The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings took to the ice Friday morning for practice. Originally, it was scheduled to be a morning skate, but the postponement of the game against the Melville Millionaires caused a change of plans. 

“I think it’s frustrating, obviously, but it gives us a little more time to prepare for our next games,” said forward Braden Birnie. “We were ready to go but it’s just a little wrench in the plan for now. We’ll be ready for Yorkton on Thursday.” 

The game Birnie mentioned, on September 30th, will be the season opener for the Wings, who now play the home opener on October 2nd against the Estevan Bruins.  

“I’m really looking forward to that,” added defenseman Nick Dobson. “Should be a packed house, and just ready to get the season going this Thursday against Yorkton.” 

Captain Dante Ballarin pointed out there could even be a slight strategic advantage for the Wings ahead of the games, as they will have the chance to see some video of their two opponents next week, instead of just looking at what they did in the preseason. 

“It’s only going to be a few games, but I don’t know how much of an advantage it will be,” Ballarin said. “Getting to see them play a few times, getting to know their systems, and hopefully go from there.” 

While the Wings will be idle tonight, there are five games being played in the SJHL. The La Ronge Ice Wolves visit the Nipawin Hawks, while the Battlefords North Stars entertain the Kindersley Klippers. The Bruins and Terriers will faceoff in Estevan, and Wilcox will be the scene as the Notre Dame Hounds open their campaign against the Humboldt Broncos. The other game will see the Flin Flon Bombers in Melfort to face the Mustangs.