Week 3 of the OLA Junior “A” season showed us just how much parity there is this season. The Burlington Chiefs who started the season 1-2, which included a loss to now last place K-W beat both the Six Nations Arrows and Orangeville Northmen, arguably the top two teams in the loop this season. Also impressing early on is Orangeville who put a narrow loss to Burlington behind them quickly, rebounding for a massive 20-4 win over the K-W Braves. The Brampton Excelsiors went 2-0 to open their season proving they where ready to contend in 2015, however an overtime loss to Peterborough on Monday night, shows the rest of the loop know team is untouchable this season. The Beaches who started the season off fairly impressive had a rough week as the dropped back to back home games to Whitby and Barrie, which will undoubtedly drop them down the power rankings. Meanwhile the K-W Braves after opening the season with an impressive win over Burlington have dropped four straight and a once promising season is quickly slipping away on them with a 1-4 start.
(1) Burlington Chiefs (3-2)
Last Week: 11-10 W over Orangeville, 7-6 W over Six Nations
While this may be a little to much credit for the Burlington Chiefs, back to back wins over Orangeville and Six Nations (on the road) will give you the benefit of the doubt. Burlington rebound from a rough start that saw them go 1-2 start the season, with their lone victory coming over the lowly Mimico Mountaineers. This past week saw the Chiefs defense bare down against two high octane offenses to narrow them to 16 goals combined or an 8 goal per game average. Fifth year goaltender Dough Buchan is a large reason for the Chiefs success as he’s been excellent between the pipes for the Chiefs, currently sporting a 3-2 record with a 9.01 goals against average. Offensively the Chiefs are getting contributions from everyone, however Andrew Kew has been leading the way through five games this season. In five appearances Kew has racked up 14 goals & 12 assists for 26 points. The Oakville Buzz graduate recorded 75 points last season with the Buzz, and is showing early on his offense can be translated to the Junior A level. Gianni Bianchin also had a strong offensive weak for the Chiefs with 3 goals & 4 assists in 2 games, while Ryan Marchand, Nolan Apers, Spencer Edler and Tyler O’Brien also all had strong offensive outings this past week. While this may be simply a hot streak from the Chiefs the quality wins over Orangeville and Six Nations put them in an excellent position moving forward. However with winning big games, comes the exposure, other teams will now be preparing much differently for the Chiefs. Up this week is a home match up with the Whitby Warriors on Wednesday night and a road game against Mimico on Saturday.
(2) Orangeville Northmen (4-1-1)
Last Week: 11-10 L to Burlington, 20-4 W over K-W
After starting the season out 2-0-1, the Orangeville Northmen walked into the Central Arena in Burlington, Ontario, and left with a loss on their record, as the Chiefs upset the Northmen on the strength of 41 saves from Doug Buchan. Despite the loss the Northmen did play well, and where able to respond in their next game when they absolutely demolished the K-W Braves by a score of 20-4. Orangeville has been getting excellent goaltending from Junior A rookie Nolan Clayton, who is currently sporting a 3-1-1 record, with an outstanding 6.34 goals against average. The Northmen defense has also come together very well this year as their 33 goals against in 5 games is the lowest goals against per game across the league. While it’s great to see the Northmen have found a goaltender to take over for Michael Fournier, and the defense has come together as expected, its somewhat shocking to see how well this Northmen offense is clicking with so many new faces. Ian Mackay leads the team with 27 points in 5 games, Mackay had a strong offensive week this past week, racking up 7 goals & 4 assists in 2 games. Owen MacDonald also had a strong week offensively for the Northmen as the rookie out of Elora racked up 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in 2 games. Brandon Slade had a breakout game against the Braves with 6 assists, while Lucas Ducharme picked up a hat trick. If the Northmen offense is able to continually produce at this pace, you can expect the Northmen to be a top 3 team all season. Up this week is a home an home set with the St. Catharines Athletics
(3) Six Nations Arrows (2-1)
Last Week: 13-5 W over K-W, 7-6 L to Burlington
The defending champs opened their season with a victory over the Peterborough Lakers, they would follow that win up with a 13-5 win over the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves. However the Arrows return to their home floor would not be a special won, as the Burlington Chiefs walked into the ILA and came out as a 7-6 winner, handing the Arrows their first loss of the season. While the Arrows loss to the Chiefs could be categorized by many as a fluke, it’s still not something someone would have expected from the Arrows early on this season. However as I mentioned it is early and the Arrows should be fine moving forward as key pieces have been excellent for the Arrows early on. Doug Jamieson has gone 2-1, with a 6.33 goal against average, while a young and unproven defense has stepped up to allow just 19 goals through three games to lead the Junior A loop in that department. The Arrows have benefited offensively from the emergence of Dallas John, who’s 9 points in 3 games have placed him in a tie for third on the team in scoring. John was a potent point producer with the Six Nations Rebels the past few seasons, and did not look out of place with the Ohsweken Demons during the CLAX season. Josh Johnson, who had a cup of coffee with the New England Black Wolves this season is currently leading the Arrows in scoring as expected, tallying 7 goals & 5 assists in 3 games. Super sophomore Austin Staats isn’t far behind as the youngster has racked up 2 goals & 9 assists through 3 appearances. Joe Maracle who I expect to breakout this season after spending time with the Minnesota Swarm this season has also been contributing at a solid pace with 6 goals and 3 assists. Once Brendan Bomberry and Jordan Durston get going the Arrows offense will be tough to handle, and with their ability to put up double digits in offense on the regular, and Doug Jamieson tending goal, the Arrows will be very very tough to beat moving forward. Up this week are games against Barrie and a home and home series with the Toronto Beaches.
