For the Elks, it’s all about securing a playoff position
It was Feb. 7 and minutes before Brookfield Elks were to take to the ice for a Tuesday night hockey practice at the Don Henderson Memorial Sportsplex in Brookfield. As I talked with members of the junior B club’s coaching staff and a few young players, everyone appeared focused and in a good frame of mind.
Time for an update on the Nova Scotia Junior Hockey League and a ‘sizeable task’ the Elks will face in their final seven games of regular season play, which ends Feb. 28.
With only four teams advancing to the playoffs in the six-team Fred Fox Division, the Elks held fifth place through 23 games with 10 wins, 10 losses, one overtime loss and two shoot-out losses for 23 points. Trailing fourth place Liverpool Privateers by three points, the Elks were within four points of third place Sackville Blazers and 13 points ahead of the last place Windsor Maple Leafs.
Capstone Colts held first place in the division with 37 points, East Hants Penguins were a close second with 35 points. In the Sid Rowe Division, the Antigonish Bulldogs led the way with 41 points, having won 20 of their first 24 games. Eskasoni Eagles held down the second spot with 37 points, Strait Pirates were in third place.
Looking ahead, the Elks would play ‘at’ East Hants Penguins and then face the division leaders Capstone in back-to-back games, in Cole Harbour and Brookfield, Although these were three tough assignments, Elks head coach Phil Lynds was enthusiastic.
“The games we have in hand are crucial for us right now,” Lynds said. “We have seven games remaining, Sackville has only two, Liverpool leads us by three points but we have one game in hand on them and we play them twice.”
Next, Lynds, the fourthyear Elks coach and a 25-year high-level local coach, credited his players.
“What I see most is that these guys are a close-knit group, everyone is pulling for each other. These guys all get along well, they’re a good group of players, I’m happy to see them all playing as a team, I couldn’t be happier.”
Let’s meet a few of the Elks: Sam Rogers, 19, Lower Onslow, attends St. F.X. and is studying business. Rogers, a leftwinger, is in his second year with the Elks, he played previously with CEC Cougars, Fundy Thunder and in the Truro and Area Minor Hockey Association (TAMHA).
“Most of the guys are aware of how crucial these next few games are,” Rogers said. “We have a very competitive team this year, we’ve improved a lot since training camp, and I think this has helped motivate us and have us push for that final playoff spot.”
Pablo De Larrinaga, 20, Ottawa, attends St. F.X., taking a market major in business. An outstanding goaltender, Pablo is a second-year Elk, he played for Ottawa Sting in U-18 as well as a number of years in Ottawa minor hockey.
“It has been a blast playing in Brookfield,” De Larrinaga said. “I’m enjoying playing with a great group of teammates and I like the coaching staff. Coming from a large city, it is unique to play hockey for a community like Brookfield, people really support the team.
“The league as a whole is a skilled junior B league. Our team is a really skilled group of players, we’re a good cohesive unit, and we like to play for each other. I believe we can make a good playoff run this season.”
Mitchell King, 18, Salmon River, is employed with Home Hardware in Debert. King, a rookie defenceman, comes to the Elks after playing two seasons with CEC Cougars, he played his minor hockey in the TAMHA.
“It’s definitely a huge step moving up to play with the Elks,” King said. “I had a bit of a shaky start, but with help from the veterans on the team, and the way we’re being coached, things are coming along and I’m feeling more comfortable. I’d describe the squad we have as a good group of guys; we have a lot of determination and really good team spirit.”
Dawson Blanchard, 18, Lucasville, first year in bioveterinary science at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus. An extensive and interesting hockey background, Blanchard, a defenceman, played two seasons with the major U-18 Pictou County Weeks, two seasons at Newbridge Academy, and also with Sackville Flyers and Sackville Kings. Blanchard arrived in Brookfield from the Jr. A Pictou County Crushers.
“I’ve experienced a lot of things through hockey, I’ve met a lot of nice people,” Blanchard said. “Through hockey, I feel I’ve got to develop as a player and as a person. I’m finding the junior B hockey a fast pace, I’m excited to play in this league, it’s a lot of fun playing against these skilled players. I’m enjoying the season, the guys are all outstanding to play with, and we get along well together as a team.”
Keep an eye on this Brookfield Elks team, as they attempt to secure a playoff position.