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Ottawa Junior Senators Score On and Off the Ice
By Liam Maguire
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Fred Crouch and the Ottawa Junior Senators continue to move mountains in the CJHL. They've moved up in the standings and recently moved a truckload of food in the direction of needy families in Ottawa.
After overcoming a horrendous start, the Junior Sens have slowly climbed up the ladder in the CJHL's Robinson Division to first place, where they currently sit. In January, they helped attract donations to Ottawa's food bank.
Sparked by a resurgence in timely goal scoring and solid coaching, the Senators have battled Hawkesbury for top spot most of the season and are geared up for a strong run in the playoffs.
"We need to get healthy and stay hungry, not to mention far more consistent in our style of play to have any type of success in the upcoming playoff run," says Crouch. "I don't feel we've been firing on all cylinders since the Christmas break. A big part of that I'm sure had to do with a rather weak January schedule and the exclusion of injured veteran forward Ben Ing from the line-up.
"We are fortunate in that we have some incredible talent on our side but we can't take anything for granted. Cornwall is quickly gaining ground and we've been battling it out with Hawkesbury all season. It's going to be a difficult and tough playoff run. Should make for some exciting hockey."
That it will, especially when you consider Pembroke Lumber Kings and Nepean Raiders on the other side. The Raiders have been on quite a run for several years. Pembroke has one of the more storied existences in league history and have been ranked number one nationally most of the year.
Several other teams will be extremely formidable come playoff time.
Crouch and co-owner Michael Wong also took time to help a much-needed cause earlier this winter. Ottawa's food bank can always use the support and what better night to try to help this noteworthy cause than during a classic Ottawa-Nepean match-up.
"The food bank was chosen as a gentle reminder to us all that the season of giving doesn't end on Christmas Day," said Crouch. "The needs of the food bank and of those less fortunate than many of us continue year-round. It's so easy to help. It's so easy to donate. Make the effort so we can all benefit. You may be helping to put food in the mouths of children who have only your donation standing between hunger and their next meal."
With the help of local radio personalities, the Jr. Senators collected non-perishable items prior to the game. Despite terrible weather a solid crowd turned out that included Canada's greatest rugby player, Al Charron, a noted hockey buff.
"Many thanks go out to the Team 1200, Dean Roberts, and Liam Maguire and to all those fans who showed up to our Jan. 4 food Bank Awareness Evening," said Crouch. "Despite the terrible weather, fun was had by all, particularly by those fans who participated with the on-ice antics of the TiGOR, and with Liam Maguire's Trivia Challenge." We raised a truckload of food for the food bank and hopefully brought the plight of those less fortunate than us to the attention of some enthusiastic Junior 'A' hockey fans! A heart-felt thanks to all those who participated - it was a great evening."
Only the score upended the Jr. Sensator's effort that night. Nepean erased a solid effort by Ottawa at a comeback in the third period to earn a hard fought 7-4 victory.
A great night capped by an excellent response to help one of Ottawa's most needed charities. Thanks to all.
Reproduced with permission from Liam Maguire |
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