2015/16 Minor Midget Record: 11-16-6 (8th Place)
Final Result: Lost in 3 to London in Quarter-Finals
2015/16 Major Bantam Record: 6-22-2 (10th Place)
Lost in 4 to Cambridge in Quarter-Finals
The Cyclones of Chatham-Kent were just able to hold onto the final playdown spot during the Minor Midget season last year, falling to the London Jr. Knights. The Cyclones are hoping a cohesive squad with another year under their belt together can lead to some successful improvements.
Last year, the Cyclones were a team that could score with the best of them, but struggled to stop a shootout from occurring. Led by forwards Grant Spence and Eric Carter, Chatham was quickly climbing the standings at one point last season before ultimately dropping down to 8th spot. Though the Cyclones were swept by London, they showed incredible heart, especially during a tight game one.
The 2001 team will have lots to prove this season. In 2015/16, the bantam Cyclones finished 10th out of 11 teams with only six wins during their 30 game campaign. A quarter-final series with the Cambridge Hawks ended up going four games, but the Hawks pulled away late in the series. It was, much like the 2000 age group, the defense that struggled.
Looking at this season, the 2001 team nearly remains intact from a year ago. 15 players will be returning for the Minor Midget season. Despite some defensive issues, Chatham will see big time defenseman Grayson Ladd and Briar Dittmer return to the blue line. Also look for forward Evan Wells to once again lead the offensive charge.
The road ahead will be tough for this squad, but there are strengths on this team that with the right system in place, success can be had.
2016/17 Chatham-Kent Cyclones Roster
Nolan DeKoning
Sean McNally
Grayson Ladd
Bailey Smith
Briar Dittmer
Dylan Schives
Sebastion Stubberfield
Garrette Stonefish
Evan Wells
Cam Welch
Cole McKinnon
Aidan Lachine
Connor Wright
Zander Wright
Nolan Bernier
Malcolm Campbell
Lucas Fancy
Josh Noah
