Titans open PJHL season with Brant County talent leading the way

George Le Gresley

Sports Correspondent 

Looking at this year’s edition of the Paris Titans roster, the first statement coming to mind is that Brant County is well represented. In fact, 10 of the 24 players come from Brant/Brantford. Also, 10 rookies are being introduced to the PJHL style of play, known for hard-hitting and fast action, which, for some, is an eye-opener. 

Another fact is that the on-ice leadership team is all Brant/Brantford bred, with assistant captains being Blake Kersey from the town of Scotland, Spencer Edwards from Brantford and from Paris, Josh Edwards and team Captain Ryan Gardner-O’Keefe. Ryan, who started his Junior career with the Mounties, followed by two years playing in the GOHL (Junior B), had asked to come back to Paris and play for the Titans. 

Ryan, who for the last two years has volunteered his time coaching with his father, the Paris Panther High School hockey team and when his Junior hockey career ends, he wants to continue to be part of the Titan organization.

The Titans opened their season with a home-and-home series against the Tavistock Braves, beginning on the road Friday, Sept. 12. Paris came up short in the opener, falling 6-2. Despite five power-play opportunities, the Titans couldn’t capitalize, but the scoresheet still featured plenty of Kersey family flair. Blake Kersey netted the first goal, assisted by Trevor McDowell, while the second came from Jack Kersey, set up by his brother Cole. Goaltender Cole Stevens was tagged with the loss.

Saturday’s home opener in front of a 300+ crowd featured the Titans doing the pregame warmup in the Paris Mounties uniform in honour of 30 years of Junior hockey in Paris. The wearing of the Mounties uniform during warm-ups, I am told, will continue the remainder of the season. Maybe a treat for the spectators would be to wear these uniforms for a special game!

The Braves opened the scoring in the first period with a power play 8 minutes into the period. Twenty-three seconds later, Cole Kersey scored to tie the game at one, tying the score at 1-1. Two minutes later, with a Brave in the penalty box, new Titan Kayden Blacquiere scores a power play goal, with an assist from another newcomer, Jay Metler. The period ended with the Titans leading 2-1.

In the second period, Tavistock scored the first goal, tying things up, followed by a goal from Jake Semiwolos, whose goal was assisted by Josh Schell for a 3-2 lead. Tavistock, having a man advantage for a power play, scored, tying the game at 3-3.

In the third period, the Titans had four power plays that failed to produce a goal and Tavistock sealed the game with two more goals, one of which was an empty-netter, to leave the Brant Sports Complex with a 5-3 win. Colton Thompson, the Titan goalie, had a good game, stopping two Brave breakaways!

Next up for the Titans is a visit to play the Navy Vets on Friday, September 19, followed by another away game in Dorchester on Saturday, September 20.

The Titans return home on Tuesday, September 23, for a match against Woodstock. Game time is 7:30 pm at the Brant Sports Complex.