Game Day.

The day we've all been waiting for is here. The quest for the 2010-11 SJHL championship begins in less than 10 hours.

The team is leaving Kindersley around 3 p.m. and arrives in North Battleford at 5.

I hope to see at least a few folks from Kindersley tonight. Two hours isn't that far to drive for a season opener. I will post tonight's roster when I get it. I'll also do a game blog, but the updates will be a little sporadic because I'll also be busy getting photos for the Clarion.

Turns out ex-Bruins goalie Alexandre Sirard will be between the pipes for Battlefords tonight. They cut Garrett Montour earlier this week and picked up the 19-year-old tender from Estevan for futures.

The Klippers only saw Sirard once last year in a 3-2 home win on Jan. 31. Sirard gave up three goals on 26 shots in a game that also happened to be Scott Hellyer's second SJHL start. Full game summary is here.

This means Stars coach Ken Pearson will have a tough decision to make when Kyle Birch and Graham Hildebrand return to the line-up. Birch is 20 while the others are 19. Which goalie do you get rid of? Personally, I was more impressed with Hildebrand last season, although Birch had his moments too (like that 7-6 OT win over the Klippers on showcase weekend. Birch and Joshua Baker were both phenomenal that night despite all the goals).

One more note before I start my day - I'll be doing colour alongside Brenden Ullrich for tomorrow's game in La Ronge. I did colour a few times last year with Kris Hussey and, as someone with a play-by-play background, I love getting to do it, although it can't replace the thrill of PxP.

See you in North Battleford!

EDIT: I just checked my gmail account (my secondary email) to discover a new email from Larry Wintoneak. Lo and behold! The team roster complete with jersey numbers.

It also includes the team's alternate captains for the year, which had not been released until now. They are Kurt Leedahl, John Sonntag and Braeden Adamyk.


Aside from the new players, the other changes this year are Riley Down moving from #2 to #22 and Lance Tabin going from #3 to #24.

For your viewing pleasure:

Goaltenders


#30 - Scott Hellyer - April 14, 1990 - Brandon, MB
#31 - Justin McDonald - March 16, 1992 - Turtleford, SK

Defencemen

#3 - Jeff Bartel - May 27, 1992 - Steinbach, MB
#5 - David Haaf - Sept. 17, 1992 - Medicine Hat, AB
#7 - Kurt Leedahl (A) - April 13, 1990 - Saskatoon, SK
#8 - John Sonntag (A) - Aug. 13, 1990 - Goodsoil, SK
#20 - Sean Flanagan - May 18, 1992 - Kindersley, SK
#22 - Riley Down - April 30, 1991 - Kindersley, SK
#24 - Lance Tabin - March 23, 1990 - Regina, SK

Forwards


#6 - Kiley Long - Dec. 31, 1992 - Loreburn, SK
#9 - Andrew Dommett (C) - July 15, 1990 - Major, SK
#11 - Taylor Duzan - March 8, 1991 - Saskatoon, SK
#12 - Brett Penner - Nov. 29, 1992 - Medstead, SK
#14 - Braeden Adamyk (A) - March 3, 1990 - Neepawa, MB
#15 - Tanner Exner - April 23, 1991 - Regina, SK
#16 - Johnny Calkins - Dec. 10, 1990 - Kyle, SK
#17 - Ryan Benn - June 19, 1991 - Spruce Grove, AB
#18 - Jesse Mysiorek - July 5, 1991 - Fort Qu'Appelle, SK
#19 - Beau Taylor - Feb. 1, 1991 - Wamberal, Australia
#21 - Pearce Gourley - June 15, 1992 - Saskatoon, SK
#23 - Jordon Hoffman - Aug. 12, 1991 - Major, SK
#25 - Taylor Wasden - Aug. 26, 1991 - Saskatoon, SK
#26 - Justin Gerwing - Feb. 21, 1992 - Saskatoon, SK
#27 - Tanner Kissick - Aug. 6, 1993 - Kerrobert, SK
#28 - Sanfred King - Jan. 14, 1990 - Brandon, MB