Midseason Great Lakes Junior C Team by Team Review

The first half of the Great Lakes Junior C season has come and gone, with several surprises thus far. Here is a look at the four Chatham-Kent Great Lakes Junior C teams, the Dresden Kings, Blenheim Blades, Wheatley Sharks, and Wallaceubrg Lakers.

Wallaceburg Lakers (Record – 7-14-1)

After losing roughly half their roster from last year’s regular season champion team to either Junior B or overage, it is no surprise the Wallaceburg Lakers are sitting second from the bottom of the Great Lakes Junior C standings. With holdovers Tyson Isaac and Norm Leger doing most of the scoring, the addition of American born players Jeff Nolfo, Justin Whitson, and Kyle Jacobson has been a shot in the arm for this club. With recent suspensions to key contributors Tyson Isaac and Jordan Durston however, a pre-Christmas slump could be in the works. As well, starting the season with a firm grip on a playoff position, things are starting to look less clear as the once winless Kingsville Comets are now surging up the standings. Player to Watch: Jordan Belanger: Recently returned from the Lambton Shores Predators, Belanger can provide speed up front, and the veteran guidance this club needs. Outlook: 8th overall, first round playoff exit.

Dresden Kings (Record – 8-12-2)

Although they have struggled recently, the Kings might still be a team to watch approaching the playoffs, and could be a team that suprises a top contender in the first round of the playoffs. Brennan Rainey has been a welcomed scoring presence for the Kings, however they need more consistency. The recent additions of former Chatham Maroons player Jesse Allen, and veteran defender Jim Rouse, who returns for one more kick at the can with the Kings, has helped. The Kings will need more from veteran Josh Beatty who is on pace for his worst scoring output with the Kings, notching only 5 goals through the first half of the season. Player to Watch: Jesse Allen – Since returning to the Kings, Allen has scored more than a point per game, however, will he be able to stay out of the box? If Allen can remain disciplined, he can be one of the more dominant players in the North Division. Outlook: 7th overall, could upset Belle River or another first round playoff opponent.

Blenheim Blades (Record – 12-9-1)

While it should be no surprise, many are still doubting the strong start of the Blenheim Blades. The only thing holding the Blades back from being a contender is consistency. The Blades have streaked at various points this season losing multiple games in a row, before rebounding to win multiple games. A veteran heavy lineup will undoubtedly help the Blades, but this roster has not scene a winning season, and lacks the experience of winning in the playoffs. Thomas Innes, Ben Campbell, and Taylor Phillips give the Blades an elite front end, and the early season return of Matt Speed from the Chatham Maroons has helped the Blenheim Blades blueline which lacked a true puck moving defenseman. Player to Watch: Dylan Vanderpol – It might be a lot of pressure, but the Blades season hopes rest with top goaltender Dylan Vanderpol. When Vanderpol is in net, the Blades are a tough team to beat. Watch for the Blades to ride their number one netminder down the stretch. Outlook: 4th overall, and a tough first round matchup which the Blades will win, sending them to the second round for the first time in years.

Wheatley Sharks (Record – 12-9-1)

Has the first half been a final hangover? If nothing, the Wheatley Sharks know what it takes to go deep into the playoffs and the return of big man Josh Tremblay and addition of Brendon Anger from Blenheim have helped solidify their roster. The question remains however, can the Wheatley Sharks duplicate a late season run that saw them eliminate the Wallaceburg Lakers and take the Belle River Canadiens to a seventh game in the Great Lakes finals? Last season the Wheatley Sharks found their legs after Christmas, something that is not out of the question again this season. Player to Watch: Kurtis Ouellette – The reigning Great Lakes defenseman of the year has been solid for the Sharks, but will need to log big minutes for the Sharks in front of netminder Marc Tremblay to keep the Sharks as the least scored against team in the league. Outlook: 5th overall. If the Sharks can finish with home ice advantage, where they are 9-1-1 this season, anything is possible, including a return to the Great Lakes final. If not, their poor play on the road could spell an early exit.