Quote:Written option: Talk about how your team is looking ahead of the coming season. Include at least 3 players who will be key to the success of the team, plus an explanation why they will be crucial. Must include 150 words.

Great Falls had a really tough year last time around. They aimed to change that over the offseason by acquiring two centers at the draft.

Jani Manty and Jae-ik Barron are technically two players but I consider them as one for the purposes of answering this question. The young centers represent a chance for the Grizzlies to address the biggest weakness in last season's campaign. It'll be important for them to perform well in such an impactful position.

Chris Valentine is the Grizzlies' highest TPE defender, being the sole 425 on the blueline. Perhaps even more important than centers, defenders are crucial to keeping your puck out of the net and providing movement from your own zone and out into the neutral and offensive zones.

Beau Kavanagh is the Grizzlies starter again this time around. As he goes, so go the grizzlies. The S71 SMJHL season was a tough one for the rookie, and he'll need to be better this time around to see the Grizzlies move up in the standings.

I believe Great Falls has what it takes to start the climb to the top of the league. Whether or not we have the skill to make the playoffs in such a tough division remains to be seen.