“Really and truly, until we get going, I am not sure what we have,” said the veteran head coach. “We don’t know what kind of style we are going to play yet.
“We will get three or four games under our belt, and see where we are at. We are a team that is seeking an identity, and we will identify that over the next couple of weeks.”
Defending champions
The Vipers, who have won seven consecutive Island Junior Hockey League playoff championships, open the 2016-17 regular season on home ice at Community Gardens against the Souris-based Eastern Maniacs on Sunday. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
“We are trying to put together a team that can win another championship,” said Waddell. “It’s never easy, especially with a big bullseye on your back.
“All the teams get up to play us. We know we have some work to do, but at the end of the day we hope to put together a team that can be there at the end.”
Roster
This year’s edition of the Vipers features a mix of returnees and newcomers. Key losses include graduates Ryan Kelly, Tanner MacGuigan, Jonathan Richards and Bryan Kelly, along with goaltender and playoff most valuable player Grant Grady’s decision to not play his final season of eligibility.
Some newcomers include goaltender Alex Kelly, who has two years of junior A experience, defenceman Nathan Ellis, rookie forward Logan Vandervelden and James Murphy returns up front. Murphy, who scored 25 goals with the Vipers as a midget-aged player two years ago, played junior B in Nova Scotia last season.
“This is the most depth I’ve seen us start a season off with up front,” said Waddell.
Defence
Waddell will look to Ellis, two-time Don Johnson Memorial Cup all-star Ryan Murray, and Ben Keefe, who is presently playing soccer with the UPEI Panthers, to anchor the blue-line.
“At the end of the day, we are going to be solid on the back end as well,” said Waddell.
Former captain
Former captain Mitch Gallant has rejoined Waddell and Trent Leard on the Vipers’ coaching staff.
“Trent and I have been doing it for a long time, and we feel having a guy like Mitch with some new ideas is a great addition,” said Waddell.
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Players
Goaltenders – Alex Kelly and Cameron Visser.
Defencemen – Liam Giffen, Nathan Ellis, Ryan Murray, Ryan McKenna, Ben Keefe and Parker Ronahan.
Forwards – Jordan Mayhew, Logan Vandervelden, Campbell Gallant, Nick Bouchey, Colton Collins, Drew Grady, Jacob Stewart, Spencer Sherren, Daniel Collister, James Murphy, Easton Smith and Riley Gallant.
