The Huntsville Jr. C Otters continue to show improvement since undergoing an early-season staffing change, narrowing the score differential in many of their games.
The team began the month on home ice.
On Friday, November 5, they hosted the Orillia Terriers, starting off slow but coming to life in the third period. Goaltender, Ian Crane #30, played well for the team and Brody Belanger #22 netted a nice goal for the Otters. It wasn’t enough for a win, however, with the Terriers besting the home team 7-3. “We need to bring out a game for a full 60 minutes while being a disciplined structured team,” said general manager and coach Marc Gagnon.
On Sunday, Nov. 7, Huntsville met the Midland Flyers at the Canada Summit Centre.
“This was a big game for us as this was a team we were chasing in the standings,” Gagnon said. The Otters came out with lots of energy and were fast and physical. Once again, Brett Michals #1 played well in net. “He brings calmness to the game,” said Gagnon.
Team captain Tye Lindeman #12 knew it was a big game and he delivered. “He was a force at the backend and on the scoresheet,” noted Gagnon. The team’s efforts earned them a 3-2 win.
“We wrapped up the weekend with a win and a loss. Since the change in coaching staff the Otters standings are 2-2-1,” Gagnon said following the game.
A three-game week followed. The team travelled to Schomberg on Thursday, Nov. 11 to challenge the Cougars. The game was fast-paced and Michals faced 52 shots. Nate Markle #15 had the lone goal for the Otters on a penalty shot. “Markle has been playing some good hockey of late. He’s a big piece of our team,” said Gagnon. The Otters were much-improved over their last match against Shcomberg. The final score was 5-1 for the Cougars.
On Friday, Nov. 12, the Otters hosted the Stayner Siskins. After a slow start, the Otters never managed to rebound for a 6-1 loss. Brody Belanger #22 had the lone goal. “Belanger has been a nice addition to the team. He has a great shot,” said Gagnon.
That Sunday, Nov. 13, Huntsville travelled to Caledon to take on the Golden Hawks. The team came out with lots of energy and poise. The Otters took control of the second period and the final score was a close one: 4-3 for Caledon.
Otter goals were netted by Blake Punchard #13, Kyle Caryn #10, and Adam Dupuis #4. “Punchard is so strong along the boards. He pushes his way through the other team. Dupuis is using his speed more and more and getting lots of chances and Caryn is just a hard-working player. He’s a tough kid who plays through anything,” said Gagnon.
On Nov. 19 in Alliston, the Otters struggled to get into the game to play like they normally can. Huntsville went down 3-0 very quickly and didn’t recover. Adam Dupuis #4 had skated with his great effort which resulted in a goal for the Otters but the score board showed a hard 10-1 loss for the team.
“We had a great week of practices but couldn’t get it going,” said Gagnon. “We’ll forget that one and prepare for Penetang [on Nov. 26] at home. We made a solid acquisition. We signed Campbell Coutts and are looking at other possibilities as the Junior A cut off is December 1. Campbell is a 21-year-old who brings in lots of experience and is a physical defenseman. He possesses a great shot.”
On Friday, Nov. 26, the Otters hosted Penetang with a ‘hockey with heart’ game in support of The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation. Admission was a non-perishable food item.
The team had regrouped and found some momentum, improving on their previous meet-up with the Kings in a 3-1 loss but a win for the local food bank.
The Otters will face Schomberg on home ice on Dec. 3 before travelling to Orillia to meet the Terriers on Dec. 4.
See full league standings here.
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It is fun to see names that are a blast from our past. FYI, Blake Punchard (likely grandson of Sheila Punchard) is now being photographed and written about by my daughter, Cheyenne Wood. Funny how the connections from our childhood, when our names were Hamilton and Sclater, continue on into new generations.