By Jeff D'Andrea

Elks back in the AAA rankings

Dec 28, 2012 | 10:55 AM

On their quest to qualifying for the Allan Cup senior men’s hockey national championships, the Shellbrook Elks will play two exhibition games at the AAA level Saturday and Sunday with the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs at the Shellbrook Arena.

Back on Nov. 3 the Elks beat the Bentley Generals 5-4, which was their first exhibition game at the ‘AAA’ level after traditionally playing at the ‘A’ level.

Since the Generals are hosting this year’s Allan Cup Apr. 15-20 in Red Deer, Alta., and are automatically playing in the tournament, the Elks were encouraged by winning the game.

“That was pretty huge,” said Elks’ player Josh Peterson. “We knew all along that we would be competitive at the ‘AAA’ level, but to go out and beat Bentley, who are going to be the hosts and guaranteed to be there, that gave us a lot of credibility I think in the AAA hockey world.”

“It kind of justified to ourselves that we’re doing the right thing.”

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The Elks have given their fans a lot more reasons to cheer this year as they are sitting in first in the Fort Carlton Hockey League and are the only team in the league yet to lose in regulation with a 6-0-0-3 record.

The game brought a lot of people and buzz to the Shellbrook arena in November, which can help the players on the ice.

“It was incredible. We had 500 people in and around there,” Peterson said. “We get 80-100 for a league game and when you get 500 people in Shellbrook, it looks like a lot of people there.

“They’re nice and loud and really supportive—it helps. Maybe you’re a little tired at the end of a shift but that motivates you to finish the job.”

Peterson hopes fans can show the same amount of enthusiasm this weekend against Fort Saskatchewan.

“I’m hoping with the Christmas break, maybe some people bring their kids out and understand it is a high level of hockey,” said Peterson. “With no NHL, maybe they’ll be anxious to watch some hockey and get behind that. Hopefully word of mouth from people that came to the November game and saw it firsthand that it is really is good hockey and most of the guys have played at the pro level or at least a high level of junior.”

“The guys are really appreciative of all the support that the community’s providing. It’s kind of been building slowly and I think the more people can get behind this, the better it’s going to be. I think we have the potential to go a long ways this year.”

Fans can see some former Prince Albert Raiders like Aki Seitsonen, who lead the Fort Carlton league in scoring last year, Luke Fritshaw and current Raiders goalie coach Kelly Guard. Also suiting up for the Elks are Chris Thompson, Matt Swaby and Hugh Hamilton, who won an IIHF World Junior Championships gold medal with Team Canada back in 1997.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea