NEWS

(pictured - Georgetown's Brendan Jacome posted four points and was Peter Kneulman's Star of the Week in the OJHL's West Division - photo credit:  Shawn Muir/OJHL Images)

A 1-1-1 record a week ago dropped the Georgetown Raiders to an honourable mention in the CJHL top 20. After a 3-0 week this week I am sure we can expect a fairly decent sized jump in the rankings.

Missed this a week ago but the Burlington Cougars made a coaching change as Marc West is out and former coach Mark Jooris is in. Jooris led the Cougars to one of their best seasons in franchise history and is the father of current Calgary Flame Josh Jooris.

After what seemed to be a record amount of cancelations/postponements due to weather last year we had our first of the season this week as Fridays tilt between the Milton Icehawks and Buffalo Jr Sabres was cancelled due to the snow received in Buffalo as well as the Jr Sabres Tuesday night match vs St. Mikes. More importantly however from what I have heard is that those associated with the Jr Sabres program are alight following the blizzard that dropped more than 2 metres of snow in some places.

Game of the Week
Milton Icehawks @ Orangeville Flyers                                                                                 
The Ice Hawks came into this game on a bit of a hot streak after picking up 2 wins last week after their blockbuster trade. The Flyers have cooled down a bit since their hot streak but have still been playing good hockey.

The opening period was chippy between these two teams as 10 penalties were called. With the lack of early flow established the Ice Hawks took advantage. Reigning west division player of the week Sean Perichak opened the scoring less than 4 minutes in to give Milton the lead. Just past the half way mark of the opening period Chris Cobham made it 2-0. It would be a lead that Milton would take into the first intermission.

While Milton had a 2 goal lead it was rather close on the shot clock as they held a 10-9 advantage. The 2nd period would be anything but close as Orangeville came out and dominated the shot clock with a 20-8 advantage. They were helped by starting the period on the powerplay for almost 4 minutes while also picking up another 3 power plays. Lucas Smilsky got them within 1 just before the 1st power play ended. Darren Nesbitt would add a shorthanded marker just before the end of the period to tie the score.

Milton would be the team picking up the man power advantages in the 3rd with 2. One of which cost the Flyers shutdown defender John DiLorenzo to a 2 and 10 for head checking. Nicholas Latinovich and Scott Smith were turning everything aside in the 3rd howerever With the Orangeville goalie making 10 saves while the Milton goalie picked up 8. This game was headed to overtime as both teams had secured atleast 1 point.

Milton had the pressure early in the extra frame getting the 1st 2 shots on goal but all Orangeville needed was one from James McLaughlin. Orangeville picked up the extra point but Milton sure looked like a team who could make a run at the final playoff spot in the southwest conference.

Star of the Week
Brendan Jacome Georgetown Raiders 4 GP 2 G 2 A 4 P
The 3rd year forward is on pace to have his best offensive season in the OJHL. Brendan helped carry a very balanced offensive attack for the Raiders by picking up 2 goals and 2 assists. Among those goals was his 3rd shorthanded marker of the year which is tops in the division and tied for the league lead.

Rookie of the Week
Jack Lafontaine Georgetown Raiders 3 GP 3 W 74 SVS 79 SHA
One of the more highly regarded ’98 born goalies in the province Lafontaine was in net for all 3 games for the Raiders this week giving up only 5 goals. His stellar play lowered his season G.A.A. to 1.90 which puts him 1st in the OJHL.

Game of the Week Preview
Kingston Voyageurs @ Georgetown Raiders Saturday November 29th
The Raiders are poised to make a jump in the CJHL rankings and will face a stiff test this week with the visiting Voyageurs. Kingston is 5-2 against the West Division this year but their two losses have come on the road in Milton and Orangeville.

Peter Kneulman covers the OJHL West Division for In The O... and more articles by the author can be found at intheoradio.com. In The O...goes beyond conventional coverage of junior hockey providing unprecedented coverage of Minor Midget, OJHL, CCHL and the OHL.