Dinos Fans,

The Dinos have just finished their second week of full practice, and we are working hard to bring the pieces together to prepare for pre-season play in mid-October. The team has two scrimmages planned over the next two weeks …

Tuesday, Sept. 27 … Medicine Hat College …Jack Simpson Gym

Following week … Mt. Royal College at UC

Oct. 14-16 Dinos travel to Nova Scotia … at Cape Breton, Acadia, and St. Mary’s

Oct. 21-22 Dinos at Brock and McMaster in Ontario

The Canada West Opener is Oct. 28 and 29 in Calgary against UBC

On Sept. 28 the team will be donning construction gear as they pitch in for ‘Habitat For Humanity’ in helping to build a townhouse in SE Calgary. The team will also soon begin visits to patients at Calgary’s Children’s Hospital.

Another new program initiative is the Dinos Mentorship Group , and we are fortunate to have 16 capable and enthusiastic alumni and supporters who will be working with our players throughout the Fall and Winter.

On the court, the team welcomes 9 new faces, and the newcomers are giving our returnees a good battle for floor time. In the post, Ross Bekkering, 6′8″ from Taber, is very athletic and a force on the glass. Robbie Sihota is gaining confidence every day, and shows some great skills at both ends of the floor. Greg Jobagy has been a pleasant surprise , as he plays with determination and savvy against bigger players.

On the perimeter, we are very pleased with the skills and attitude brought to the team by CIS transfers Cody Darrah ( Alberta ) and Brian Finniss ( Acadia ); they will both be key contributors this season. Jeremy Odland, a tireless worker at the wing comes to the Dinos from
Mt. Royal College, and he is ‘D-ing it up strongly every shift. Adam Ford, who was the Dino Football rookie of the year last season, has shown a rugged and hard-working game, and is making strides to latch on to a playing spot. Tony Dhaliwal, a red-shirt point guard from
Abbotsford, B.C., has displayed a natural talent in running the floor and distributing the ball; we expect big things from him in years to come. Josh Minhas, our other red-shirt guard, has been troubled with a bad back, but he is eager to return to action soon.

Co-captains Chris Wright and Whit Hornsberger lead a solid group of returnees. ‘CW’ is having a great camp thus far, and he is primed to have a big year. Whit returns after an injury -plagued 2004-05, when he was forced to the sidelines and had to petition to get his 5th year
back this season; he is determined to show the scoring touch and passing skills of an all-star candidate.

Sonny Khangura, who red-shirted last season is a 4th year who played B.C. College league ball on the coast for three years; his post presence will be a big benefit to the Dinos inside game. Both Lindsay Thouret (3rd ) and Dalbir Dosanjh (2nd) have been shooting the ball extremely well from the wing, and Dalbir is also showing skill in the post. Josh Feist (4th), with a year of Canada West play under his belt displays more confidence and control at the point, and his speed and slick passing will give us a great offensive weapon.

Unfortunately, Brendan Groat, our outstanding 3rd year post player, is struggling with knee pain, and has been unable to practice consistently. We are hoping a patient therapy regimen will allow Brendan to return to the line-up and regain the form and potential that he has shown in the past two seasons.

By Wayne Thomas