SPRINGHILL – It’s a new season for the Nova Scotia Cumberland County Blues in more ways than one.
When they take to the ice tonight at 7:30 p.m. for their home opener against the Sackville Blazers at the Richard Calder Arena they will be backed by a new general manager, a new coach, a new captain, and new goaltenders.
“We have two really good goaltenders,” said Blues general manager, Terry McManaman.
The goaltenders are Jesse Cox, who played in goal with the Maritime Hockey League Amherst Ramblers, and Matt Caron.
“Matt was drafted a couple of years ago by the (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) Cape Breton Screaming Eagles,” said McManaman. “So we’ve got two top-notch goaltenders who are going to keep us in a lot of games.”
Dave Burke is back, along with Jesse Colborne, who spent most of last season with the St. Margaret’s Bay Ducks, and Liam Carr.
“Liam Carr is going to be the captain this season,” said McManaman. “He’s an over-ager and he’s shown great leadership.”
Rob McLure is coaching the Blues, while James Legere and Jordie Shaw are his assistants.
“They’ve run fantastic practices and, from my perspective, the players are only going to improve,” said McManaman.
McManaman said what the Blues might lack in size, they will make up for in hustle.
“We’re going to have a hard working team,” he said. “We have a lot of scoring and we’re very pleased with the players we have.
“We had a really good training camp and are very pleased with the effort of the players,” he added. “Now it just a matter of taking a few games to gel.”
Cox will start in net tonight against the Blazers, and Caron will be between the pipes against the Eastern Shore Mariners on Saturday at the Eastern Shore Community Centre.
The puck drops tonight in Springhill at 7:30 p.m.
dmathieson@amherstdaily.com
