Canadiens’ coach says team aiming for championship
A quick start on the road has put a smile on the face of Lakeshore Canadiens head coach Justin Solcz.
After road wins against Dresden and Blenheim, the Canadiens are set for the club’s home opener Friday against the Essex 73’s. Game time at the Atlas Tube Centre is 7 p.m.
“This is a tough league and it’s never easy to win, especially on the road, but we’re seeing the fruits of the efforts,” Solcz said. “Both games, we typically lost last season. We were 4-4 in Dresden in the third period and won, and last year we didn’t beat a good team and we go into Blenheim and win.”
Now, the Canadiens get the fivetime league champion 73’s at home and players are ready for that test.
“Especially playing Essex in our home rink,” Lakeshore captain Mike Long said. “That’s a huge excitement. We’re looking forward to that game.”
The Canadiens are the last team to win a league title prior to Essex’s run, and after back-to-back exits in the first round of the playoffs, the club is hoping for a long run this season.
“My rookie year, we went to the final, and getting knocked out in the first round two years in a row is not ideal,” the 20-year-old Long said. “It’s disappointing, but you live and learn. All my focus is on this year and I think we’ve got a shot at it this year.”
Offensively, the Canadiens will get a boost from former junior B LaSalle Vipers Connor Rosaasen and Kyler Carter.
“We expect them to be impact kids,” Solcz said. “They were OHL picks and they will be key pieces of the puzzle.”
J.J. Percy, who led the team in scoring last season, returns, but he and Carter are sidelined with injuries. Mejoe Gasparovic, Kyle Gagnon, Steven Sartor, Brandon Ireland and Parker Boyle also return up front.
“They’re veterans, but still young,” Solcz said.
The club will also break in young forwards Jarrett Tazzman, Ameen Fadel, Jake Nimmo and Lucas Gignac.
“They want to play hockey at a higher level and they’re here to develop, and they’ll play big minutes and be relied upon,” Solcz said.
Long is one of five veterans back on defence, along with Aaron Moore, Logan Percy, Colin Sartor, who shifts from forward, and Dylan Kolic.
“They’re big, strong guys and definitely good players,” Solcz said.
Youngsters Zander Shepherd, Mike Lenson and Luke Mahon also figure into the defensive mix.
Goalie Mitch Topliffe returns after two seasons away at school and Colin Tetreault, who played 25 games last season, also is back
in the fold.
“We’re in an excellent situation in net,” Solcz said. “We have great goaltending.”
Solcz took over as head coach midway through last season and guided the Canadiens to a 13-10-1-3 finish before losing in seven games in the first round.
“When Justin came last year, he fit perfectly,” Long said. “He’s a huge asset and his coaching is at another level. Having him on the team is a huge part of what’s going to happen this season. We’ve had him for a half a year, so we’re very comfortable.”
Solcz feels just as comfortable and makes no secret of the fact he’s aiming to take the Canadiens to the top of the league.
“You play for the Canadiens, you expect to win a title,” Solcz said. “That’s our goal and that’s what the people in the community expect and we hope to deliver.”