(4) Brampton Excelsiors (2-1)
Last Week: 8-5 W over Barrie, 9-4 W over St. Catharines, 17-15 L to Peterborough
The Brampton Excelsiors where the last OLA Junior “A” team to open their season, however when they did they jumped out to a 2-0 record after defeating the Barrie Lakeshores 8-5 and the St. Catharines Athletics 9-4. However on Monday night the Excelsiors fell 17-15 on the road to the Peterborough Lakers, who themselves have endured a back an forth start to the season. The Excelsiors are unquestionably in the top tier grouping with Six Nations, Orangeville and Whitby, however after back to back solid defensive performances, the 17 goals allowed against Peterborough, whom only managed to muster 6 goals against the lowly Mimico Mountaineers is worrisome. There’s no question that the Excelsiors boast one of the most talented, young offensive units in the league, however they graduated a number of key defenders and transition players, and there deletion from the line up was very evident in the loss to the Lakers. The Excelsiors in the short term should have enough offense and pure skill to beat the lower tier teams and even the middle of the pack teams, however come playoff time in 2015 the Excelsiors will need to tighten that defense core if they want to compete for the Minto. Offensively the Excelsiors are led by Zach Herreweyers who has 16 points in just 3 games, 12 of which came in the loss to the Lakers as Herreweyers was unstoppable offensively with 4 goals and 8 assists in the game. Sophomore Jeff Teat continues to impress, as his 8 points against Peterborough added to his already impressive total to give him 15 on the season. Philip Caputo, Clarke Petterson and Tyson Gibson continue to prove last season was no fluke as they keep racking up the points at a potent pace. Jake Bomberry who was a potent offensive force for the Six Nations Rebels has also quietly been effective with 5 points in 3 games. In goal Quintan Martin has been good, going 2-1 with a 8.23 goals against average, however he’ll need to be better while the Excelsiors defense rounds out. Up this week is a home match up with the Peterborough Lakers before a road game with the Barrie Lakeshores.
(5) Whitby Warriors (3-1-1)
Last Week: 13-8 W over Barrie, 12-8 W over Toronto
The Whitby Warriors kicked off their 2015 season with a 1-1-1 record, tying Orangeville, before beating St. Catharines and shockingly losing to the Mimico Mountaineers. This week the Warriors got back to the win column, and started a new win streak, defeating the Barrie Lakeshores and Toronto Beaches. While one would suggest victories over Barrie and Toronto would be expected, it was important for the Warriors to bounce back this week and prove to the rest of the league the loss to Mimico was a fluke and it would not happen again. The knock on the Warriors the past two seasons has been can their goaltending due its part as the offense and defense does, to date that question has been answered with an overwhelming yes, as the Warriors have allowed 8 or less goals in 4 of their 5 games, with the one occasion they allowed more then 8 being the overtime tie against Orangeville where the allowed 9 goals against. Now as much as its the goaltending stepping up, its the physical, athletic in your face defense doing its part. The Warriors are tenacious on loose balls, force the play in transition and give you little room to breath on the attack. Offensively the Warriors are no slouch as they challenge the Arrows and Excesiors as the deepest and most talented offense. Currently leading that offense is fifth year righty Austin Shanks who has recorded 30 points in just 5 games to lead the league over teammates Connor Kearnan and Ryan Keenan who sit tied for second in the league with 29 points apiece. With the Warriors possessing the top 3 scorers in the league, an elite defense unit and sound goaltending its only a matter of time until the Warriors pull to the front of the field. Up this week is a home match up with the struggling K-W Braves, before taking to the road for games against Burlington and Peterborough.
