tuesday and is now getting settled in.
Team MVP Jordan Baranesky says, “I think personally I’m going there to do my best and to try and help the team as much as I can. Obviously our team goal is to win it, right, why would you go there expecting less. Our goal is to go compete and win some games there. That’s the plan.”
Red Lake captured its first ever Bill Salonen Cup championship on April 30 and has been preparing for the Centennial Cup ever since.
Baranesky says, “We’ve been working hard trying to keep that game intensity up but I think we should be well rested for it. We haven’t been skating game wise but I think the first couple of shifts in the first game are going to be crucial for us. Get our legs moving and to compete in those games.”
He adds, “I think it’s going to be a fun week. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to play in the Centennial Cup. I think we’re all going to have to make the most of it and just enjoy the moment.”
The first opponent for the SIJHL champions is Pickering at noon May 19 local time.
To hear the complete interview with Jordan Baranesky, visit the Audio link below:
