After struggling just a season ago, the Barrie Blizzard emerged in 2015 as a team that was tough to beat. After going on a seven game tear, the Blizzard took home the Creator’s Cup behind their MVP Caleb Wiles.
“I am over joyed to have had the chance to play in and win a Creators Cup” said Wiles. “Not only is this a great achievement for the Blizzard but also for the city of Barrie who has been looking for a Championship team for a while now.”
The Blizzard took down the Demons in the title game; it was the Demons second straight appearance in the game but it was Barrie’s first time having a shot at the championship.
Wiles was coming off of a 2014 season where he was named the league’s offensive player of the year. This season he was able to use those skills to led the Blizzard.
“I know that my game has come a long way in the past year or two and it has really helped me to be able to perform at a top level.” Wiles says. “Playing for Vancouver Stealth really helped mature me and developed me into a player who more well rounded and able to not only put the ball in the net but help to make players around me better as well. In the finals I most certainly tried to bring my game to a new level as that opportunity does not come up to often. My shooting was on and not only that I was dishing the ball as well which made there defence have to respect other players on the floor which opened the floor up for all of us to work together and put the ball in the net. I would like to thank my teammates and coaches as they were a big reason for my game MVP!”
Barrie’s roster carried a lot of talent heading into the championship contest. Goaltender Angus Dinley took home two season awards (goalie of the year and league MVP) and Mike Teeter grabbed the league’s top offensive player award.
“This team is made up of a bunch of great guys that I was very fortunate to play with” says Wiles. “They made it easy for me to come in and be one of the guys. I am very greatful to the staff of the Blizzard and all the guys on the team as it truly was a terrific end to the season. When I came into the team it seemed like we clicked right away our offence right back to our defecne and goaltending were bang on. We basically just peaked at the right time of the season and rode that confidence right into the Creators Cup”
After two solid CLax seasons and a brief stint on an NLL roster, Wiles has lofty goals ahead following his first championship.
“I will be playing summer ball. Not entirely sure on where I will be playing yet but nonetheless I will be playing. Other than that I would like the thank the Stealth for the opportunity they gave me this year but I am certainly still very hungry to crack an every day NLL lineup and will not give up until that dream is met.”
