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INTERVIEWS: Cubs training camp underway

Sep 7, 2017 | 1:03 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Last year, the Medicine Hat Cubs sported 12 rookies as regulars through the season.

That’s not including a completely retooled coaching staff, lead by newcomer J.D. Gaetan as head coach.

It was thought to be one of the youngest clubs in the entire Heritage Junior B Hockey League.

Even though the odds were heavily against the club, which suspended the remaining several games of the season before due to player commitment issues, they still found a way to clinch a playoff spot.

This year, although the team has a decent number of returning players, Gaetan says it could be even younger.

But it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many players at Cubs training camp, which began on Tuesday and runs through the weekend at the Kinplex, are coming off very successful midget campaigns.

The Medicine Hat AA Midget Hounds finished second in the SCAHL’s south division with 25 wins and just eight regulation losses.

Many graduates from the Hounds program are lacing up at Cubs camp, including centreman Kian Simonson.

We spoke with 18 year-old Simonson, along with Gaetan this week to get their thoughts following the first couple days of practice, along with how the newcomers are dealing with the jump to Junior B hockey.