Written by: Duncan Forbes

It was a long season for head coach Chris Donnelly and the Dalhousie Tigers men’s hockey team last year. After a promising 3-1 September which saw them post victories over AUS rivals Acadia and Saint Mary’s, the team failed to find themselves in the win column again until November 20. By Christmas time, they were 1-13 and the playoffs seemed out of reach.

Brad McConnell, Fabian Walsh and Andrew Wigginton combined for the team lead in points, each scoring seven goals and ten assists for 17 points on the season. All three return to the squad this year and will look to help the Tigers return to the AUS playoffs for the first time since 2004.

Fifth-year engineering student and captain Pierre Vandall returns after an injury-ridden season that limited him to only 12 games last season, though he put up 10 points in that span. The former NHL draft pick was a member of the Team Canada at the Winter Universiade last year in Italy and will provide leadership for the young Tigers team.

The Tigers have also added some serious size up front with the additions of Tanner Williams, Mike Evelyn and Steven Johnston. All three played for the Nepean Raiders of the CCJHL and all stand at least 6’2 and provide a great mix of speed and size.

Improvement up front will be key to the Tigers success this year. Last season they averaged just 2.25 goals per game, well under the league average of 3.4.

Corbin Boes, a towering 6’3 goaltender who spent his last five seasons in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks, will join veteran netminder Wendell Vye and newcomer Richard Tingely in the crease this year replacing last year’s starter Bobby Nadeau.

Former Halifax Moosehead and Memorial Cup Champion Brendan Duke will give the Tigers blue line an instant boost this season, Wes Herrett who was limited to only six games last year after suffering from a serious illness, will make his return up front for the Tigers.

The Tigers had a tough pre-season this year, as they went 0-5 and were outscored a combined 24-10. They began their season with a 4-0 loss to Acadia, who finished second in the AUS last year. They’ll only be playing six of their 16 games before Christmas at home at the Forum, so improving their road record from last year (0-13-1) will be pertinent to their success.

Be sure to catch the Tigers in action this season at the Halifax Forum!