I had intended on writing a blog to coincide with the launch of the new CaribooCougars.ca, however that never really came to fruition...now that we have tonnes to talk about, I have lots of stuff to write about. But first, lets do a small introduction.

My name is Alex Rawnsley and I'm the new voice of the Cariboo Cougars for the 2010/2011 Season. It's one of several new initiatives the club is leading the way in, setting the example and the standard for the rest of the teams in the BCMML.

• We've launched this new site which provides greater detail to information, news, scores and now video than ever before.
• Along with Jerome LaMarre, I'll be broadcasting all the games from Kin 1 Arena, with a full pre and post-game show, player interviews and everything you'd expect from a hockey broadcast. You can view it through either BC Hockey's site, or CaribooCougars.ca
• The Cougars will begin using a sophisticated statistics and game breakdown software this season in order to provide the coaching staff with detailed analysis of each game. This will help you team, be better on the ice, and allow the coaching staff to whittle away weaknesses throughout the season.

The next biggest piece of news is that the tryout camp is right around the corner, starting with the goalie camp on Thursday. 12 goalies are in attendance, fighting for two spots. Outside of that, another 90 or so skaters will vie for the 20 positions on the roster. By the end of the weekend, that 100 or so will be down to 40, and out of those 40, 12 must be 'committed' to by the Cougars. This process doesn't really mean a whole lot as in the previous years, all the players the Cougars have committed to except one (Jari Erricson) have gone onto play in the WHL or BCHL (or other comparable leagues) and not been available to the Cougars.

Expect a tonne of new faces. Coach Sprague has openly said in the past that every spot is open, everyone has to earn their spot, and no-one gets a free pass. This weekend will be very exciting for players, parents and coaches alike, and this is only the very beginning of what is sure to be a fantastic, exciting and innovative season. More details about the broadcast will be available in the coming weeks as we continue to build towards the open of the season in mid-September.