The latest edition of "Ice News" is now available with information on arena records, team news, scheduling news, and tryout scheduling...
Arena Records
As of Jan 30/08, respective arena records are:
W L T
Goderich MRC 28 12 11
Brussels 9 10 2
Hensall 7 2 1
Palmerston 0 1 0
St. Mary’s 5 5 0
Stratford RBC 4 5 4
Wingham 7 4 2
Zurich 4 2 1
64 41 21
Seems that our highly skilled teams perform well on the big ice surface of Goderich MRC and the North Huron Recreation Complex. Friday nights in Hensall have also been good for our teams.
Team News
Minor Atom – This hard working group is now starting to find their stride, going 4 wins and 4 losses in the new year. Known for their tenacity and team work, they are now competing with the league's best teams. Watch out for this team in the playoffs - they are capable of pulling off an upset against a higher ranked opponent.
Major Atom –
The Atoms have been near the top of the East division all year. With two games left in the season, they hope to finish 2nd and play Brantford in the first round. The success of this team is the result of attention to detail. They are sound fundamentally and play a true team game. They have a realistic shot at advancing to at least the semi-finals after a disappointing playoff last year.
Minor PeeWee – Recently passed by Brantford for 1st place in East division. This well coached team relies on hard work, discipline and team play. After being a .500 hockey club last season, the 1996 Lakers are easily the most improved Lakers team this season. Ranked 15th in Ontario, no one wants to face this team in the Alliance Playdowns. A finals appearance is definitely in the cards.
Major PeeWee – Team has been decimated by injuries all year having lost key players for long stretches. Still, this hard working group can play with any team in the Alliance when they are on. Just started first playoff round with East rival, Waterloo. This 1995 team has a history of surprising in the playoffs – their Alliance counterparts better not take them lightly.
Minor Bantam – Coaching staff has this team peaking at the right time, having recently won the Rogers Fury tournament and beating 1st place West division rival London, 3-1. Ranked 12th in Ontario and 1st in the East, this team seems headed for a second straight trip to the league finals. All the pieces are in place to take home the Alliance Championship.
Major Bantam – Having recently finished off Hamilton in the first playoff round, they face a tough test in the second round with Kitchener. As All Ontario Championships host team this year, the pressure has been on all year for this highly skilled, hard working bunch. Strong team work should allow this group to put up a good showing for the remainder of the playoff season.
Minor Midget – Having a tougher than expected first found with East rivals Kitchener. Ranked 18th in Ontario and 3rd among Alliance teams, this team is known for playing well in “big games”. Next up in the playoffs is Hamilton, a much improved team from last year. When this team plays a tough, team game, they are hard to handle. A finals appearance is probable for this group.
Major Midget – Injury bug hit this team late in the season and resulted in a late season slide to drop from 3rd to 5th. Still, they play every team hard and are in every game, as evidenced by nine 1 or 2 goal games and eight ties. Tough first round matchup with Hamilton starts this weekend, however, they tied Hamilton once and had two one goal games during the season. Do not be surprised if this team knocks off the 2nd place Reps.
Scheduling News
With playoff season here, schedules can change frequently with very short notice. This is usually caused by a series going five or six games. Generally, the Alliance sets a narrow time frame to complete each series. This will result in a greater number of mid week games. Also, practices might get suddenly changed or canceled all together. Check both your email IN box and the Lakers’ website for schedule changes.
Tryout Schedule
The draft tryout schedule is now complete. Once approved by the executive, it will be posted on the website. Tryout venues in 2008 are in Goderich, Stratford and Wingham.