The Chatham Maroons' run to the Sutherland Cup Final is drawing the attention of some high-profile Maroons alumni.
The Maroons, who only just learned Wednesday night that they were guaranteed a spot in the final against St. Catharines, have been off since Sunday's win at home over Cambridge.
Maroons Head Coach and General Manager Tyler Roeszler told CK Mornings with Chris, Jen, and Matt on 94.3 CKSY that the team used the extra time off to get a good balance of rest and practice ahead of Game 1 in St. Catharines Friday night -- but they also got some advice from some of the top hockey minds to come out of Chatham-Kent.
Roeszler says LA Kings scout Dave Torrie, who spent eight seasons as the Coach/GM of the Jr. Maroons in the late 1990s, came to speak to the players on Tuesday before practice. Torrie was the Coach/GM the last time the Maroons won the Sutherland Cup in 1999.
The team also heard from Chatham Sports Hall of Famer Brian Wiseman, who played for the Chatham Mic Macs in the late 1980s, and is now an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers.
"It's been amazing for our group," said Roeszler. "Wiseman sent a video and we sent that out to our team... with all these things, our guys are definitely excited, we feel the support not just from our alumni, but also from our fans... it's time to drop the puck and compete."
Puck drop for Game 1 of the best-of-three final is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Jack Gatecliff Arena in St. Catharines.
Game 2 is set for 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening at Memorial Arena in Chatham with the box office opening for ticket sales at 6 p.m. Sunday.
Game 3 (if necessary) is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. at Jack Gatecliff Arena in St. Catharines.