The defending ‘AA’ SOSSA champions are looking to repeat with some new faces on the roster.
Captain Danny Gearing has been impressed by the Cyclones quick start, but says there is much work to be done before thinking about returning to the finals.
“We’ve got a lot of pressure on us this year,” Gearing said after a 6-3 defeat against St. Michaels. “We only have four seniors returning, so it’s different. That doesn’t mean we’re not hungry to repeat.”
Crossley, who currently sit 3-2 in high school play this year, have always iced a competitive team. Last year they shocked many by coming out and knocking off some major hockey schools during their run.
Gearing says the target is directly pointed at them this year and can’t afford to let off the gas despite the abundance of youth on the team.
“We’re implementing the same system as last year. It worked well for us then, so we believe it will continue into this season.”
Assistant coach Gord Liddycoat says the major adjustment for the young players getting use to the shorter high school schedule.
With many playing travel hockey, Liddycoat says gaining chemistry to make a run is the key competent in repeating last years success.
Dylan Biggar, one of those newcomers soaking up the experience from the veterans, says the season has been a great learning curve.
“It’s been really fun playing with this team. Hearing the stories from last year really gives us motivation to send the seniors off with a repeat.”
With wins over Jean-Vanier, Westlane and Ridgeway/Crystal Beach, the teams chemistry slowly improves.
Biggar, however, says they are taking it day-by-day.
“Nothing is given. We want to keep our cool when we are down in games. Stay out of penalty trouble so we can finish games stronger then we have so far, and we should be fine heading into February.”
Liddycoat agreed, adding patience with a young team can go a long way in such a short season.
“They have the potential. They just have to go out there and execute it.”
The E.L. Crossley boys hockey team will take on Ridgeway/Crystal Beach on Jan. 15. The game is at the Pelham Arena with puck drop at 3 p.m.
They wrap up season play on Feb.5 against St. Michael’s before zone playoffs begin.
