Dec 08, 2016 | Centenaires | 1338 views
Centenaires set their sights on playoffs
The 2016-17 WOAA SR. AA Men's hockey league is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons to date. Any of the top teams are capable of not only winning games, but winning championships - It is almost impossible to predict who will win it all.
The Huron East Centenaires are one of those team that, with a confident run, could work towards a championship. The team has come has a long way in three years from a humbling season one. "Without question this is a fun time to be with the Centenaires and in this league." said team General Manager Tim McNaughton. McNaughton was part of the original fold that moved from Goderich to home base Seaforth three years ago. "What has made a difference is we have never gotten too down on ourselves or too high. We have kept looking for players and people who love hockey and want to be competitive." said McNaughton. "This league has really great hockey to watch with a lot of elite players and it is a great feeling to say we are one of those top teams."
The team sits just inside the top 10, but only 3 points back of fourth place Clinton Radars. It is a league full of parity and each game forward will be a must win for everyone to be in a good position in the playoffs. "It sounds cliche for sure to say "must win", but no team can afford to give up points at this point." said team coach Mark Wilson. "Teams like Saugeen Shores, Minto, Petrolia and last year's champs Clinton are earning some of those close wins. We need to find a way to steal some of those and then we will find ourselves in there. We are a solid team all around with great goaltending. Without question we can play with anyone in the league." Last weekend didn't go as hoped with two tough loses on the road but the team showed the character that is key to success in the playoff stretch. Coach Wilson continued.
"This weekend Milverton is in town and that is a team close to us points wise. We need to show up ready to play and earn a win. The next weekend after is the Radars and same thing - we need to really come to the rink ready to work and steal some wins." The push and grind resumes this weekend against the Milverton Drives here in Seaforth, Saturday night. Warm up is at 7:00pm and game begins at 730pm. The support of the community is appreciated.