After taking some positive steps forward in 2013, the Estevan Big Dogs junior lacrosse team is hoping to continue that progress in 2014.
After years of being among the youngest teams in the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League, the Big Dogs have matured into a veteran squad with the potential to make a move up the standings.
Coach Evan Handley said the core of last year's team that posted a 3-7 record is back. Included in that group is Rhett Handley, Tanner Froese, Ty Currie, Micheal Bittman, Mark Moriarty, Cole MacCuish, Brody Slykhuis, Caleb Memory and Isaac Elder. Handley added that Marshall Holzer is back after a one-year absence and Dylan Smith will be returning to the team as one of their two overage players.
Smith and Rhett Handley were two of the leading scorers in the PGLL in 2013
"We should have a good nucleus of guys that have played before and we have a couple of new kids that look like they might be pretty good," Handley said in reference to Dayton Westerman, Jordan Memory and Spencer Strand.
"We'll have to work really hard every game; we are not going to win any game by blowing anybody out by 30 goals but if we can get some good offence and play some good defence, we'll be in a lot of games. Whether we win or not, we'll make teams work hard.
"We kind of got on a roll at the end of the season and things started coming together."
Handley said he isn't sure about what to expect from the other clubs in the PGLL. He said the Regina Rifles are expected to be tough but as for the remainder of the league, many of the teams have had a lot of transition on their rosters.
"The PGLL is a good league. It's fast, competitive, with lots of skilled players. I think it will be a really good year."
The Big Dogs opened the season over the weekend with games in Prince Albert and Saskatoon.
In Saturday's opener they turned in a strong performance but came up short in a 10-8 loss to the Predators.
Prince Albert built a 3-2 lead in the first period but four second period goals helped the Big Dogs pull even after 40 minutes.
The game remained close in the third period but the Predators outscored the Big Dogs 4-2 to secure the win.
Rhett Handley led the Estevan attack with three goals and two assists while Strand scored twice. Froese, Moriarty and Holzer also scored in the loss.
Sunday in Saskatoon, the Big Dogs rode a seven goal second period on their way to an 11-8 win over the host Steelers.
Handley had another strong effort for the visitors, scoring five goals to go along with three helpers. Froese also completed the hat trick while Strand, Moriarty and Austin Ludwig also scored.
The Big Dogs are back on the road Saturday to meet the Regina Rifles. Their home opener is Sunday at 1 p.m. when they host the Steelers at Affinity Place.
