After Friday night's home opener victory over the rival Elmira Sugar Kings, the Listowel Cyclones gathered to put the "Cherrey" on top of their great playoff run last season.
The Cyclones held their Cherrey Cup Championship ring ceremony in the hall above the rink at the old Memorial Arena, the final time one such celebration will take place as the Cyclones prepare to move into their new home in December. Head Coach Jason Brooks says while it's special to put the rings on and celebrate, it puts to bed last year and allows the players to solely focus on what's ahead.
"It's a culmination of last year, a great year, and it puts that season to rest. For our players, that might be the best thing. The closure, getting the rings, seeing the banner, it's all done now, it's 2017-18, with new goals new sights, and they have something to strive for again."
Last year's Cherrey Cup win was just the second in Cyclones history, as Listowel only lost 2 games en route to the championship. They swept the first two rounds against Brantford and Waterloo, and lost the first two games against Elmira in the final, where they stormed back to win 4 straight, ending with a 3-0 road victory in game 6 to seal the title. Brooks says he knows this team, with a large returning cast, is capable of more.
"We know what we did last year, and I think that experience gives us something to build on, and we have the mindset of 'why not again?' but we know there's work to be done and we have to earn our right to be there."
The Cyclones players await their names to be called to receive their Cherrey Cup championship rings. September 15th, 2017. (Photo by Ryan Drury)
Listowel co-captain Blake Nichol wears his 2017 Cherrey Cup championship ring for the first time. September 15th. 2017. (Photo by Ryan Drury)
The 2017 Listowel Cyclones Cherrey Cup ring, up close and personal, in all it's glory. September 15th, 2017. (Photo by Ryan Drury)
Longtime Cyclones volunteer Jim Scott showing off his 2017 Cherrey Cup ring. Jim has been with the Cyclones organization 50 years. September 15th, 2017. (Photo by Ryan Drury)