With COVID-19 throwing all the world into uncertainty, the upcoming junior hockey season is no different.
But despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the Listowel Cyclones have managed to put together a good chunk of their roster for the 2020-21 season. Assistant Coach and Executive Brett Nichol says recruiting has been difficult but the franchise is adjusting.
"For recruiting purposes it has been quite different. I think every team's kind of in the same boat, whether it's Junior C or B or even the Tier 2 level, we just don't know, there's a lot of uncertainties on when the season is going to start. We did just get word recently we can have 25 people on the ice, which is kind of nice."
Nichol it isn't just an issue for the team's management groups and coaches, it's also a fluid and strange situation for players.
"Recruiting has been difficult because teams don't know where they sit and the players don't really know where they sit either. Every kid has aspirations of playing at the highest level, and that's what we hope for the kids, as well. It's been difficult but it's a new reality and I think we gotta get used to it."
There are rumours that the GOJHL could hold training camps in September and possibly start playing in October, but whether that's true or what games will look like is still completely unclear. If or when play does resume, Nichol says the group is ready to continue winning ways in Listowel, the roots of which were set when former coach and current executive member Jason Brooks took over the team 6 seasons ago.
"It's just carrying on that tradition, carrying on what Brooksy has always brought to the rink, and Jesse Cole brings that every day, and I think that with myself, Brady (Anderson) and Jeff (Goldie) last year, and some new staff coming on board this year, we're just going to carry that out. We know what it's like to be a Cyclone, and the players know what it's like to be a Cyclone."
Listowel will have an impressive returning cast as well as some confirmed new signings that the team has verified on their social media accounts. Check out the full confirmed roster below, as well as the full interview with Cyclones Assistant Coach and Executive Brett Nichol.
Cyclones Confirmed 2020-21 Roster (as of August 1st, 2020)
Forwards: Trent Verbeek (Captain), Jonah White (Assistant Captain), Jaden Goldie, Chet Hudson, Cam Knight, Dylan Richardson, Carter Coombs (new signing), Corey Jewitt (new signing)
Defenders: Brendan Koops (Assistant Captain), Josh Schindler, Cam Angst, Brady Brezynskie, Nick Belleci (new signing), Dan Stasso (new signing)
Goalies: No goalies have been confirmed yet, but both Evan Morrison and rookie standout Dixon Grimes are able to return. It is believed Grimes has a great shot at making the Guelph Storm, and Morrison is heavily linked with a return to the club after a few stellar seasons posting excellent numbers as a veteran of the GOJHL. If one or both returned, the Cyclones would have arguably the best crease in the league.
Interview with Assistant Coach/Executive Brett Nichol:
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