BY SCOTT HADDOW
The Copper Cliff Redman Minor Midget rep
hockey team is showing just what a little hard work can do in
the provincial AAA ranks.
The Redman, assembled in the fall of 2004
with just 15-year-old players, was looked upon by many hockey
experts as a disaster waiting to happen. The only problem is,
the Redman haven't imploded and are proving they can dance with
the big boys in Ontario AAA midget hockey.
Recently, the Copper Cliff club travelled to
the AAA Toronto Marlboro Holiday Classic Tournament, which
features the best Ontario midget hockey teams.
The Redmen sent a huge wave of respect
through many hockey circles with their performance at the elite
event.
In their first game, the unseeded Redman
squared off against the OHL number one ranked team, the Toronto
Junior Canadians.
The Redmen battled the Canadians toe-to-toe
keeping the game tied 2-2 with about three minutes to go before
a late goal by Toronto sealed a victory.
Despite the tough loss, the Redmen continued
to show off their hustle by tying the Barrie Junior Colts 3-3
and tying an Ottawa club 3-3 in their final two games.
The Redmen are finally realizing their true
potential.
"The team is very confident having played
against some of the best prospects in North America and finally
realizing they are just as good," said GM Rod LaRocque. "If
asked if we would have progressed this far back in September, I
would have had some reservations. With anything new, it takes
time for the varying needs and personalities to gel. This team
has come together as 18 brothers."
The bottom line for the Redmen is hard work
and commitment.
"The team's work ethic is the driving
dynamic," said LaRocque. "On the provincial stage, playing
against the best 15 year olds in North America, we have to
out-work our opponents. The players only have time for school
and hockey...It's a huge commitment."
The Redman are off to Sault Ste. Marie now
where they will compete in their sixth AAA midget tournament,
the Steel City Showdown.
The club is also looking at hosting their own
March AAA tournament in Copper Cliff. More details will be
announced, as they become available, about the possible
event.
