Midwestern

Cherrey Cup Final Series Preview: Listowel Cyclones (1) vs. Waterloo Siskins (3)

This year's Cherrey Cup Final will pit two teams with plenty of recent history against each other in what could only be described as a grudge match.

The Listowel Cyclones, once again the top seed in the GOJHL Midwest, will take on the number 3 seeded Waterloo Siskins. Last year, these two teams faced off in what turned out to be a 7 game epic in the semi finals, with Listowel taking game 7 by a narrow 4-3 margin, with youngster Trent Verbeek scoring the game winner with just minutes left. The Siskins, who I predicted would win the Cherrey this year, will have nothing short of revenge on their minds, as they felt they were a bounce away from possibly winning the Cherrey Cup last year. Waterloo has the benefit of plenty of returnees and more stable goaltending, while the Cyclones have gotten big boosts in the post season from their rookies, and they continue to be carried by the brilliance of co-captains Holdyn Lansink and Chayse Herrfort. Who has the advantage? It's very hard to say, but both squads have a slight edge in a few categories.

Offensively in this post season, the Cyclones knew they'd get high end production out of league MVP Holdyn Lansink, and his speedy cohort Herrfort. They finished 1-2 in goal scoring this year in all the GOJHL, and in the playoffs Lansink (22 points in 9 games) and Herrfort (16 points in 9 games) have been flying high. The depth scoring, which was a concern in the regular season, has really come alive as some of the younger cast have shown drastic improvement and a deeper understanding of Head Coach Jason Brooks' systems. Trent Verbeek and Steven Grant both have 12 points, while rookie of the year Brayden Krieger has 11. Jonah White, who has become a net front power play weapon, has 9, and Luke Israel, whho scored 3 power play goals against Kitchener with rocket shots, has 6. That top 6 production is exactly what Listowel needed to carry themselves this far, as it takes a ton of pressure of Lansink and Herrfort, not that those two can't handle that. But it makes this young team so much more well rounded, and the defensive scheme and commitment to playing the right way is what has Listowel in position to shoot for 3 straight Cherrey's and dynasty status. Listowel sit 4th in goals for at 4.78 per game, right behind the Siskins.

For Waterloo, they have a slight edge in scoring depth, with so many veteran contributors back from last year. Sam Spaedt leads the way with 15 points in 11 games, while offensive dynamo Sam Cherry has 14. Matt Prucha (13 points), Jeff Schrattner (12), Alex Lycett (10) and Brett Schaefer (10) all have double digit points. Interestingly enough, not one of those top point men is leading this team in goal scoring. That falls to Winston Cestnick, who is a demon at the doorstep of goalies, as he leads with 7 lamps lit to go along with 1 assist. That's how balanced this team is. No one is selfish and everyone is willing to forecheck and get pucks quickly to open team mates rather than do everything themselves. Head Coach Todd Hoffman has this team playing very fast paced, head strong and in your face hockey, something that nearly got them over the hump last year. Now, with another year under their belts and a taste for revenge, this team might just have what it takes this time around against a less experienced Cyclones team to snatch the Cherrey Cup out of their hands. The Siskins are a formidable 3rd in goals for at 4.91, and they'll give Listowel all they can handle defensively.

On the back end, Listowel's young players have greatly improved as well, though the back end is where they aren't nearly as green. GM Jesse Cole made sure to go out and pluck some hungry veterans from other teams before the deadline, and they have brought plenty of veteran savvy and puck moving ability to the team. Harlen VanWhysberghe has become a go-to power play quarterback, often on the 2nd unit as Listowel like to load up the first unit with 5 forwards at times. VanWhynsberghe, who came over from the vaunted London Nationals program, has 9 points in 9 games. He is crafty and can skate very well, join a rush and create mismatches, and has the ability to get quickly back in position to use his smarts and great stick to break up plays. The offense drops off after that, as David Mabey (3 points) and veteran Daniel Heelis (2 points) are tasked with penalty killing and quickly getting pucks up the wall and out. They both play no nonsense games and are aware of their abilities and they stick to that. Youngsters Brendan Koops and Thomas Gangl are much the same, as they both make crisp passes but rarely join the rush, preferring to ensure they are always in good coverage positions. Finally, Brendan Clayton, the elder statesman, continues to be a dominant physical force. Never the biggest kid on the ice, the willingness to throw his body at anything continues to be so impressive. It's no surprise Clayton has missed 3 of the 9 games with slight injuries. He is arguably the engine on the back end, sparking his team mates with his big hits and blocked shots. Listowel are 1st overall in the GOJHL playoffs in goals against at a measly 1.22, and Clayton's leadership is a big reason why.

