[ratings]
The Huntsville Jr. C Otters are ready for their season opener against the Orillia Terriers (0-1-0) at 8:00 pm Friday night at the Canada Summit Centre.
The 2015-16 team features a familiar cast of 16 returning players, as well as several new additions from other teams around the league, eager to build on last year’s successful run of 15-5-0 to close out the season.
“I think they’ll be pumped up,” said Otters General Manager Craig Shaw. “This will be the first test with our actual team as we sit right now, and I think they’re pretty excited to get out there and show the fans what they can do.”
Assembled under the watchful eyes of coaches Shawn Crozier and Jimmy Purves (named GMOHL Coaches of the Year last season), it is a group built on skill and veteran experience, with only two first-year players making the cut.
“Our experience core is not small, we don’t have very many rookies or new guys to the league,” said Shaw. “The only skater on our roster that has not played Junior before is Andy Baker, our 16-year-old. Our backup goalie Jamie Gee is also a rookie, but I expect Connor Christanson will get both starts this weekend.”
Otters players listen attentively during a team practice in preparation for their home opener vs. Orillia
Captains Jake McIntyre and Jay Dix will be expected to guide the ship this season according to Shaw, as the two combined for 33 goals, 74 points and 100 penalty minutes for the Otters during their 2014-2015 campaign. McIntyre played the full 40-game season; Dix was only able to suit up for 28, and will be away from the team on Friday before making his debut in Sunday’s contest in Caledon.
The Terriers, despite coming fresh off a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of the Midland Flyers in their own home opener on Wednesday, are not an opponent the Otters are taking lightly.
“I think with Orillia losing last night at home they’re going to be hungry to get a win in the column,” said Shaw. “They’ll be coming out fast and furious to try to not have that happen again. Orillia always play us tough being our closest rival, so I’m sure it will be a great game for the fans.”
For more information on the Otters or to order season tickets, please visit their website here.