With the New Year fast approaching, it’s a
good time to look back at the past three months and look ahead at the next
three months for the Ingersoll Carmeuse Lime Express Juvenile rep team.
With the addition of several first year players and a strong core of returning players, the 2018/19 season looked to be a promising one for the Ingersoll Express Juvenile rep team. The season started off on a strong note with the team winning 5 of its first 6 games. Everything looked to be on track for a great season. Then tragedy struck. This group had to deal with unimaginable tragedy with the death of Tyler Arts in an automobile accident on November 14th. I know all of us are having difficulty dealing with the fact that Tyler is no longer with us and we will not see his tremendous skill and personality displayed on and off the ice. Despite these difficult circumstances, it has been most impressive to see how this group of young men have responded to such adversity and display a maturity beyond their years. The team came together to console and support each other and the Art’s family. This was certainly evident when the entire team paid a visit to the Art’s the Friday night after the accident to support Rick and Dale. Another group of team members also paid Rick a visit to encourage him to return to the bench when he was able knowing what Rick means to the success of the team. Everyone on the team showed dignity, class and compassion through the funeral, celebration of life and Ingersoll Minor Hockey’s tribute to Tyler on November 24th. Ken Zegers and his coaching staff need to be recognized for the leadership they have shown throughout this difficult time.
Although playing with heavy hearts the team returned to the ice on November 24th with an impressive win over Burford after an emotional pre game tribute to Tyler. It was very touching to see the team surround Eric Savoie and Carter Franklin after the final whistle to not only congratulate them for great games but also to console them in their grief knowing they were best of friends with Tyler. The accompanying photo was taken after the Burford game with the TA7 logo and his number 7 jersey hovering above the team. I’m sure Tyler will be with every step of the way you as you pursue league, Silver Stick and OMHA championships this season.
The team has posted a 5 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie since late November including impressive wins in New Hamburg and Beverly despite playing with only 10 skaters in both games. Ingersoll heads into the New Year tied for first place with a 10-3-1 record.
Looking ahead to January, the team will compete in the International Silver Stick tournament in Mooretown from January 3-6. There are also five league games scheduled in January. The OHMA Playdowns will likely start in late January or early February. Ingersoll will be competing against Tavistock and South Kent in the opening round of the Playdowns. League playoffs will also start in February. Stayed tuned for schedule updates for OMHA Playdowns and league playoffs.
Best of luck boys. I know you will be carry yourself with dignity, grace and class the way you have carried yourselves over the last seven weeks and throughout the season which make you all winners no matter how matter how many championships you win.