NEWS ITEM

Friday, November 12th, 2010

 

Vets enter weekend on a high note

By CORY SMITH, SENTINEL-REVIEW

WOODSTOCK -- The Woodstock Navy Vets enter this weekend looking for their second straight win and third straight game with a point.

Travis Horvath scored a hat trick Wednesday as the Navy Vets defeated Glanbrook, 6-2, for their second win of the season. Woodstock hosts Aylmer tonight at 7:45 p.m. and travels to Simcoe Sunday to face the Storm.

"We're playing well enough that the coaches don't need to say anything between periods," Woodstock head coach Jeff Morrison said. "They've caught on and bought in. As they've done that their play has improved."

Woodstock led 3-0 after the first period and 5-2 after the second. Derek Cowing, Matt Smith and Kyle Morris also scored. The line of Morris, Horvath and Christian Crossett, which was put together against Grimsby two weeks ago, combined for 10 points.

"They're used as a shutdown line but they're generating offence off their defensive play," Morrison said.

A healthy defensive corpse helped Vets goaltender Trevor Neabel earn his first win. Woodstock, which lost 3-2 in Aylmer last weekend, has allowed only five goals in its last two games.

"It's a drastic improvement for this team," Morrison said.

Overall, Woodstock is 2-10-2 but has gained five of 10 points in its last five games. Woodstock trails Paris by four points for fifth place in the Niagara west division.

"Fifth place is now within sight, whereas two weeks ago it was a long ways away," Morrison said. "You can feel the confidence in the room. Things start to come together and there isn't panic on the bench when the other team scores. As we gain confidence we get better, and as we get better we gain confidence."

As an homage to their Navy Vets name, all former and current military personnel are admitted free for tonight's game. The Oxford County Naval Veterans Association and Royal Canadian Legion Colour Guards will be on hand before the puck drop.

"Without the Oxford County Naval Veterans Association there would be no Woodstock Navy Vets junior hockey team," Morrison said. "The team owes their very existence to the Navy Club. This is our way of showing thanks."

corysmith@bowesnet.com