The Terriers kicked off what will be a big week for the club with an exhibition victory on Sunday.
The 4-1 win over the Battlefords Stars at the Farrell Agencies Arena was a welcome result.
However, the Terriers brass know that they have some important decisions to make in anticipation of Sat-urday's regular season home opener.
Veteran Terrier Rylan McDonell pitched in with two goals in the 4-1 victory with Craig Eisenhut and Blaine Tendler accounting for the other markers.
Projected starter Devin Peters played the entire game for Yorkton while Battlefords countered with Garrett Montour.
Regarding the busy week ahead, Terriers Head Coach Trent Cassan says that some players have made names for themselves this training camp. So much so, in some cases, that they may be supplanting others on the opening-day roster.
"There's been some guys who've come in and earned some spots and then there's been some guys who maybe have been overtaken by some guys," he says.
Knowing that not everyone can be a first-line player or a powerplay specialist, Cassan states that he is looking for guys who can fill certain roles.
Exhibition games like Sunday's can go a long way towards determining who those players are.
"We're more evaluating individuals than the team as a whole but at the same time you evaluate those guys and see where they're going to fit in," Cassan mentions.
With some veteran leadership departing in the offseason, the remaining vets from last year's playoff run will certainly be counted on to step up.
Guys like Rylan McDonell and Brent Struble will certainly have to make their mark in order for the Terriers to put in a dent in the scoresheet.
"Our older guys have come in good shape and they've been good leaders (with) good attitudes," Cassan says, praising his older players, "They battled real hard for us in the spring time and they should be rewarded for that. But at the same time, they haven't come in with any sense of complacency, they've come to earn their spots and they've set the tone."
As the Terriers vets continue to set the tone for the forward and defence ranks, Cassan indicates that the Terriers are preparing as though the guys at Major Junior training camps will not be back.
Although that's not to say that they wouldn't be welcomed with open arms.
"If some of those guys make their way back here, we'd certainly be welcome to have them. At the same time, if you can move a couple of those guys on to the (highest level), that's what you're here to do."
With 27 players still in camp, as of Sunday, the SJHL club will still have to make some alterations to their roster.
However, the goalie depth chart appears set, at least for now.
With Devin Peters firmly entrenched as the number one goaltender, Cassan also points out that Warren Shymko has retained the back-up job.
"He beat out the younger guys who were pushing him," he states, matter-of-factly.
The Terriers made one other move this past week, acquiring defencemen Troy Dumais from the Sioux Lookout Flyers for future considerations.
