The Langley Rivermen are looking forward to an exciting first season in Langley. Although almost everything about the team is new, that is not to say there won't be some familiar faces around the Langley Events Centre this fall. The team will potentially be returning 12 players this season.
Headlining that list will be 20 year old forward, Darnell Dyck who finished with a point per game average after coming to Langley via Trail early last season. Dyck expects to have a big year with an expanded role in the team's offence.
Joining Darnell up front will be Kody Dhaliwal, Mike Tebbutt, Kit Sitterley, Josh Hansen, Auston Plevy, Mason Blacklock and Brandon Scholten. Dhaliwal saw his role grow late last year and his numbers increase along with it – something he is hoping to continue in 2011-2012. The Rivermen should expect big years from youngsters Plevy and Blacklock as well with one year under their belt, the comfort level has risen and there will be more opportunities for ice time.
As illustrated with the aformentioned list, the Rivermen have no shortage of veteran forwards. The defence on the other hand will prove more interesting as only Ryan Bakken, Tyler Miller and Trace Strahle are back. Although all three showed a solid presence on the backend last year, more will be expected with them now looked upon to anchor the blue line.
Finally, in goal, Wyatt Galley has moved however Cole Huggins is back in between the pipes and is excited about his chance to earn the starting job for the team. As is the case every year, the team will look to ice the best team, but it appears as though they may have a head start with a solid, potential filled lineup already in the system.
