Every hockey season is not without its ups and downs, and
the Major Otters have certainly experienced their fair share. After 23 games it
looks as if the Otters are finally starting to find some consistency. The
Otters hold a respectable 14-7-2 record, and have reached the finals in all
three tournaments they have participated in. With six players returning from
last year’s OMHA Finalist team, Huntsville has high expectations both inside
and outside the dressing room.
After an early tournament championship in Lincoln it appeared the Otters were ready to take the league by storm. However, four straight losses quickly put to bed any ideas of Huntsville waltzing through the season.
Following the brief losing streak, Huntsville managed to compile several decisive victories in their home tournament. Back-stopped by netminder Josh Lawson, who stood on his head for a 2-0 win over a very strong New Hamburg team in the semi-finals, the Otters found themselves in another gold medal game. Unfortunately, the wheels would fall off, and Huntsville would be dealt a 4-3 loss to Mount. Brydges.
Rebounding with a number of regular season wins, Huntsville would travel to Orillia to test their mettle in the Jim Wilson Winter Classic single A tournament. Wins over Barrie, Lorne Park, and Vaughn would lead Huntsville to a semi-final tilt with the hometown Orillia Terriers. Timely scoring combined with excellent goaltending from Tyler Miller vaulted the Otters into the finals yet again. Through two periods Huntsville was able to keep pace with the top-ranked Welland Tigers, but penalty trouble in the third period would ultimately lead to a lopsided loss and yet another silver medal.
While their regular season record leaves much to be desired, the Otters have shown flashes of brilliance. The biggest test of the season is looming, as the Regional Silver Stick tournament in Midland is only two weeks away. Huntsville will look to get back on track this weekend with a three game home stand against Western rivals Parry Sound, Collingwood, and Penetang.
Gene K. – Georgian Bay Tribune.