On April 26th, the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) became extreme! On that day the league announced the Devon Xtreme as its newest member Club. After a one year experiment moving away from divisions, the AJHL is going back to having a North and a South Division format. The Xtreme will be in the North Division.
The Club will play out of the new rink in the Dale Fisher Arena. The newest AJHL Club and the NAX Hockey Academy are both a part of the Northern Alberta Xtreme Athletics Group. The GFL Twin Arena will house a two-story hockey training facility integrating the two programs.
With a team name and a state-of-the-art place to play, it's time to construct a team. The man tasked with the job of putting together a competitive expansion team is Kelly Buchberger. A former captain of two NHL teams and assistant captain of three others, Buchberger's playing career suggested a quick transition into coaching. A 17 year NHL career ended in 2003-04, his coaching career began 2004-05.
Now let's meet the first players signed by Mr. Buchberger to the Xtreme!
The first announced signing is puck moving d-man Ryan Richardson. The NAX Academy alumni recorded 16 points in 30 games last season playing for the NAX U18 Prep Team.
The first forward signing announced by the Club is Lucas Knorr. Speed and physicality will overshadow him being deemed a "smaller guy". Knorr recorded 36 points in 36 games for the U18 AAA Edmonton Jr Oilers.
Tyson Baschuk also joins the Xtreme from the U18 AAA Edmonton Jr Oilers. Baschuk's focus on defense is being the shut down defender. He contributed 21 points in 31 games last season.
Stay tuned...
Keep on eye on the Devon Xtreme website (www.devonxtreme.ca) for more player signings and happenings. Typically the AJHL (www.ajhl.ca) announces their league schedule prior to Canada Day.