Timberwolves looking to
maul the competition

Brady Stark
Team Member

he UNBC Timberwolves soccer season

is almost upon us, as the third season
in the CIS league kicks off on September 6
in Prince George. Prior to the upgrade to
CIS, both Timberwolves teams established
stellar records, which helped garner a
reputation as being a team to watch once
they stepped up to the top university
league in the country to play with the likes
of UVic and UBC. There have been some
growing pains in the first couple of years
in the big league, as both the women and
men’s squads have struggled to put balls
in the back of the net. With the women
only getting one win last season, they are
poised to exceed the eight goals that they
scored and set the bar even higher this
year. The men’s squad, on the other hand,
racked up two wins last season, scoring 11

goals to keep them in the basement in the
standings.

The weakness in both teams was allowing
too many goals on their own net. The
focus of the upcoming campaign is to
create a stronger defensive mindset,

and try to capitalize on their chances.

Yes, this might be an unpopular
decision, because a 0-0 game can be
incredibly boring to watch. Defense wins
championships, therefore both UNBC
soccer teams need to start from the goal-
line out if they want to improve their
records from last year. Throughout this
season, Over the Edge will profile a player
from each squad to get the fans closer to
their team and cheer the Timberwolves
on as they try to one-up each other in
the wins column and shoot UNBC to

the top of the university rankings.

Sports 17

Cougar Watch 2014: the upcoming season

Brady Stark
Team Member

new ice age is upon us in Prince

George, as new ownership has shaken
up the front office and created a buzz
around the town. All of that is fine and
dandy, but the real test will be if this new
look can translate to wins on the ice.
Here are some players that fans should be
excited about in the new season.

1) The Return of the Jari: Since joining us
from the Everett Silvertips, Jari Erricson is
a home grown talent that has entranced
Cougars fans over the last couple of years.
Unfortunately, Jari was injured last year,

which wiped out his entire season. He

has looked great in training camp and

the preseason, and looks to continue

the momentum into the regular season.
His fast paced offensive skillset should
complement the play of Harkins and
Morrison, while also providing a veteran
leadership that will surely be missed after
Cougars fans said goodbye to Troy Bourke.

2) A Shining Star Emerges: Even though
his playing time was rather limited last
year, Jansen Harkins proved that he is a
force to be reckoned with. With a green
light to serve the rest of the WHL notice,
this draft eligible forward is poised to
rack in big points and a ton of memorable

moments. The U18 Team Canada member
looks to build on recent success and
vault up the draft prospect rankings.

3) The Goalie Denieth: Ty Edmonds was a
rookie goaltender at the beginning of the
year. Not many people know him, despite
his high draft selection. It didn't take him
long to establish himself as the Cougars
number one netminder. Only one month
into the season, Edmonds grabbed CHL
rookie of the month honours on his way to
a solid first year in net. Year 2 looks to be
even better, for maturity and experience
will be two of his greatest weapons while
he guards the goal from attackers.

4) The Flash of Prince George: Just like
The Flash, Brad Morrison has lightning
speed that not many can keep with.
Fans got to see the white, black, and red
blur dancing through the opposition on
his way to some of the prettiest goals
of the year. Unfortunately, Morrison’s
defensive prowess left something to be
desired, as (like most of the team) he was
a minus player. Fans can look forward
to more magical plays and highlight-
reel-goals with a more balanced game.
If he continues to improve, Morrison
might be able to challenge Harkins for
the highest draft ranking in 2015.