Chargers open season in Burlington

The Mississauga Chargers of the Provincial Junior A Hockey League will open the 2008-09 campaign on the road tonight when the team travels to Burlington to face off against the Cougars at Wave Twin Rinks.
The Chargers, who missed the playoffs last year by three points, have added seven new players to their roster, while parting with one member of last year's squad.
"We have, probably, the best group of forwards of any team," said Chargers assistant general manager Darren Smith. "We should be able to score goals."
Leaving the team is Brent Morrison, who joined the Bramalea Blues in April. He scored three goals and five assists in 18 games with the Chargers last year.
Meanwhile, forwards Travis James, Dan Grespan, Sam Ladenski, Brian Weinberg and Mike Charbonneau, along with defencemans Matt Prapavessis and Mike Irvine, will make their debut as Chargers tonight.
Morrison said the Mississauga club, which allowed 245 goals last season, needs to improve on its defence.
"We still have five openings on the roster," said Morrison. "If we can focus on the defensive part of our game, we should win a lot."
The Chargers, who finished last season one game under .500 (22-23-4), are hoping to make a run at this year's league title.
"I would expect not only a playoff berth, but a strong performance," said Smith. "Maybe, a top four finish."
The Chargers also added assistant coach Stace Page behind the bench. Page, along with Blaine McCauley, will work under the guidance of returning head coach Jay Anderson.
"He (Anderson) has been in the league over 15 years, he should do very well this season," said Smith. "With the addition of Page, I think we have the best coaching staff and probably the best well-rounded one."
The Chargers, who will compete in the MacKinnon Division title, will host their first home game tomorrow night when the Whitby Fury visit Port Credit Arena.
Puck drops at 8 p.m.
The MacKinnon Division, which used to be called the West Division, was renamed in honour of former Ontario Hockey Association Chairman Bob MacKinnon.
The Chargers’ division rivals will include the Bramalea Blues, Brampton Capitals, Georgetown Raiders, Streetsville Derbys, Burlington Cougars, Milton Icehawks, Buffalo Jr. Sabres, Oakville Blades and the Vaughan Vipers.

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