ST. PAUL – The St. Paul Jr. B Canadiens are gearing up for the upcoming North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League (NEAJBHL) season and will do so with a new head coach. The Canadiens announced last week that Corey DeMoissac has been named to the top spot with Dean Smyl returning as the general manager.
DeMoissac told Lakeland Today on Friday that he has prior experience as a head coach for the Canadiens having coached them for several years about 10 years ago. He said he is looking forward to leading the Canadiens again and is excited for the season ahead.
When asked if the club is prepared for the upcoming season, DeMoissac said General Manager Smyl has worked hard in recruiting and talking to players. He said Smyl was able to organize the players, saying, “It’s one of those things when you have a great GM, it makes things easier for the coach… the general manager has done an unbelievable job this summer.”
“We’re looking to get back here, that’s obviously the goal,” said DeMoissac, in reference to the Jr. Canadiens’ last season. “The goal is to win the league, but you know, we’re looking to make statements for sure.”
DeMoissac said the club has talented players returning to the ice from last year and having a veteran presence from players who played in the league will help with improving the team moving forward. One of those returning players is Isaak Watters, from Bonnyville.
"Watters is the complete package of skill, speed and energy,” Smyl stated in the team leadership announcement. “His leadership skills are above all the highest I've seen in a Jr. B Canadien. He will be looked upon to lead the Canadiens to the next step."
