After winning three of their four preseason contests, the Rapids are eagerly awaiting their start to the 2024-2025 MHL regular season. They will host this upcoming Friday the defending MHL champions, the Miramichi Timberwolves, in a 7pm start at the E.&P. Sénéchal Centre.
It will be the team’s 7th campaign in Grand Falls and expectations are high, considering that the Rapids might have the elements they need to make a playoff run.
Head coach Greg Leland is optimistic about his squad while remaining patient towards the team’s progression this season.
“We have depth at every position for the first time in my three years here, so that is promising in itself”, mentions Leland.
“From that, we create internal competition which should push each player to be their best every week”.
The organization was very busy during the off-season, adding new players to ensure depth at every position. It will be a learning process for the newcomers as chemistry with the veteran group will need to be properly formed. Greg Leland and his staff will take the time to see which players can fill the roles that will bring the best out of the team.
“Our first priority is to establish roles for individual players while simultaneously building a team environment in which everyone contributes to the success of the team. We want to ensure that we bring our best every practice and game, and thus be able to maximize our chances of winning”.
Training camp saw many new faces and some of the additions made an immediate impact on the team. Nathan Rhodes, a 19-year-old product of the QCHL, led the team in goals during the exhibition season, scoring on 3 occasions. Derek Bird, born in 2006, scored twice while Jeremy D’Astous, a QMJHL product, scored the game winning goal in the shootout session last Saturday night in Fredericton.
Defensemen also contributed to the scoring: Julien Gauvreau, an 18-year-old native of Edmonton (Alberta), led the team in scoring during the exhibition schedule with 5 assists in only three games played.
Veterans who will be making a return to the lineup are forwards Nicholas Brennan, Ty Hunter, Jonah Leard, Cole MacWilliam and Damian Metastasio.
The defensive squad will have a new look this season with many newcomers. Will Morrison will be the veteran presence at the blue line, playing in his third season with the Rapids.
Adam Lecours is making a return between the pipes, posting a 3.47 goals-against average last season while being credited with 13 victories.
He will be supported by Loic Nadeau and Scott Leblanc who both had a good camp.
Greg Leland is more focused on what his team can bring to the table when it mostly counts.
“We want to make the playoff season, at which time anything can happen. Our goal is to be our best at that point of the season.
We are confident that we will not disappoint our fans or supporters in terms of our work ethic or commitment to the community”.
The Rapids will also be in action on Sunday afternoon (3pm) as they host their Northwestern rivals, the Edmundston Blizzard.
Patrick Thibault