Year 2 for Junior B La Broquerie Habs comes with higher expectations
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The La Broquerie Habs first season in the Capital Region Junior Hockey League was a moderate success, as the team battled to a fourth-place finish in the standings before falling to Selkirk in the post-season.
The program’s second year is coming with higher expectations, as the CRJHL season got underway in the region Oct. 4 when the Habs hosted North Winnipeg in La Broquerie, winning 6-2.
“I love our squad,” head coach Dan Taillefer said.
“We’ve got a lot of returning guys… So far, I love everyone’s work ethic.”
The Habs jumped out to a 3-0 first period lead, before faltering slightly. While the Satilites drew within one, another three-goal out-burst in the third clinched the home team’s first victory of the season.
“The boys really responded in the third and we’re really happy with this game overall,” Taillefer said.
La Broquerie fell 3-2 in overtime to the Lundar Falcons to open the season.
The Habs have one of the best locker room set-ups for teams at this level. The room was improved for the junior A Steinbach Pistons to stay during the Southeast Event Centre construction, and now that the Pistons are set up in their new home, the Habs can enjoy a great space.
The dressing room includes space for trainers, individual stalls and a coach’s office.
“It’s a great space,” Taillefer said.
“We’re very fortunate. As coaches and players we’re very thankful we’re able to have this space. We don’t take it for granted.”
Taillefer said the team getting a taste of the playoffs last year has only made them hungrier to go further.
“I feel like we have a good team and there’s no reason for us not to go on a run in the playoffs,” Taillefer said.
The Habs play at home this weekend when they take on Beausejour.
The other Eastman team in the CRJHL, the two-time defending champion St Malo Warriors, will start their home schedule Dec. 14, as they wait for renovations to be completed at their home rink. They’ll be at La Broquerie for a game Oct. 24.