U18 Warriors searching for positives in season

The U18 Stratford Warriors have endured a tough stretch to start the season.

During the past week, the Warriors hosted the London Jr. Knights at the Rotary Complex on Nov. 26 and were outmatched in a 5-1 blowout loss. On Nov. 29, the Warriors squandered the lead in the third period to lose 5-3 to the Woodstock Jr. Navy Vets.

Following the defeat to London, head coach Riley Mathieson commented on the game and expressed optimism that the team can find its stride as the season progresses.

“Tonight was another tough, tough loss, but you know, we won the third period, and we're gonna take the positive from it, and we're going to look towards the future and be ready for the next game too,” Mathieson said.

“It's a long season. You know, it's taken us a little bit to get our footing here, but I'm confident that we're gonna find it, and once we do, we're not going to look back.”

Team captain Owen Blain, who scored the lone goal for the Warriors in the third period against London, feels honoured to don the Warriors uniform and play in the city.

"It's super nice. I have known all these guys since I started playing hockey. It's nice to be back with these boys. It's a great team. Love the coaches, love the guys. It's a great environment,” Blain said. “Huge privilege to get to see this year and getting to represent this city. It's just a great privilege getting to represent the city.”

In addition to the regular season, the Warriors participated in the Jack McNaughton International Silver Stick in Stratford from Nov. 7 to Nov. 9 and the Waterloo tournament the following week, between Nov. 14 and Nov. 16. At both tournaments, the Warriors finished with identical 0-1-2 records and failed to qualify for the next round.

Mathinson said the team is progressing, but stated the team needs to focus on self-discipline, as reflected in the result against the Jr. Knights.

"Probably had played some good games in our last two tournaments, didn't quite get the results that I thought we deserved, but I think we're trending in the right direction right now,” Mathieson said.

“I think if we continue to compete like that, we're gonna be more successful going forward, and I think that's the main focus right now, is playing as a team and competing as a team."

Next up for the U18 Warriors is Dec. 6 against the St. Thomas Jr. Stars at the Rotary Complex, followed by the road game in London against the Jr. Knights on Dec. 7.