The St. Paul Junior B Canadiens faced problems both on and off the ice the past two weeks, with a 17-3 loss in Killam on Friday following a 12-0 loss to Cold Lake the week prior. In addition to the devastating losses, coach Tony Meger has some tough decisions to make after six players requested releases.
The team plans to release the players with conditions. At press time, the releases or terms of potential releases have not been made official.
Brandon Cantre from Loone Lake, Doug and Buddy Morin, both from Saskatoon, and Jelani Whitstone requested releases from the Canadiens, confirmed Meger. Merek Lewis and James Rabbit, both from Onion Lake, requested releases for personal reasons that are not related to hockey, said Meger.
“It's a setback for the team offensively," said Meger, adding, “I think it's a good chance for the team chemistry-wise. The team is going to have to overcome this adversity … The boys have got to find a way to dig deeper and play for each other."
The decision to grant the release requests came after tensions erupted among the Canadiens between periods on Nov. 18 while playing the Ice.
The releases will have conditions to help the Canadiens recoup costs of bringing the players to St. Paul and housing.
Once the releases are official, it opens up space on the team for any local of-age players who want to join, Meger noted. The league requires teams to have the roster cut to 25 by Dec. 1. With the releases, the team has openings Meger hopes to fill with local talent.
Justin Funk scored two for the Canadiens on Friday for his sixth of the season. Brandon Ouellette scored his first of the year. Skyler Giroux picked up two assists and Justin Dubeau one.
The next game is Sunday against the Rangers at home at 5 p.m.