(6) Peterborough Lakers (4-3)
Last Week: 12-6 L to St. Catharines, 6-2 W over Mimico, 17-15 W over Brampton
The Peterborough Lakers have played the most games in the OLA Junior “A” loop and thanks in large part to that sit in first place with a 4-3 record. However the Lakers still have been battling with consistency and finding an identity. The Lakers dropped games to St. Catharines and Six Nations in week one, while picking up wins over Burlington and K-W. This Week the Lakers lost to St. Catharines yet again, narrowly beat Mimico and then poured the offense on in their defeat of the Excelsiors. This Jekyll and Hyde act the Lakers are playing isn’t once they should become accustomed to as dropping game to inferior opponents such as the St. Catharines, Barrie’s, Toronto’s and Mimico’s will hurt them down the stretch. With that being said the Lakers have been impressive in wins over Brampton and Burlington, and even in the loss to Six Nations. Goaltending seems like it will be an issue moving forward as Brett Lafonte has played similar to the team in front of him, very Jekyll and Hyde. Going 4-3 with a 9.08 goals against average is a reasonable start for Lafonte, statistically speaking, if he can go on a run and find consistency the Lakers will become that much tougher. Offensively the Lakers continue to get strong contributions from Cam Milligan who racked up 5 goals & 5 assists for 10 points through 3 games this week and leads the Lakers on the season with 28 points in 7 games. Zach Bryant who has moved up to the Junior A level this season has also been a consistent offensive threat racking up 20 points in 7 games, while Jake Fox, Dan Michel and Kyler Killen have provided depth scoring for the Lakers. With Holden Cattoni expected to return soon this Lakers club could become very very tough in the coming weeks.
(7) St. Catharines Athletics (2-2)
Last Week: 12-6 W over Peterborough, 9-4 L to Brampton
There’s no question about it the St. Catharines Athletics are a formidable foe for many teams across the OLA Junior “A” loop this season, as they played the very talented Brampton Excelsiors to a 9-4 loss this past week, following an impressive 12-6 win over the Peterborough Lakers. While the Athletics have been eye opening early on, they still rank just below the “cream of the crop” as they just don’t have the depth of the top clubs. Jake Frost has been great in the Athletic goal early on, after there was some question marks surrounding the goaltending position going into this season. With a 2-2 record and a 7.50 goals against average, Frost has some of the better numbers across the league. Offensively the Athletics are being led by Eric Fannell who looks poised to make a run at the scoring title despite little offensive depth behind him. In 2 games this past week Fannell racked up 6 goals and 4 assists for 10 points, meaning he was in on 10 of his teams 16 goals. Jeff Witting, Kyler Kilgour and Joe French have been providing some depth scoring, however if the Athletics are to upset some top teams in the future the likes of Cody Ward and Nicholas Beaudoin will also need to step up offensively. The Athletics have also been deceptively good defensively, having only allowed a team to rack up double digits in offense against them on one occasion. Up this week for the Athletics is a home an home series with the Orangeville Northmen on Wednesday and Friday.
(8) Toronto Beaches (2-2)
Last Week: 12-8 L to Whitby, 7-5 L to Barrie
After opening their season with so much promise, going 2-0, the Beaches slipped back to reality this past weekend with two straight losses. The Beaches kicked off their week with a 12-8 loss to the Whitby Warriors in a tough battle none the less. To be fair the Beaches weren’t given much chance against the highly skilled Warriors, however Sunday’s loss to the Barrie Lakeshores is concerning. The Beaches are the better team on paper this season, yet let the Lakeshores walk into their barn and defeat them. Games against Barrie, Mimico, K-W and St. Catharines are of the utmost importance to the Beaches as those are the teams they will be challenging for a playoff spot, losses to those teams will create issues for the Beaches down the road. On the positive side the Beaches are still a .500 team heading into Week 3 of the season and that should be applauded. John St. John continues his breakout season, as the youngster racked up 6 goals & 2 assists for 8 points in the Beaches back to back losses. St. John now has `7 points in 4 games this season for the Beaches, to lead the team. Justin Huggins and Aaron Forster have also been impressive for the Beaches offensively while Garrett Lewis and Junior B affiliate players Bryce Keats and Corey Burr also have been regular contributors when they find themselves in the Beaches lineup. Michael Lalani has been admirable in goal so far for the Beaches, and he’ll need to continue that play if the Beaches hope to finally return to the playoff picture in 2015.
(9) Barrie Lakeshores (1-3)
Last Week: 13-8 L to Whitby, 8-5 L to Brampton, 7-5 W over Toronto
The Lakeshores haven’t had the easiest start to the 2015 season. Missing some key players early on, Barrie has had to take on three of the league most elite clubs in the the Orangeville Northmen, Whitby Warriors and Brampton Excelsiors, so it was no real surprise when they kicked up the 2015 season 0-3. Barrie was able to get into the win column this past week with a key victory over the much improved Toronto Beaches 7-5. Austin Murphy would lead the Lakeshores in the win over Toronto with 2 goals and 1 assist. Murphy was also strong against the Whitby Warriors and Brampton Excelsiors as he racked up a goal and 4 assists against Whitby and a goal and an assist against Brampton. His 9 points in 3 games place him behind Spencer Pyke for the team scoring lead. Pyke himself has had a great start to the season, as he has tallied 6 goals & 5 assists for 11 points. Barrie should take pride in the fact they limited high octane offenses over the past week, as Brampton just recently put up 15 on the Peterborough Lakers, while Barrie held them to just 8. Barrie has Six Nations, K-W and Brampton on their schedule this week, their play against K-W will have large implications on their rankings next week as currently no one is giving Barrie a shot against Brampton or the Arrows.
(10) K-W Braves (1-4)
Last Week: 13-5 L to Six Nations, 20-4 L to Orangeville
The 2015 season was supposed to be a promising one for the Braves, with such a deep and talented roster this season, many believed this club would contend with the top teams in the loop this season. While that may still be the end result, the Braved where only able to muster nine goals in offense in two difficult losses this past week to Six Nations and Orangeville. The Braves opened the week with a 13-5 loss to Six Nations, followed by a 20-4 absolute beat down at the hands of the Orangeville Northmen. Right now the offense is struggle, the defense has its holes and Kevin Orleman is getting left with no help between the pipes for the Braves. The talent is there, the depth is there, the goaltending is there. The Braves simply need to gel as a team and find there game. While its only 5 games into the season, this isn’t the OHL it isn’t a 60+ game schedule, the season is already a quarter over for K-W, they need to find wins an find them quickly. Shawn Lantz had been a pleasant surprise offensively for the Braves, as his 11 points in 5 games places him 3rd in K-W scoring. Drake Smith currently leads the Braves in scoring with 14 points in 5 games, while Davis Prince follows closely behind with 11 points. Expect Jay Milne and Cody Hamley to step up offensively for the Braves as the season wares on, however if the defense and goaltending can’t step up the Braves may actually find themselves outside of the playoff picture. Up this week for K-W is Whitby, Mimico and Barrie.
(11) Mimico Mountaineers (1-4)
Last Week: 6-2 L to Peterborough
Following their narrow 8-7 win over the Whitby Warriors, the Mountaineers dropped a 12-3 decision to the Orangeville Northmen, before falling to the Peterborough Lakers 6-2. The positives, Mimico has picked up a win early on, against a very quality club. They’ve also settled down defensively as they allowed 30 goals in their first 2 games, but have since cut that down to 25 over 3 games. I know its not much of an improvement, but its an improvement to say the least, and holding a potent Lakers offense to 6 goals is an accomplishment itself. Offensively the Mountaineers struggle, they have yet to score double digits and have only racked up 28 goals in 5 games which is second worst in the league. To date rookie Jonathon Donnville leads the team offensively with 3 goals & 8 assists for 11 points in 5 games. Derek Downs and Ryan Callaghan have been right there contributing, and you can expect Callaghan to be the stand out on the Mountaineers offense this season. Riley Hutchcraft deserves full credit for his performance against Peterborough. This young Mimico squad will take its fair share of bumps an bruises through the year, but I can see more upsets in their future, however the playoffs might be a little out of their reach. Up this week is games against K-W and Burlington, two games the Mountaineers could possibly pulls out wins in.