The Siskins have had some injury woes throughout the year, particularly with Justin Zuber, who has only played 4 playoff games. He's a big part of the penalty kill and a reliable voice in the room that does all the little things right. Whether or not he can play will greatly impact the Siskins. That said, former Cyclone Alec Tiley has fit in nicely, using his offensive smarts and smooth skating to create match up problems when he joins the rush, though he can be guilty at times of pinching at the wrong time and getting himself in trouble. His 10 points lead all Siskins D. Captain Alex Cimino is as good a defender as you'll find at this level, as he has for years now given the Siskins every bit of effort he has. His 7 points are welcome on the score sheet, but it's his own zone where he really shines, laying the body and always being in great position to bat away cross seam passes and quickly turn the puck up ice. Blake Petterle and Tyler Dam each have 6 points and are capable puck movers, with Petterle being a little more defensively inclined and Dam frequently featuring on man advantages. Dam has a rocket shot, too, and he adds a needed weapon the the power play in Waterloo, which can sometimes strangely go very dry. That can't happen against Listowel, who don't take many penalties. Defensively, sometimes this team switches off, as they sit 10th in goals against at 3.36. That has to improve against a Cyclones team that scores in bunches.

In goal, the Cyclones continue to be a goalie factory. First it was Brock Baier, then Max Wright, and now Evan Morrison has settled right in and looks like a 4 year GOJHL veteran, after having only joined the team early this year. Morrison has been ridiculous in the playoffs, allowing more than one goal only once. His record is 7-1 with an incredible .97 GAA, and an airtight .962 save percentage. If it isn't Lansink at the end, it may well be Morrison who is the favourite for playoff MVP. Backup Riley McCabe, who was the starter at the beginning of the year and did extremely well, is likely the best backup in all of Jr. B. The London Knights draft pick was goalie of the month twice before Morrison showed up, and barring injury, he won't see action, but if he needs to, Listowel now they have an immense talent. In his one start, in the game 4 sweep of Brampton, McCabe was solid, allowing 3 goals after a lengthy period where he didn't play. If he doesn't make the Knights next year, which some think is highly possible, he will be the undisputed starter next year. The edge here has to go to Listowel.

Matt Onuska has been just what the doctor ordered for Waterloo. The rookie netminder was named as the starter for the all rookie team this year, and has turned into a very good starter despite his age. Onuska is a big kid who moves very well post to post, and has the size and willingness to come out and challenge shooters and take angles away with his wide frame. He is guilty at times of getting rattled by other teams who aggressively crash his crease, and the odd bad goal can cause him to falter and not recover. That all said, he is still a kid, and he's been brilliant in the playoffs. Onuska is 8-1 with a 2.88 GAA and .909 save percentage, extremely impressive given the 10th ranked defense he plays behind and his age. He looks to be a workhorse goalie for years to come. He is backed up by American goalie Machus Turner, who spelled off Onuska for 3 games this post season due to injury. Turner unfortunately didn't get much help as he dropped all 3 games with a 4.89 GAA and .849 save percentage. He isn't quite the same big athlete as Onuska, but to be fair his team sort of shut off in the games he played. It will be a concern if Onuska gets hurt again, as Turner may have issues handling the Cyclones aggressive style.

On special teams, the Cyclones have a distinct advantage. Listowel currently run the 2nd best power play at just over 31 percent, while the penalty kill has been a solid 4th at just over 91 percent. Waterloo have a very good power play with the 4th best unit at over 27 percent, but the penalty kill is where they will get in trouble. They have the 11th ranked kill at just over 79 percent. If the Cyclones, who are great at drawing calls after whistles, rile up the Siskins and goad them into a lot of penalties, the series won't last long. Waterloo must be responsible and keep cool heads as often as possible.

This series is going to be intense. No matter how many games this goes, every contest will be a hate filled battle with plenty of big hits, nastiness, and scrums. The on ice officials will have their hands full with this one. I think this goes at least 6 games, with a high likelihood of 7. That would be fitting. Everything kicks off Friday, March 29th at 7:30 in Listowel, and CKNX Am920 and CKNX.ca will have full live coverage of every single game. Enjoy the action.

Full 2019 Cherrey Cup schedule:

Game 1 Firday, March 29th in Listowel, 7:30 p.m.

Game 2 Sunday, March 31st in Waterloo, 1:30 p.m.

Game 3 Tuesday, April 2nd in Listowel, 7:30 p.m.

Game 4 Thursday, April 4th in Waterloo, 7:30 p.m.

If Necessary

Game 5 Friday, April 5th in Listowel, 7:30 p.m.

Game 6 Sunday, April 7th in Waterloo, 1:30 p.m.

Game 7 Monday, April 8th in Listowel, 7:30 p.m.

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