Tyler Carefoot and Rick Freese came together this season with one goal in mind, put together the best possible team with the top talent from around the Parkland region.
After holding conditioning camp back in the summer, the Rangers proceeded with their tryouts and the team that came out of it was extremely promising. With a great group of 15-year-olds to go along with the 16-year-old and 17-year-olds, Parkland believed they could make some noise.
And that's exactly what they achieved. The team won six of their first seven games of the season and they were atop the standings when the season was paused back in November. Months after that pause was first announced, the Rangers are back on the ice; however, they aren't preparing for a Manitoba AAA U18 Hockey League game because the season has been suspended.
Despite the disappointment that the season has ended, Tyler Carefoot says being back at the rink is a wonderful feeling.
"You walk in the dressing room and see all the guys, you can't help but put a smile on your face," said Carefoot. "Sport and recreation mean so much to a lot of people. It's tremendous to have the group together."
Among the players practicing with the team is Brayden Kohlman who put up 11 points in the team's seven games, tied for the most on the team. Kohlman has committed to join the Neepawa Natives next season. Trey Sauder of Swan River has signed his letter of intent with Swan Valley and he's also practicing.
The team will continue practicing every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of the month. Although they aren't practicing to prepare for a game, Tyler Carefoot says everyone is working extremely hard.
"These are the kids that have aspirations of playing higher-level hockey, so we're glad they can get back on the ice," said Carefoot. "Every day is about getting bigger, stronger, and improve your game.
As it was discussed with Peter Woods from Hockey Manitoba previously, masks must be worn by all players and coaches on and off the ice. This rule was put in place by Public Health officials. It's not a rule embraced by Hockey Manitoba and it's certainly not one embraced by Tyler.
"As excited as we all were to hit the ice, we were all surprised to learn that we had to wear them," said Carefoot. "I would love to know the logic and the rationale behind this decision."
