Major Atom A
Gloucester Rangers wrap up impressive regular season campaign
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

To say the Major Atom A Gloucester Rangers is a team on a roll is an understatement. They've won their last six games in a row and haven't lost in 22 games dating back to Oct. 28 when they lost their only game of the season.

They clinched the regular season championship three weeks ago and are now enjoying a first round bye in the playoffs thanks to their 25-1-4 record.

They managed to score at a clip of nearly 3.5 goals per game and allowed only one goal per game. Goalies Spencer Richard and Kurtis Ikkers had a combined total of nine shutouts in 30 games and Ikkers finished with a 0.88 goals against average. Impressive stats to be sure but not as impressive as the fact that they won 94 per cent of their games.

Coach Kevin Graham says the team owes its success to the willingness of their forwards to backcheck which severely limited the other teams scoring chances.

"These kids have been amazing. To have 10-year-olds who not only grasp the concept of backchecking, but can carry it out is a blessing for a coach. Let's just say it's been a pretty fun season so far," says Graham.

Offensively the team has a double threat in Riley Thompson and Nathan Merrett who have scored 23 and 24 goals respectively, but that doesn't mean they have other players who can put the puck in the net. In fact, a total of 15 players have scored at least one goal including all the forwards.

The success of the A team is a good indication of how deep the talent pool is among the 2002 age group in the Gloucester Rangers' catchment area which includes Orleans, Blackburn Hamlet, Gloucester Centre, Gloucester, Leitrim and Russell.

With the regular season championship banner all ready in their possession, the Rangers have their sights set squarely on the Ontario East Minor Hockey League championship.

Coach Graham and his assistants Marty Morelli, Mark Baker and Troy Richard, will be doing their level best to make sure their charges take each playoff series one game at a time with the hope of emerging victorious when the final whistle is blown.

Team roster: Evan Beaudoin, Justin Graham, Luka Parlington, Jaden Tejero, Brady Morelli, Cole Byrne,, Maverick Labrie, Tyler Vezina, Owen Genier, Nathan Merrett, Jaden Tracey, Jarrett Ladouceur, Maxime Lacroix, Riley Thompson, Ryan Baker, Spencer Richard and Kurtis Ikkers. Coach Kevin Graham, Ass't Coach Marty Morelli, Ass't Coach Mark Baker, Ass't Coach Troy Richard, Trainer Willie Tejero, Manager Steve Lacroix and co-Manager Sylvie Genest.

(Posted 7 p.m., Feb. 15)

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