Carnduff Red Devils 2017-18 Preview

Just like the Biefait Coalers, the Carnduff Red Devils found themselves on the outside looking in after a heart breaking 8-7 double overtime loss in the Big Six quarterfinals last season.

Although the Red Devils sit second all time in league championships with 10, it's been just as many years since their last league title. From 13-14 to 15-16, the Red Devils appeared in three straight Big Six semifinals and came out on the losing end each time. One of the longest standing teams in the league will look to get back on top in 2017-18, and it all starts with an opening night tilt against the Carlyle PureChem Cougars on Saturday, November 4th at 8:00 p.m. Not to mention it will take place in the newly renovated Fast Centennial Arena.

"Same outlook as last year, I think we're going to be a competitive team and hope to have a longer season than last year," explained Red Devils Head Coach Ed McMillen. "Strong local content this year with a lot of the same guys coming back, and adding a few more guys to make us even more competitive. We're just getting practices going at this point with the ice having gone in early this month, probably the same for most teams."

A look a the newly renovated bench for the home team Red Devils.

The reintroduction of the Arcola/Kisbey Combines has also been welcomed topic among coaches and players in the league.

"I think it's great, you hate to lose any team and adding four more games to the schedule is a good thing. A couple more home games for each team to hopefully get a few more people in the rinks throughout the year."

McMillen also shared his thoughts on the change back to one division.

"The divisions last year worked alright for the most part but I think this should give us a balanced competitive league throughout. The first round in the playoffs will be a tough one with a best of three so it makes every game awful important when you get to that part of the season."

2016-2017 Regular Season Notes

  • The Red Devils finished third in the East Division standings with 12 wins, 7 losses and 1 overtime/shootout loss.
  • Matt Audette led the Red Devils in scoring with 10 goals and 16 assists.
  • Lost in Big 6 game three quarterfinal to the Yellow Grass Wheat Kings 8-7 in double overtime.
  • Failed to make it to the league semifinal for the first time in three seasons.

The Red Devils get their season underway in their newly renovated arena on Saturday, November 4th at 8:00 p.m. against the Carlyle PureChem Cougars. The game can be heard on CJ1150.

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