By Jeff D'Andrea

Frenette takes over as new Predators head coach

Apr 10, 2013 | 6:54 AM

The Prince Albert Predators have been in contention for the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League championship in the last two years, but have come one step too short.
Darryl Frenette hopes he can be that last step.

After being a part of the Predators’ deep runs in the last two years as an assistant coach, he’ll take over the head coaching position this year.

One of Frenette’s keys to success will be stressing the importance of having a fast break offense.

“We’re going to work really hard,” said Frenette after the first full tryout practice with his new team Monday at the Dave G. Steuart Arena. “We’re going to have to move the ball really fast up the floor—our transition game has to be quick.

“In the short season, we have to be in good shape. The way it looks right now, even in the first day of the camp, I’m fairly happy with the condition of the guys and we’re only going to improve on that.”

Leadership Needed to Stop Federal Overreach

2h ago

Vise grip driver

Vise grips not a steering wheel: RCMP

19h ago

Patient supports

'Misuse' of free parking passes attributed to cancellation: SHA

21h ago

Frenette replaced former head coach Dave Werrett, who accepted an assistant coaching position with the Saskatchewan Swat, a Saskatoon-based team that play in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League. Werrett will still remain with the Predators as the club’s general manager.

This year, there could be as many as 10 returning players that could make this year’s Predators roster, including last year’s captain Brady Leachman, assistants Tyler Tilford, Taylor Wilcox and goaltender Lucas Wells.

“We’ve got very good veterans coming back, good leadership and I’m very fortunate for that,” said Frenette.

Two other players that Frenette will have his eye on are his two sons, with the older is 20-year-old defenceman Brant, who was an assistant captain last year.

The younger is 15-year-old Braelan, who played five total games as an affiliate with the Preds last year including 3 points in three playoff games.

But neither of them will get any favours from their head coach.

“(Braelan) is fighting for a spot like everybody else and so is Brant,” said Frenette.

Playoff changes

For the first time this year, the Predators have a chance at hosting a playoff game.

With changes to the format, the top-two teams in each division will host the first round of the playoffs.

“It would be really exciting for us to have that,” said Frenette. “We’ve never been able to host a playoff game in the past, it’s always been in a tournament format that’s been held in Saskatoon in Regina.

“This year, if we can finish first or second in the North, we’ll host a playoff game for the first time ever.”

The Predators will be in the same division as the two Saskatoon clubs, the Steelers and the Smash, as well as the Yorkton Bulldogs.

The South Division will comprise of the two Regina teams, the Riot and the Rifles, as well as the Moose Jaw Mustangs and the Estevan Big Dogs.

The Predators will wrap their camp on May 1 with a practice with their final roster and affiliate players.

They’ll have three exhibition games before then against the Steelers April 13, the Smash April 14 in Saskatoon, with the lone home game against the Saskatoon senior Brewers on April 28.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea