By Mia Ines
The No. 9 Windsor Lancer men's hockey team finished the OUA regular season in first place and are feeling good heading into the first round. As the team finished on a high note with a win against the Guelph Gryphons, they will look to recapture some success facing the York Lions to begin the post season.
Head coach
Kevin Hamlin explains, "I am really excited for the players. Our student athletes as well as our entire community have gone through a lot these last two years."
Despite the inconsistency of the season due to COVID-19 restrictions, the blue and gold squad has still managed to come out on top in the OUA far west division with a 12-4-0 overall record and .781 win percentage. Key players such as goaltender
Nathan Torchia finished the season second overall in saving percentage (.933) in the OUA and
Mason Kohn, ranked 5th in assists, will help the team set up for a strong performance and make it a challenge for opponents on the ice.
"We play with pace and controlled energy and that has been the hallmark of this team," states Hamlin.
If anything, the COVID-19 restrictions have guided the Lancers to understanding the impact of their training to maintain their fitness, trust in their program, and coming back with hunger and confidence as the driving force to play to win.
"I think we go into every season with high expectations and winning a national championship," states Hamlin. "This group is capable and if we get the needed bounces along the way, I honestly feel that is realistic! The fact that we finished first overall in our conference is special but this group doesn't want that to be our legacy. We will be ready."
The blue and gold lost four key athletes over the holiday break, but the squad did not let that stop them. "Losing three seniors and a goaltender would devastate some groups but our team was resilient and battled through," explains Hamlin. "Other guys have stepped up in their place."
The Lancers have an opportunity to become OUA Champions and they are ready to get on the ice for an exciting playoff game.
The puck drops at 7:30pm, Wednesday, March 16th at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex against the York Lions in the first round of the OUA playoffs. Tickets are available at goLancers.ca/tickets and at the gate starting at 6:30pm.
