Arcola/Kisbey Combines 2017-18 Season Preview

After a one year hiatus from the Big 6 Hockey League, the Arcola/Kisbey Combines are preparing for the start of the 2017-18 season with first year Head Coach Billy Kulyk at the helm.

Last season was the first time in over 54 years the Combines wouldn't see action in the Big 6, and the start of this season is something players and fans alike are looking forward to seeing after a year off.

"The buzz around town is pretty good and every one is excited, there's lots of interest in the team," explained player representative and Combines Veteran, Lucas Hislop. "We've had over 30 guys out so far with lots of young guys. Everyone is looking forward to the first game against Carlyle on opening night."

"There is a lot of newer younger players that are coming right out of high school. Some older guys that played with us in years previous are back and some are making the commute, we managed to put enough guys together to build a team. I think we'll be competitive enough to play with most teams in the league if not all of them, it all depends on every night who shows up on both teams. On a night to night basis we will be fairly competitive."

Big 6 Hockey returns to the ice at Prairie Place on Saturday, November 11th.

Hislop, a six year veteran of the Combines moved onto Wawota last season, and after completing the year he said it seemed like their was a part of Arcola missing over the winter.

"We decided we would get the team fired up back in Arcola, we had to get something going. There was definitely a void in the rink and everyone is excited to come out and watch some hockey again. Going up to nine teams, everyone is excited about 12 home games. It sounds like the league abuzz and it should be fun."

The Combines have five Big 6 titles to their name and haven't reached the pinnacle of the league since the 1997-98 season. The Combines will start their quest to capture the Big 6 title for the first time in 20 years on opening night in Carlyle.

2015-16 Regular Season Notes

  • The Combines finished their last season in the league in third place with 9 wins, 8 losses and 1 overtime/shootout loss.
  • Troy Miller led the Combines in scoring with 11 goals and 22 assists in 18 games.
  • The Combines were swept 3-0 by the Bienfait Coalers in the league semifinals.

The Arcola/Kisbey Combines travel to Carlyle on Friday, November 3rd during opening night to play the Cougars. Fan's can hear that game on the home of Big 6 Hockey, CJ1150.

Click here to view the Combines 2017-18 regular season schedule.