CJFL OFFSEASON FORECAST: Edmonton Huskies

Photo courtesy of Gord Mellor

The Edmonton Huskies are coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs.  However their younger players in 2015 gained tremendous experience in game situations which will serve them well coming into 2016.   The Huskies are excited to return a number of key pieces to their puzzle and will have an opportunity to lean on a few talented leaders returning for another season.

What’s Changing?

The Huskies coaching staff will go through the biggest change here in 2016 with the addition of four quality coaches.  Rick Walters returns to the club after serving as the Offensive Coordinator for the University of Alberta Golden Bears for the past three seasons.  With the Huskies this upcoming season he will serve as the OC and the quarterbacks coach.   Jeff Tobert, Nimi Idikio and Shawn Slator will join the defensive side giving that unit a breath of fresh air.  Each coach brings a great deal of experience to the Huskies staff in 2016.

Graduating Players:

OL Andrew MacLean: A veteran on the offensive line and one of the best long snappers in junior football.  He started all three positions on the offensive line in his five years with the Huskies as well as serving as the team’s long snapper.  MacLean will be a huge hole to fill for the Huskies.

WR James Aldred:  After four years with Huskies, Aldred graduates.  He was outstanding on special teams and was used as a utility receiver.

DL Stephan Paleniuk: He was a very versatile lineman, playing end, tackle and nose guard over his five year career with the Huskies.  He was an aggressive player and a very vocal leader that a younger player will need to step into here in 2016.

What They Need:

Teams can never have enough linemen on their roster and in 2016 the Huskies are recruiting on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  That said they are excited about some of the many young skilled players that have already made an impact in the offseason workouts.

Counting On:

The Huskies saw some great things from quarterback Brad Launardt at the tail end of 2015.  He was a first year starter a year ago and will enter his fourth year of eligibility this coming season.  He completed 48.8% of his passes last season, connecting 81 times for 1118 years and five touchdowns.  His passer efficiency rating was 70.8%.  The Huskies are hoping for a breakout year from him in 2016.

One of the players the Huskies will rely on to give Launardt time to throw the ball is offensive lineman Theren Churchill.  He’ll return for his final season of junior football and would like nothing more than to play in a Huskies post season game.