Ontario Hockey Association

The Mount Forest Patriots season ended this weekend in a battle with disappointing turn out... a short bench due to injuries, illness and a suspension. The Patriots headed into Sunday’s battle with Hanover needing a solid performance from all hands on deck. Okay, at least having all hands on deck would have been a good start! The team was disappointed that a few members decided to celebrate family day on Sunday instead of Monday left the team shorthanded. 

“You battle all year and deal with the up’s and downs… you don’t expect players to let you down when it matters most. That’s what happened to us on the most important day of the season,” said Head Coach & General Manager Gerry Hillier. “It says a lot about one’s character and commitment when they bail out on team mates when it matters most. Those are weak individuals,” said Coach Hillier, “and individuals that have a lot ahead of them in developing the maturity and the life skills they’ll need in day-to-day life (let alone hockey). It was the most disappointing part of my year and that’s saying a lot, considering all that’s taken place this year.”

The Patriots battled hard until the end of the game, but with only 6 forwards and 3 healthy defense remaining at the game’s end, the outcome was inevitable. The Hanover Barons won 7-0 to sweep the series in 3 games.

“Next year’s season begins today,” said Coach/GM Hillier. The Pats have a year end TEAM meeting on Wednesday February 20^th, to gather up equipment and discuss a few items for closure on this season. After that, it’s hard to work for Hillier and executive to build and prepare for next year, a new rink and new dreams. 

It’s all happening this coming fall and we are preparing for that now said Hillier. Recruiting has already begun for the 2008/2009 season. Hillier is planning an eastern business trip (through his work) where he will be visiting a few players that he hopes to encourage to come back to Ontario and play for the Patriots. He has at least 4 players in his sights and he is hopeful the trip east will prove fruitful in gaining a catch for the team.  “I’m cautiously optimistic,” said Hiller. “It’s going be a fun trip with the hopes of setting the table for these off season acquisitions.”

“We are not far away if I can get the 3 or 4 players we have on our radar!  We will be contenders without a problem.  “Let’s see how our recruiting goes over the next few months. In the meantime we have a few issues here at home to resolve and put closure on. It’s all part of moving forward and moving forward is what we intend to do.” The Mount Forest GM has been actively setting the table for a few players currently playing in different leagues and is hopeful they will decide to come and join the Patriots for the coming season. Only commitment and time will tell, so stay tuned Pats fans!

“Thank you to all of our supporters for sticking by us this season and supporting us to the end. Last Saturday night’s game was very well attended and a great atmosphere for our team to compete in. Thank you again to all our Patriots fan’s for the continued support!”