Midwestern

2018-19 GOJHL Season Preview: Listowel Cyclones

A season like no other in their history launched the Listowel Cyclones into a realm of unprecedented success.

Now, the franchise will enter something of a reset, as a large chunk of last year's Cherrey and Sutherland Cup winning squad has either aged out or moved on to other levels of hockey. The coaching staff remains mostly intact, with Brett Nichol stepping in as assistant coach to replace the departing Todd Norman. Jesse Cole and Head Coach Jason Brooks remain, and will be tasked with helping a host of new players gel with some returning veterans. Last year was immensely successful, as the Cycs smashed their way through a record setting regular season for the franchise, putting up 88 points, losing just 5 times in regulation. They then went on an incredibly thrilling playoff run, culminating in sweeps of Elmira and Caledonia in the Cherrey and Sutherland Finals. The team was littered with talent and grit at every position, and it will be up to the returning cast and the coaches to help the new guys settle in.

Up front, the Cycs will be aided greatly by the return of regular season points leader Chayse Herrfort, who is a good bet to become the next captain of the team in place of the departed Blake Nichol and Caleb Warren. Herrfort was a consistent scoring threat all season, and finished second in team playoff scoring with 33 points. His excellent wheels make him a danger no matter where he gets the puck, because he can get away from checkers in any situation. Joining Herrfort is local boy Holdyn Lansink, who had an up and down playoff run that included a scary upper body injury against Waterloo. Lansink finished second in team scoring in the regular season behind only Herrfort with 67 points, and can do damage offensively, particularly in close where he's always near the crease. He is defensively responsible as well, and can cause the other team to take needless penalties with his gritty persona and "chirp game." Those two will get help from another returnee, as Jakob Lee, the team's third leading scorer, will also return. Lee put up 64 points and could have had more if not for some injury and sickness. He also scored big goals in the playoffs, particularly in the new Steve Kerr Memorial. A majority of the rest of the forwards are gone. Caleb Warren, Cullen Mercer, Mitch Deelstra, and Brady Anderson are among those lost. New additions include 2-time Jr. C Pollock Division winner Hayden Coulter, who knows how to win from his days in the Mount Forest organization. Jonah White is a young player coming in from the Waterloo Wolves AAA program, who will be joined by team mate Jacob Bloomfield. Coach Brooks says both are quick and can provide some needed scoring depth. Brayden Krieger will return after getting into 5 games last season, sure to take on a more prominent role this year, as will the hero from Game 7 against Waterloo, Trent Verbeek. Bryce McFadden, the Cycs Most Improved Player from last year, also returns to add grit and solid penalty killing. The man who team mates refer to as "Cedar", Brendan Cederberg, will also be back to bring size and physicality. Cycs Rookie of the Year Steven Grant is back, looking to add more offensive punch after an impressive debut last year. Craig McKague joing from GOJHL St. Thomas, where he put together a solid rookie campaign. Finally, Tyson Koopman, an Owen Sound Attack prospect from the Huron-Perth Lakers organization, will join up as well to round out a young but skilled group. Coach Brooks thinks Koopman can immediately make an offensive impact. It's hard to see this group doing what last year's did offensively, but Brooks has an eye for talent, and an ability to get the most out of young players, so this group, with the veteran returnees, could surprise some people and dwarf expectations.

On the back end, it got no easier for the Cyclones, losing top scoring D-men Max Coyle and Keaton Willis, as well as Danny Skinner, Blake Nichol, who moved back from forward, and fellow over-ager Garrett Russell. It's still up in the air for youngster Jagger O'Toole, a Guelph Storm prospect, on whether or not he returns, but if he does he will find a more solid place in the top 4. Lats year's Cyclones True Grit award winner, Brendan Clayton, will return and likely play on the top pair. Clayton plays a punishing physical game, constantly throwing his body around in any way he can to help the team. After that, it's a bunch of new faces that will have to gel quickly and step up into the Jr. B limelight for the defending champs. Fellow Storm prospect Dave Mabey will join the team with the possibly returning O'Toole, after Mabey played 2 games last year for Listowel. Brendan Koops, a big 6'2" defender from the Waterloo Wolves will also join up, and Coach Brooks says his size will be an asset, while his offensive game and big shot could see him factor in on the power play. Coach Brooks also said the team are looking to add former London Nationals veteran Harlen  VanWynsberghe, who can help ease some of the pressure off of the youngsters, and has a winning pedigree in the league. The D-core took a massive hit, probably the biggest on the team, and it will be the area where it's likely the most struggle will occur. But with good leadership coming back, and the guidance of Brooks and his staff, this group should be able to do much better than just tread water. They could potentially flourish rather quickly and put up an impressive defensive record.

In the crease, Listowel was dealt a hefty blow when playoff MVP and star goalie Max Wright decided to move on to a higher level. Wright was immaculate last year, posting incredible numbers in the regular season, going 27-4-0, with 2 shutouts, a .926 save percentage and a 2.11 GAA. In the playoffs, Wright went next level, posting insane numbers that propelled Listowel to it's double cup runs. A 19-5 record with 5 shutouts, a ridiculous .938 save percentage and a 1.81 GAA will forever keep Wright in legendary status in Listowel. Replacing him will be difficult, but not impossible. Returning is Wright's backup from last year, Evan Reinhart, who put up great numbers in spot duty, going 9-1-0 with 2 shutouts, an excellent .938 save percentage and a 1.64 GAA. Even in limited action, it's safe to assume those numbers wouldn't slip much with full time work, which Reinhart will be getting this year. So the Cyclones know they have a more than capable guardian of the crease, which is crucial for any level of success. Backing up Reinhart will be youngster Riley McCabe, also from the vaunted Waterloo Wolves AAA team. McCabe also happens to be a London Knights prospect, which speaks to his expected talent level and ability. He will get ample opportunity to turn away shots for the Cycs, who look to have a solid tandem in net going forward.

Overall, it would be foolish and unfair to expect this group full of new faces to achieve the amazing success of last year's veteran-laden Cyclones team. But what is certain is that the team will be fast, talented, and full of youthful exuberance looking to make their mark at the Jr. B level. Aided by solid returning leaders, and a coaching staff that knows how to push all the right buttons, and the 2018-19 Listowel Cyclones should be a fun, fast, and exciting team to watch this year.

For more on the upcoming season, here's a full length interview with Cyclones Head Coach, Jason Brooks:

[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BROOKSY.mp3"][/audio]

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