THUNDER BAY – Mitchell Osmond says this is by far the best Thunder Bay Chill team he’s seen break training camp.
The veteran defender, who will serve as the Premier Development League team’s captain as he gets set to enter his third season with the Chill, said the team has depth at every position, a weakness that might have cost them playoff success the past couple of summers.
He’s convinced that will change on June 3, when Thunder Bay kicks off its 18th season on the road against WSA Winnipeg.
“On paper, I think this is the best we’ve ever looked going into the season, so I have high expectations for us. Hopefully we can meet those expectations and take the conference first and then the league,” the Australian-born Osmond said on Friday, as management unveiled this year’s roster at a ceremony held at Intercity Shopping Centre.
But games aren’t won on paper, they’re won on the pitch, where one small mistake can unravel almost any contest.
It’s a fact known all too well to the Chill, who in recent seasons have developed a bad habit of not being able to hold second-half leads, finishing last year at 7-2-5.
Osmond says the team has addressed it in training camp, but really got to the heart of the matter during the recruitment season.
However, it’s not a new face Osmond is counting on to be the game-breaker.
While Sullivan Silva and Brandon Swartzendruber should provide plenty of offence up front, it’s the skill set of another former Chill star, midfielder Abraham Villon, who’s got Osmond most excited.
Villon, a California native, was a pillar for the Chill in 2012 and 2013, the last season they made it to the league’s final four, falling in the championship final in Austin, Texas.
“He’s an exciting player for us. He’s played at the next level. He brings a lot of experience, but also some flare, something I think we’ve lacked in the last few seasons,” Osmond said.
“He brings a different dynamic and I definitely think he’s someone to look out for.”
Among the new faces in 2017 is another Californian, German Aifaro, a 26-year-old midfielder who has high hopes for the Chill’s chances.
Alfaro, who earned Week 6 player of the week honours earlier this year playing in the United Premier Soccer League, said he likes what he sees so far in camp.
“I’m playing with great talent. I try to learn a little bit from everybody,” Alfaro said.
London, England’s Connor Lee is another new face joining the Chill this summer.
He said he researched the team heavily looking for a place to play, and couldn’t turn down the opportunity, despite the pressure there will be to find their way past Des Moines or a revitalized Chicago to claim one of two Heartland Division spots and a berth in the Central Conference playoffs.
“There’s a lot of good potential in this team,” said Lee, among the youngest players on the roster.
The Chill this weekend host the Winnipeg Lions for a pair of friendlies at Fort William Stadium. Saturday’s game kicks off at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday’s game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
