Crushers set to host Amherst for season opener.
The Weeks Jr. A Crushers will be hosting their home opener of the regular season Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.
The Crushers are coming off a 4-2 win against the Valley Wildcats on Friday Oct. 30 and are hoping to keep a strong performance in front of their first large home audience. For the exhibition games the Crushers were only allowed 200 spectators, but they’ve now got a plan approved with Nova Scotia Health that will allow up to 600 spectators.
Fans must buy tickets in advance however, no food or drinks are allowed and masks are mandatory.
While it’s a bit different for the fans, centre Evan Gallant said the players will be doing their best to just focus on the game.
“We just come out there and get ready to play and try not to worry about those things,” he said.
He said the team is looking strong and have a good mix of returning 20 year olds and just general strength all around.
Captain Jake Martin agrees. He said it’s nice to have a mix of rookies in with older players.
“It’s a good mix. It’s half and half of old guys and newer guys,” he said.
Gallant expects the Ramblers to bring a good game on Thursday.
“They’ve always been a good team and they always compete,” he said. “I expect nothing less.”
Martin said all the teams in the league seem to be good this year and are all fairly evenly matched. In a way, that makes the players push harder.
“Every night is going to be important,” he said.
Head Coach Willie MacDonald said he’s happy with how the final roster has taken shape.
One of the biggest decisions he had to make was who would be in the nets for the Crushers this year.
Ewan MacDonald is returning this year, and supporting him will be Lucas Park who is coming from Newfoundland.
MacDonald said Park came highly recommended from his coach in Newfoundland.
MacDonald is also happy to have a lot of veteran players like Gallant and Martin on the team.
“With those guys leading the way, definitely as a coach you feel at ease,” he said.
To purchase a ticket for Thursday’s game visit www. ticketpro.ca or call 1-888311-9090.