Russ Anderson is familiar with the Alpena Flyers program, but tonight he’ll step into a new position as he makes his head coaching debut when Alpena opens the regular season against the Ironwood Yoopers at Northern Lights Arena.

“It’s always exciting stepping into the head coaching role. I think myself and others on the team whether it’s coaches, players or other people behind the scenes all know our roles and we all work together so it should be an easy transition and we’re excited to start the season,” Anderson said.

The Flyers currently have 20 players on the roster as the numbers throughout the entire United States Premier Hockey League-Midwest Division are down this year. Alpena has several returning players, a few new faces and will begin the season with a couple of Alpena High School varsity players on its roster.

Nic Baranyai-a former Wildcat- will once again captain this year’s team as he is one of the most experienced skaters on the roster.

“We have a good coaching staff behind us and we’re going to come and work hard. I just want to make sure everyone on the roster is doing what they’re supposed to be doing and push the team to be better,” Baranyai said.

Two other former Wildcats will be assistant captains on this year’s team as Rhett Limback and Mike Thompson will be looked upon to help lead the Flyers.

“This a good leadership crew and all of our captains are from the Alpena area, but all are ready to go and step into those roles and push the team once the season gets going,” Anderson said.

The Flyers will feature a total of 12 players on the roster that attended or still are attending Alpena High. Along with the three captains, Brendan Dacey, Noah Van Dusen, Jacob Hamp, Dean Schmanski, Hunter Tolsdorf, Jensen Saddler, Conner Allen, Damen McCall, Ryan Spencer and Trevor McConnell have spent time as Wildcats.

Mathew Brunton and Danial Lofstrom will add depth between the pipes and both hail from Canada. Forwards Brett Armstrong and Ben McCleery came from Utah and forward Jay Harris from Washington, defenseman Andrew Thiem from Lewiston and forward Caleb McKerchie make up the rest of the roster to open the season.

“I think we have a lot more leadership than last year. We have some older guys and some younger high school guys, but I think we’re made up of a good responsible group that knows their roles and when we get on the ice it will show,” Anderson said. “We have goal scorers, hitters, defensive players and I believe everyone is going to push each other this season.”

One of the question marks for the Flyers heading into the year will be who spends the most time in goal. McConnell, Brunton and Lofstrom will likely see action in the opening weekend. Aside from the goaltending, Alpena appears to have three solid lines that will be able to deliver no matter who is on the ice.

“This weekend will tell the tale as far as our goaltending position. We can practice all we want, but until we play in a real game it’s hard to judge. Hopefully we’ll get all three goaltenders in there and see what happens,” Anderson said. “We have three solid lines. Two of our lines should be able to put the puck in the net while the other should be a good shut down line. I just think we have a very skilled team this year.”

Alpena will have the luxury of playing its first 10 games of the season in the comforts of Northern Lights Arena. After struggling at times last year and finishing with a 15-32 record, the Flyers are ready to get this season started with what they feel is a deep and talented roster, despite the low numbers.

“We’re excited to get going. The guys have been working hard and they’re ready to get on the ice and get going into our first real game,” Anderson said. “Hopefully this weekend we’ll have a packed house here at home and from there see what the rest of the season has in store for us.”

Jonny Zawacki can be reached via email at jzawacki@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5690.