Falcons, Corvairs showdown
Neither the St. Catharines Falcons nor the Caledonia Corvairs are even pretending this Friday’s matchup at Jack Gatecliff Arena is just another game.
Both teams acknowledge the importance of the contest, the second this season between the perennial powerhouses.
“We want to concentrate on what’s important to us and what we want to do, but you’d have to have your head in the sand like an ostrich not to realize it’s Caledonia across the ice,” Falcons coach Chris Johnstone said. “The stakes are raised significantly. You have to respect what they do and believe in what we do and play the best game we can play and hopefully get a result like we did before against them.
“It comes down to us executing and doing the things we’re supposed to do properly versus what they do. Against Caledonia, you have to bring your best.”
Caledonia coach Mike Bullard, who has guided the Corvairs to an unprecedented three straight Sutherland Cup championships, agrees with Johnstone.
“I’m not going to lie and says it’s not something special,” Bullard said. “I think both teams take the same approach. These are the two top teams and everybody else is using us as the measuring stick to succeed.
“When we meet, they always look to see who has St. Catharines added, who has Caledonia added. We judge on what each other do that’s why these games are so important against each other. It dictates where you are going to be after Christmas.”
The Falcons (11-1-0-1) lead the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League in winning percentage at .855. The Corvairs are tied for second
I’m not going to lie and says it’s not something special. I think both teams take the same approach. These are the two top teams and everybody else is using us as the measuring stick to succeed.”