The SRSS Sabres have started their regular season 3-1, and are sitting atop the standings, and Coach John Laninga believes there is still room for this group to grow as they will be tested every game.

Early positives

"It's been a great start for us," Laninga says with a smile. "One of our best starts in the Platinum Promotions division. I think just the buy-in to the defensive side of our game has been huge. We've had some games where we've played against teams that are top opponents every single year, and we've just found ways to fill the back of the net."

On top of offensive production, Laninga says the backbone has been the padded warriors in the crease. "We feel very confident in our situation between the pipes this year. We're a team that's not afraid to sit back in our defensive structure. If we get hemmed in, we just have to trust in each other. We know that we're one shot away from a rebound with a save, and we can reset on the draw."

Identity

As the first few weeks have gone by, the group has started to carve out the identity they will go with for the season. "I think we're seeing a lot of similar themes to some of those stronger Sabres teams we've had over the years. We're a team that's working hard both ways, and we're forechecking. We're crashing hard down low. We're making anything twice about going to the front of the net, going into the corners. We're a team that wants to really transition the puck up the ice quickly. So, that's something that we've been practicing quite a bit, just how to get those quicker zone exits or on our neutral zone regroup. Turning the puck back up the ice quickly and getting some attacks off the rush."

Where to take a step

One area where Laninga would like to see some improvement in the next few games is in the special teams. "I think we would like to see our power play take the next step. Early in the year, we look at multiple combinations at even strength and on the power play. It's just an area where we're taking our time, kind of figuring out our roles on our team. As a result, the power play has maybe paid the price a little bit. Sometimes we've experienced a bit of difficulty breaking out, getting set up in the zone. If you don't get a proper setup, that puck's going 200 feet the other way, and you've got to start all over again."

Competitive league

From top to bottom, the league looks like it's going to be a dog fight every night, something that veteran coach Laninga really enjoys. "If you don't show up ready to go, it could be a long night. So, anyone from one to 13 can beat anyone, and you have to have your group ready to go. You've got to be ready to work hard, and you've got to be able to execute as well."

Home ice advantage

Being 2-0 at the Southeast Event Centre is also very important, according to Laninga. "There's definitely pride in that," the coach says confidently. "Some challenges, maybe practicing on the TG Smith, a little bit of a smaller ice surface, but I've really liked our game on the big ice, and I don't think that there's been any negatives kind of sneaking into our game as a result of that. Also, loving the addition of the high glass in the D zone, and don't want to overuse that, but it's nice to have. We haven't really had that in Steinbach over the years. So, just kind of getting used to the size of the ice, some of the different features, like the neutral zone is a lot bigger than it's ever been in Steinbach, too. That's been an area that we've worked on quite a bit this year. We want to make it a difficult place for teams to come in to play."

Focused and determined

The SRSS Sabres are hosting Shaftsbury, 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Southeast Event Centre, and despite their record and higher goals against, Laninga says his team needs to focus on their game, and not take themselves out of what they need to do by searching or cheating for goals. "We can't get caught up in scoreboard watching, that's for sure. Everyone needs to go about it the right way. We have to have that work-hard mindset each and every night. The mindset has to be that we're going to go 1-0.  So, no matter who that opponent is going to be, you have to respect them. You have to show up ready to put the work in. We just hope that we can execute in each facet of the game."