The Junior C Otters first home games of 2019 featured a puck-dropping robot, one loss, and a huge win over the first-place Stayner Siskins.
The Otters had a relaxing break over the Christmas holidays and then hit the road for away games to start the new year. After a weekend off, they hosted their first home game of 2019 on Friday, January 18.
“The team practiced hard during that time and focused on structure and specialty units,” said Coach Marc Gagnon.
For the first game of the weekend, Huntsville hosted the Alliston Hornets with a special guest weighing in at 120 lbs. and standing 8-feet tall—‘Guillotine’ the robot, who was added to the Otters starting lineup for the ceremonial puck drop. Hoya Robotics 4152 is an award-winning team at Huntsville High School that builds a robot every year to compete in the FIRST Robotics competition series.
The Otters had a short bench this weekend but still the team skated hard.
“After a slow start to the game, the boys rebounded back with two solid periods. It was a great night for our faceoff guys as they won 75 per cent of their draws. Having that possession of the puck that much longer helped out,” said Gagnon. But after giving everything they had, the team ended up losing 5-2 to Alliston.
The Junior C Otters are trailing behind in the league but have not given up and are playing hard every game to try to climb the ladder before the playoffs in February.
Guillotine the robot drops the puck at the Otters home game against the Alliston Hornets
Sunday’s home game against Stayner, the leading team in the league, was a thrill to watch.
Player Cole Earl #14 said, “Every time we play Stayner, I felt like we get nervous and we’ve lost the game before we’ve even started.” But Sunday’s game was the opposite. With only a 13-player bench, the team outplayed and outlasted the Siskins, stealing Stayner’s pride and the overall win with bragging rights.
Tyler Gervais-Rolfe, who has been leading the Otters, said, “I feel as winning the game was a huge step in the right direction, we as a group know that we can play with any team in this league. But defeating Stayner for the first time with this team with a short bench feels that much more sweet.”
The Otters led the scoring, notching two goals in the first period. Fans predicted that once they regrouped, the Siskins would turn it up and tie up the score but the Otters took possession of the puck almost every time and their defense and goaltending were tremendous.
The score remained 2-0 for the Otters through the second period, but then in the third a fluke Siskins shot made it past the Otters. Huntsville would hold Stayner there and respond with two goals of their own for a 4-1 win.
“Our goaltending was outstanding and everyone bought in to chip away at the win,” said Glen Gagnon #21.
Earl added that goalie #30 Ty Sparling “standing on his head gave us a good burst of energy to keep going for the rest of the season and into the playoffs.”
Ty Sparling makes another great save
The Otters really had a solid game and everyone was talking about how impressively the players represented their home town.
Junior C Otters president Monty Clouthier said, “This win is big for our organization. I’m so proud of the guys doing this with a short bench. Just goes to show our fans that they will not give up on you and appreciate your support.”
Coach Gagnon was amazed and proud at the dignity and heart the team showed during the game. The Otters avoided the penalty box, and showed sportsmanship and power on the ice which equaled a huge win.
“It was special and an incredible one from everybody and a big win,” said Gagnon. “Everyone played structurally sound and goaltending was spectacular by Tye Sparling. The line of Gilligan, Earl and Campbell was impressive in both games. Our defense played very well, keeping the play on the outside. The leadership of Tyler Rolfe-Gervais was noticeable in both games.”
Earl noted that the team went into the game with a very positive attitude and kept it positive throughout all three periods. Hopefully the Otters keep up that positive attitude, and that it generates a winning streak, in the next couple of weekend games.
Come and cheer on your hometown team at their final regular season home games. This Friday, January 25, the puck drops at 7:30pm. And on Sunday, January 27, the team will host its annual Code Blue fundraiser in support of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. The puck drops at 2:30 p.m. followed by a spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m. in the Active Living Centre.
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