Hanover Barons GM Chum McAskill says the season this year was "a bit disappointing."
As the Barons prepare for a first round match-up against defending champs the Kincardine Bulldogs, McAskill says the Barons are in a good position to contend despite dropping out of third place in the final weekend, as the Mount Forest Patriots jumped into that slot. The Barons were again led by an explosive offense that can wrack up plenty of points, but will lean on a young D core and a change in the crease heading into the playoffs.
The Barons' forwards are as skilled as any in the league. Justing Graham, or "Shifty" as he's known to his team mates, put up another great season, finishing with 44 points. He gets plenty of support from the likes of Matt Shields, 40 points, Brodie LeMay, 33 points, and fellow veteran Jared Kuntz, 28 points. There may be some added motivation to win, as Graham and Kuntz will age-out at the end of this year. Cole Leslie and Brett Zabel also put up 20-plus points, and overall the Barons had 11 players eclipse double-digit point totals. That bodes well for putting up offense against an opponent known for playing some of the best shut-down defense in the league.
On the point, Hanover has a young group, led by the return of veteran Colten Culbert from Elmira in Junior B. Culbert put up 13 points in 29 games, but is as reliable a two-way presence as you can find. He steadies a young group of quick, puck-moving D-men that can hold their own in their own end despite their youth. Derek Williams, Jared Liesemer and Carson Ivel all provide steady play, and young Matt Lantz can be physically imposing. The Barons' D-core will need to play above the level they showed in the regular season, though, in order to get past a former champion who's been there before.
In goal, the winds of change certainly came through the P and H centre, as long-time veteran Cody Van Der Hiede requested a trade prior to the deadline, but a move never materialized despite plenty of interest. As a result, Van Der Hiede chose to sit out, missing the last 5 games and handing the reins over to Braeden Ellis. Ellis made 10 appearances, winning 5, and is a former Wingham Ironmen goalie. He spent the majority of the season backstopping the revived Listowel Juvenile team to an undefeated season, so he brings a winning caliber to a crease that needs it without Van Der Hiede and his 11 wins. Ellis will be supported by AP goalies Greg Scales and Zack Girdler, as regular backup Noah Leis has been out of action since early in the season with concussion issues. The Barons are banking on Ellis bringing a high-level, winning mentality to the blue paint, in hopes of overtaking last year's divisional champs in Kincardine.
For more on the Barons and their upcoming playoff series, listen to GM Chum McAskill:
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/CHUM-MCASKILL.mp3"][/audio]