Mils Likely To Start Season Without Key Vets

Goaltender Zach Rakochy (pictured), newly acquired forward Sean Aschim, and 18-year-old forward Michael Sagen, all remain in camp with Western Hockey League teams... and with the Melville Millionaires opening up their regular season 10 days from now, Head Coach & GM Jamie Fiesel expects they'll be going to Estevan on September 17th with what they've got.

"There's a chance we could maybe get one more young guy back from a Dub camp, but we think our group right now is more or less what we'll be starting with. We're planning to be without those guys at least to start the season. But we're happy with the group we have now."

Rakochy spent his 16 and 17-year-old seasons in Melville. The now 18-year-old, who had his WHL rights dropped by the Red Deer Rebels, was picked up by the Spokane Chiefs, and is one of just three goaltenders remaining in camp with the Chiefs. Sagen is in Regina, where he spent most of last season, while Aschim, who had a stint with Prince Albert two seasons ago, and played all of last season in Melfort, remains in camp with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

"Give Rakochy credit, he's gone in there and impressed. I haven't heard from Spokane for a little while so I'm not exactly sure where that stands right now. As far as Aschim and Sagen, I think we'll be without them at least until NHL Camps get going. Moose Jaw has at least 5 guys at NHL camps, so that'll give those guys a longer chance to prove themselves in Dub camps."

Once NHL teams send players back to Major Junior, players will then trickle back to Junior 'A'. As Fiesel said, the Millionaires will plan to go ahead without Rakochy, Aschim, and Sagen, and if any or all of them return, it will only add depth to what he expects to be a very competitive group.