"We relied too heavily on just a couple lines last season, so we weren't pleased with our depth," said coach Jim Bottomley.

 "This year, I feel like we've got four lines and six defencemen who'll be ready to go. We've got some youth so we won't go through what we did last year, when we inherited a team with a number of 20 year olds."

 Among those young players is Jake Bullen. After being picked up in a draft-day trade with Miramichi, the 5'9" forward scored five points in his first exhibition game with Bridgewater.

 "He's been outstanding. He's got great speed and a nice touch around the net."

 Meanwhile, Mike Snow has emerged as the club's new leader.

 "He's an experienced defenceman who has really stepped it up and taken charge."

 The Lumberjacks also added to their depth with a couple recently released Halifax Mooseheads veterans, hard-shooting blueliner Paul Dimitruk and potential offensive forward Matt Stoddard.

 "We've added some quality major junior players and we'll be looking to add one or two more before the season starts."

 Overall, the team doesn't have the same size as 2009-10. However, it should be quicker and more skilled.

 "But I think our work ethic is going to be the key for our hockey club this year. I've told them to bring their lunch pails, be a blue-collar team and skate all day."

 Mr. Bottomley, who has won 10 league titles, has gone to six nationals and led the Halifax Oland Exports to the 2002 Canadian championship, said this year's squad has the potential to be one of the league's top three teams right now, and be able to challenge for a championship in the near future after going 21-23-6 in 2009-10, then losing to Truro in the division semifinals.

 "There's been a change in attitude with how close this team is so early and how bad they want it. There will be some tinkering through the year, but I don't think we're too far off."

 The club held its training camp in Bridgewater from August 28 to September 5, and most of the players were billeted with local families.

 "The kids had a phenomenal experience. Not one was disappointed. They loved it. The billets have been outstanding ... and I want to let the billets know how much we appreciated that," said Mr. Bottomley.

 "The kids had a great experience and the ones we let go back to midget are really looking forward to coming back. Hopefully, when we get the new rink, everyone will be stationed right here."

 The Lumberjacks begin the 2010-11 season at home on September 10 against Amherst.