The waiting is almost over for the Meota Combines.
Almost a month after the Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League season began, the Combines will take to the ice for the first time this year Friday as they play host to the defending league champion Edam Three Stars at the Civic Centre.
鈥淭he one bad thing about starting is that we鈥檒l be trying to catch up to some of the other teams who have gotten a few more skates in,鈥� Combines forward Aaron Cadrin said.
鈥淲e weren鈥檛 able to get any home ice until the start of December, which is why we are getting our season going a little bit later, but we have got a few practices in so we feel like we鈥檒l be ready to go.鈥�
This year鈥檚 Combines squad will have a major offensive weapon added to the mix, as former Battlefords North Stars and Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves forward Blake Tatchell has joined the roster after putting up 29 points with the ECHL鈥檚 Wichita Thunder last year.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 an absolutely huge pickup for not only our team, but the entire league,鈥� Cadrin said.
鈥淲e鈥檝e also brought in a few other players that are working in the area, such as Brandon O鈥橠onnell, Sean Patrick and David Greyeyes. Our captain Brett Miller is back after missing almost the entire season with a knee injury as well, so the depth we have should allow us to be in the mix all the way through to the playoffs.鈥�
The Combines finished in fifth place in the SPHL standings last year with a 12-6 record, but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by the Shellbrook Silvertips in three games.
Friday鈥檚 home opener will also mark the start of a busy month of events for the Combines, as they will be hosting a kickoff party at the Civic Centre following the game.
鈥淲ith Edam playing us and the new additions on the roster, we鈥檙e looking forward to having a big crowd,鈥� Cadrin said.
The Combines are also hosting a fundraising game for the Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund on Saturday, Dec. 23, when they will be hosting the Maymont Settlers.
鈥淟ast year we were able to donate $1,500 from the proceeds we raised at the game and the dance we had afterwards,鈥� Cadrin said. 鈥淗opefully we can raise that much once again with the support of the community.鈥�
Following Friday鈥檚 battle with the Three Stars, the Combines will return to the Civic Centre Saturday for an 8 p.m. battle with the Radisson Wheatkings.
Meanwhile, the Battleford Beaver Blues will look to continue their league best 3-0 start to the season Saturday when they鈥檒l host the Settlers in an 8 p.m. clash at the Battleford Arena.
The Beavers Blues and Combines will square off for the first time this season on Friday, Dec. 8 at the Civic Centre.
