Aldergrove Kodiaks are getting ready for a competitive season, with two exhibition games coming up. 

Rick Harkins, general manager, has returned after a long recovery following a car accident five years ago, and said the team is rebuilding and ready for the season. 

"We're younger and... looking forward to the season," he said. 

"And for me, getting back and getting involved, I lost touch with the community and we want to rebuild that." 

Kodiaks have appointed three new coaches: head coach Braeden Hallman, assistant coach Dylen McKinlany, and goalie coach Darian Sommerfield. 

Hallman, formerly the assistant coach, first joined the Kodiaks at age 17 as a defenceman, and named assistant captain from 2019 to 2021. He then coached with Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey while pursuing a degree in English and communications at Simon Fraser University. 

"[He] has quickly proven by his actions on and off the ice that he is ready to step up and assume the head coaching position this season," reads the announcement. 

Filling the position of assistant coach is Dylen McKinlany, who came up through the 91原创 Minor Hockey system and Major Midget with the Valley West Hawks. He was drafted by the Chilliwack Bruins and played three seasons from ages 16 to 18. 

Last year, he was drafted in the seventh round by the NHL's Minnesota Wild and attended their camp. Afterwards, McKinlany was traded to the Kootenay ICE and finished his junior career with the Kelowna Rocketss, followed by two years of professional hockey with the Columbus Cottonmouths. 

"We are excited to have Dylen and his vast hockey knowledge and experience join the Kodiak family," announced the Kodiaks. 

Sommerfield is Maple Ridge born but his junior hockey career took him to Alberta. Soon after, he spent five seasons in Germany playing in the U20 level up to various professional ranks. Following a hip injury, Sommerfield retired last year and subsequently began his coaching journey. 

Now, he is the goalie coach for the Kodiaks this season and also coaches for Assertion Goaltending. 

"The last couple years we haven't made the playoffs, so we want to get back on track," Harkins commented. 

The Kodiaks first home games are on Wednesday, Aug. 28 and Sept. 4 at the Aldergrove Community Centre, 27032 Fraser Hwy.

Puck hits the ice at 7:15 p.m.

The regular season kicks off on Sept. 11.