WESTVILLE ROAD
The opponent isn’t important.
What is important for the Junior A Crushers is to start winning some hockey games.
“Whoever comes in, that’s who we play,” said Crushers forward Evan MacLennan said this week.
No matter which team they’re up against, added the dependable forward, “we just have to keep things simple and do the little things right.”
On Friday, it’s the Miramachi Timberwolves coming to the Pictou County Wellness Centre (7 p.m.) and according to MacLennan, the Crushers need to play good defence, be smart and “bury our chances.”
The Timberwolves have lost five out of their past six games, not much better than the Crushers have been lately (losers in six out of seven, Pictou County’s lone win in that stretch of games was a 2-1 triumph in Miramichi).
“It sucks,” MacLennan said of the Crushers’ recent dry spell.
“But we’re all committed to putting in the time and effort, trying to right the ship.”
Heading into Friday night, Pictou County are five points back of the final playoff spot in the Maritime Hockey League’s South Division and even at this stage of the season – barely one-third in – the Crushers can’t afford to keep losing ground.
“We have to play desperate in order to stay in the hunt. It’ll be almost like playoff hockey the next month,” said coach Doug Doull.
“We’ve dug ourselves a hole, but the only way you get out of these things is to stay together, and it makes you stronger when you come out of it. It’s a good opportunity for guys to grow, especially the young guys.”
Notes:
• Defenceman Jordan Ribbink was sent home this week, while the Crushers seek a trade partner. The Crushers, awaiting the return of No.1 defenceman Marc Gagnon, are now down to five healthy defenceman (Quinten Johnson is still dealing with a lower-body injury). “We’ll (use an affiliate player) if we have to,” Doull said.
• 18-year-old rookie goaltender Greg Normore will get the start against Miramichi.
• Forward Nick Jessome officially became a Crusher this week. The 20-year-old was a 16-goal scorer last season with the Dieppe Commandos (now the Edmundston Blizzard).
• Michael Dill, Jacob Hickey and Dylan Riley, all of whom played with Team MHL this week at the Eastern Canada Cup Challenge, will suit up on Friday.
•The Crushers are in Summerside on Saturday (7 p.m.) to play the Western Capitals.
BY THE NUMBERS
Pictou County Crushers
Record: 7-10-1 (5th, South Division)
Top Scorers: Jacob Hickey (8G, 10A), Michael Dill (6G, 10A), Dylan Riley (6G, 9A).
Stats Say: The Crushers haven’t won at the Pictou County Wellness Centre since Sept. 28 – a span of 50 days.
Miramichi Timberwolves
Record: 6-7-3, (5th, Northern Division)
Top Scorers: Riley Scott (7G, 8A), Mitchell Kreis (4G, 10A), Dillon Boucher (6G, 5A).
Stats Say: The T-Wolves have the MHL’s best penalty killing percentage (90.1).
