By Mia Ines

The Lancer men's hockey team is excited to hit the ice for a new 2021-22 season after nearly two years. With many new recruits, the squad is preparing to develop their talents and get back to competition and strive towards individual and team goals. 
 
Head coach Kevin Hamlin describes being back training for a new season. "It is very surreal to think we haven't played a league game in almost 500 days. So much has happened in that time that has brought us here today. The prep part is challenging because we haven't seen our opponent in such a long time. Many programs have completely different teams so whether coaches decide to change systems with the different personnel, we will see." 
 
With group gathering restrictions, inconsistent access to facilities, and the graduation of senior athletes, Hamlin's biggest challenge has been the overall look of the team this year when they were finally able to be together. "The transition of the past to present is unlike any change I've encountered," he said. "We really didn't know if players were returning, whether we were getting a transfer student, or if one of our guys decided to go to a school near home since most of their classes are online. Nobody knew until training camp started."
 
This year's young team will bring many new faces on the ice and give the Lancers an edge to showcase the new talents and skills. Hamlin discussed the addition of 15 recruits and several changes to the staff, developing new experiences. Each of the players come from across the province and Canada, bringing unique qualities to the team including athletes, Mason Kohn, Anthony Stefano, Olivier Arseneau, Brady Hinz, Matt McNamara, Holden Wale, John Parker-Jones, Will Ennis, Hunter Holmes, Dakota Lund-Cornish, Matt Dorsey, Robbi Burt, Barrett Dachyshyn, Jaydon Fetter, Noah Giesbrecht. 
 
"It's the year that we all have to be patient, resilient and persevere because we know there will be a learning curve for all," Hamlin continued. "At the end of the day, the athletes we have recruited, meshed with the veteran leadership we currently have, will benefit our program and bring it to a standard we will be very happy with." 
 
Windsor is ready to make their mark and put the pressure on with a clear goal to get back to the national tournament and dominate the top. Hamlin explains, "sometimes, when you achieve something, you assume because you got achieved it once, you will get achieve it every year. We haven't been to the national championships since 2015 and we want to get back.  We know there is a lot of work to do before that happens but I've been really impressed with the work ethic and focus of this group so far."
 
Windsor will begin their journey to the U SPORTS Championships this Thursday when they head to Waterloo to take on the Warriors in the 2021-22 season opener. Game time is set for 7:00pm and can be seen live at oua.tv.
 
The Lancers first home game is this Saturday, November 6th when they host the Western Mustangs at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance at goLancers.ca/tickets.