Twenty games later and the Midget Reps can be crowned Regular Season Champions. The boys finished the season with a win which would ultimately secure their spot as the top team in the Southern Counties Midget East A division.
The Midget team finished the season with a very impressive
record of 14-4-2. This would give them enough points to finish in 1st
place in the Midget A East Division. A large feat that has not happened in a
very long time, if at all. “Effort level and focus,” described Coach Mike
Klassen. He was asked what was the different in this team from other teams he’s
coached in the past. “The effort that these kids give game in, game out, at
every practice, and every off-ice training is outstanding. The focus and effort is
contagious on this team.”
The Midget team’s success is a direct result of what Klassen
describes. The players show up prepared to work hard and make themselves better
hockey players each game. The discipline on this team is another important
factor into their wins. In the past, many midget teams have been revolving
doors into the sin bin. Not this team. Minimal penalties have lead to more
chances on the power play. An impressive special teams unit has been a source
for many power play markers this year.
The addition of two key players also helped Cayuga into the
top spot. Ryan McBurney and Travis Bell both joined the team in September, with
the goal of winning an OMHA championship in their minds and hearts. And after
this type of season that goal is so much closer to being a reality. “Ryan and
Travis are tremendous. They both just see the ice so well,” said Klassen. “They
understand that game and understand what we are trying to preach for systems. Like
I said, they are tremendous hockey players. Two of the best in Midget.”
Not be left unmentioned, the team as a whole has been
producing both defensively and offensively. All three lines from front to back
have been speckling the score sheet for a majority of the year. It is that kind
of depth that is needed in order to be successful in the playoffs.