The Mount Forest Patriots are looking to take the next step this year, and challenge the big boys of the Pollock Division of the PJHL.
GM Rob Nixon says that he definitely envisions the team being a top 4 team again, after finishing third with 45 points, sporting a 22-13-1 record. That put them just 10 points off perennial contenders Walkerton in 1st, and 6 back of champions Kincardine in 2nd.
There are some notable losses though. Up front offensive catalyst Doug Costanzo led the team with 62 points and finished 2nd in league scoring. Also departing is the creative Doug Ardis, who had 48 points, which tied him with the also departing Blair Butchart, good for a tie at 7th in the league.
However, despite those losses of the team's top scorers, scoring shouldn't be a worry.
Returning is the talented Riley O'Connell, who joined the team in the midst of the season from Strathroy in Junior B. In just 17 games of action, roughly half the season, O'Connell torched opponents for 40 points. Supplemented by fellow forward Troy Oakley, and the Patriots shouldn't lack any scoring punch.
On the blue line, the entire D corps of last year will return, spearheaded by captain Shawn Lantz, who led all Western Junior C D-men in scoring last year with 35 points in 36 games. After one year under his belt as captain, he should be relied upon heavily again to provide the unit with veteran leadership and a healthy amount of scoring punch. Should Lantz get injured or hit a scoring slump, Kyle Hunter can provide some relief, as he provided 17 points from the back end last season.
In goal, what was once a potential question mark becomes a rock-solid certainty. Many assumed star acquisition Matt Oullette would move on, and youngster Kevin Hutchison would assume the full-time job. But GM Rob Nixon says "Hutch" has decided to pursue work opportunities, and that Oullette will bring back his steady, veteran game. After joining the Patriots after the midway point of the season, Oullette made 14 appearances, going 10-2 with a 2.86 GAA and .922 save percentage. It could be argued he was the league's best keeper upon his arrival through the end of the year. Just as he did last year, Oullette will provide a solid presence in the blue paint for the Pats, and perhaps be their biggest strength.
For more inside info on the Patriots upcoming season, listen to our full length interview with GM Rob Nixon:
[audio wav="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ROB-NIXON-PATRIOTS.wav"][/audio]
