Bears’ Chickowski hoping to carry the scoring load

She was also one of 13 players in the SFMAAAHL to reach double-digits in goals—while the rest of the 87 players in the league were stuck with single digits.

Even without last year’s firepower, the Bears still feel they can score and get considerable contributions from Chickowski in her last year of Midget AAA eligibility.

“I think Kaytlyn’s showing every fall camp she comes to she’s starting out from a higher point, so it’s going to help her out this year,” said Bears head coach Jeff Willoughby. “We’re expecting lots from Kaytlyn this year.

“She’s going to be expected to play an offensive role with us and we think she’s going to perform at the top of the league. We expect her to be at the top of our roster.”

When asked if she could live up to those expectations, Chickowski said she could, largely to how Willoughby and the rest of the coaching staff get the best out of her.

“I feel like I can perform to that level. They’re good coaches, they push me to do my best so I feel like I can be on that level,” said Chickowski. “I get along with them—they bug me, I bug them. We have a good relationship.

“They give criticism lots; I just accept it and work well with it to whatever position I’m put in or whatever role. I just adapt to it and work my hardest—they know I work hard.”

Chickowski is entering her final year of Midget AAA Hockey as she’ll turn 17 years old on Sept. 15. She hasn’t missed a game in her previous two seasons with the Bears and doesn’t plan on doing so in her final year with her hometown team.

“It’ll feel pretty good to be a hometowner, for sure,” said Chickowski. “I want to make myself proud, my coaches and everyone, and just be a good leader.”

Without Vance

For the first time since 2009, the Prince Albert A&W Bears will not have goaltender Jessica Vance on their active roster. She was the Bears’ goaltender from 2010-2015 before moving on to the University of Manitoba Bisons this season.

The Bears will choose their two starters from the four they’ve brought to camp this year. One of them is Shayla Youngman, who was Vance’s back-up for the previous two seasons. Youngman was 7-2 last season for the Bears, with a .910 save percentage and 2.13 goals against average.

Youngman will still have to contend with Samantha Dick, Ryan Fontaine and Madison Chubey for that

“I think it’s pretty tight in net, we’ve got four goalies here and they’re all competing for the two spots,” said Willoughby. “I think whoever comes out with the two spots, we’re going to be in fine shape.”

SaskFirst

The Bears have two players on their rosters that have made the SaskFirst Under-18 fall roster in defender Brooke Hobson and forward Ireland South.

Last season, Hobson scored 23 points from the blueline—eight more than any other defender in the league. South had 17 points in her second year with the Bears.

“We’re happy for both of them. It’s a good stepping stone and it shows their hard work’s paid off,” said Willoughby. “When other people notice your players like that in their selection, it’s got to be gratifying for the players.”

The Bears will wrap up their fall camp on Sunday at the Kinsmen.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea

by Jeff D'Andrea

Bears’ Chickowski hoping to carry the scoring load

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