麻豆社区

Brett Roulston is expecting bigger and better things from himself this season.

The 18-year-old Whitehorse native is entering his second year with the Western Hockey League's Prince George Cougars.

After scoring eight goals and three assists in 57 games last year, Roulston is hungry for more.

"I'm expecting to put up bigger numbers obviously, and be more physical,鈥� he said. "I'm looking to improve on my game all-around and do whatever I can to help the team. We're going to be a real good team this year, so I'm really looking forward to it.鈥�

Roulston spent the summer training with Yukon Olympian Jeane Lassen, and their work together has paid off.

"She's been training me for a long time,鈥� Roulston said. "She really worked me hard and got me in great shape. I owe a lot to her.鈥�

Cougars head coach Mark Holick has been impressed with Roulston's fitness level in camp.

"I thought he came in in great condition,鈥� Holick told the Star following a practice session in Prince George yesterday.

"In all of our players meetings following the end of last season, conditioning was a sore spot with me. The message was received, and everyone came into camp in real good shape, and particularly Rolly.

"For guys to get jobs, they knew had to be in the best shape, and for Rolly, that's what he did. He came to camp in shape and so far, so good.鈥�

His fitness has translated into a "real good camp,鈥� Holick said.

"I feel very strong and powerful,鈥� Roulston said. "I feel faster and that I can take whatever challenge gets thrown at me.鈥�

Roulston is the only Whitehorse native currently playing major junior hockey. He said representing the territory is a privilege.

"It's really special to me,鈥� he said. "I look forward to seeing the younger guys make it as far as I have and even further.鈥�

Coach Holick joined the club in late January after serving as head coach of the AHL's Syracuse Crunch and WHL's Kootenay Ice. He took the reins from Dean Clark, who was fired after the Cougars got off to a slow start.

The club would finish the season with a 21-43-2-6 record and missed the playoffs.

Holick is anticipating Roulston will play a key role in the Cougars turnaround this season.

"For me, he has to play a 200-foot game,鈥� Holick said. "He has to be a guy that's reliable in our end, and he has to be a pain in the ass to play against in their end. He's a big, strong kid and he's in real good shape. He's strong as a bull and he needs to play that way.

"I think the more he goes into those dangerous areas consistently, the better it will be for him, and ultimately for us.鈥�

Holick sees Roulston playing a power forward role similar to Milan Lucic of the Boston Bruins.

"I'm not comparing them, but that's kind of what he is,鈥� Holick said of his six-foot, 187-pound left-winger. "He's like a bull in a china shop and that's how he has to play.鈥�

Roulston said the team has set a goal of making the playoffs this season, but he believes they are capable of much more.

"I think we can go above and beyond that,鈥� he admitted.

The Cougars are currently in the midst of an exhibition schedule with a roster of 26 players, said Holick. The team is 2-0 after beating the Red Deer Rebels 8-4 and the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-1.

Roulston dressed for the Tigers matchup, and made his way onto the scoresheet after winning a second-period fight.

"I'm not going to back down from a fight,鈥� Roulston said. "I think it'll be a bigger part of my game this year because I'm one of the bigger guys and I need to protect my teammates.鈥�

The Cougars roster will be trimmed down to 22 for the start of the regular season Sept. 20.