The Minto 81’s are your Team of the Week brought to you by Dean Ribey of the Cooperators
It wouldn’t be too often to hear a hockey team has already punched their playoff ticket this early, but the Minto 81’s in the WOAA have proven themselves to earn the honour.
The 81’s as part of the Sr Hockey League got off to a hot start to the season and have yet to look back with a record of 10-2-1 heading into their winter break
All cylinders are clicking for Minto who are tied for 2nd with Creemore and a few points back from Seaforth who the 81’s are also 2 games back on.
Head Coach Ryan Fisk is beyond impressed with the record adding Sr Hockey at times can be tough to have commitment.
“Senior hockey you don’t always have you top end guys all the time. It’s just a feather in all of the guys caps how deep our team is. I’m pretty pleased really.” said Fisk
On top of the streak the 81’s have been on, it featured a shutout streakseeing Minto go from December 2nd to the 16th slamming the door shut on goals as Fisk says between the pipes, they’ve been steady.
“Danny has been pretty steady, he always has been, he’s a top goaltender for sure.”
With a playoff ticket punched, the end goal is still in sight and there is always room for improvement adds Ryan.
“Games are going to be I feel like more meaningful, more intense. You’re going to need a deeper lineup down the stretch and into the playoffs. Just try to keep everyone healthy before the playoffs”
Into the New Year, the Minto 81’s have a 3 game weekend which includes a home match against Creemore at the Palmerston Arena Complex.
It’ll be the 81’s Alumni night with retired players lacing up for an exhibition game before the 8:30pm puck drop against the Coyotes.