Playoffs on the Horizon, News, Novice Rep, 2015-2016, U9 (Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association )

This Team is part of the 2015-2016 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Jan 07, 2016 | Ryan Allaer | 2001 views
Playoffs on the Horizon
It's time for a Gut Check as the Wallaceburg Novice Rep team will be soon heading into OMHA Playdowns. With a Regular Season game on Saturday against Dresden the Lakers will be thrown into the lions den next week as they face off against some of the Shamrock Leagues' best.

Heading into this weekend with a 7-12-0 record in league play, and 5-5-0 in their last 10 league games the Novice Rep Lakers will need to pull things together for a chance to go deep in the playoffs.  There have been plenty of signs that the Lakers have what it takes, the question remains, will they bring it when it counts.

It hasn't been all doom and gloom for the Rep squad, over the last couple months there have been spectacular moments, and big improvments made by the whole team.  Brock "The Rock" Lane has continued to stand tall when it counted the most, his play has improved to a level that has earned him a reputation as a force to be reckoned with and feared as a clutch goaltender.  Justin "Snipens" Schepens keeps pushing hard and has potted goals at key moments, he's developed into a power forward with his full potential ready to emerge. What Hunter Jacobs lacks in size, he more than makes up for in Heart. Hunter can almost always be spotted as the hardest working player on the ice and rarely loses a battle along the boards. Not only has Connor Bechard finally found the back of the net, but he's also found his calling as an extremly effective defensman with a knack for driving hard to the goal.  Arionna Hopkins brings her "A" game everyday, her hard work, and game sense is only surpassed by her blistering speed.  Logan Cornish got the monkey off his back and found his scoring touch, his ability to drive hard into the offensive zone creates scoring chances few defencemen are ready for.  Speaking of defencemen, Blake Lethbridge rarely takes kindly to any foul play when another player is in front of his net, Blake has developed into a physical blueliner packing who never gives up on the puck.  At the other end of the ice Cole Allaer continues his dominance infront of the net, getting to the dirty areas and banging in the odd goal.  Kiigs Shognosh's size and talent has made him into a player who can be trusted on forward or on D.  His talent knows no bounds and when applied can frusturate even the best of the opposition. When the going gets tough, Kai Blanchard gets going, going hard and fast that is. His fiesty, crafty, and Komikaze attitude earns Kai the puck when the Lakers need it most.  Amaya Jacobs displays her hockey sense and smarts every game, coupled with her raw talent it's exactly what the Novice Reps need. Nate Bastow has swooped into the line up to contribute when needed and has displayed his ability to fit right in where ever he is needed. Nash Jacobs' skill and puck control have established him as an offensive leader on the team, when he harnesses his ability he has shown he can be one of the best on the ice.  Finally Adam Trella continues to display his dominance at both ends of the ice, he can drive hard to the net, and be the first one back defending.
 
There have been no shortage of encourging moments from each member of Novice Reps. The question is, can they bring everything they've learned together as a team, and apply their skills, and desire, for a full three periods.  The playoffs will be the perfect opportunity for everyone to step up, and I for one believe it can happen.