Alliston Rolling; 14 Game Win Streak

The 14 game win streak and 28 point climb in the standings by the Alliston Coyotes is nothing short of Herculean. The Alliston Coyotes in their inaugural season are taking the league by storm with solid play and an all-out total team effort. In addition it doesn’t hurt having NHL Star Joe Murphy behind the bench rolling the lines.

During this current drive the Coyotes have taken downleague leaders including the South Muskoka Shield, Temiscaming Titans, Orangeville Americans and the Bradford Bulls. Showing great will and dedication they soundly beat three of them in succession making a loud statement to the league that the Coyotes are in it to win it.

The streak came to life approximately the same time that the Coyotes added power forward Jacob Vander Zagg from Allistonand dynamic forward DimitryLiameschanka from Belarus to the lineup. These players’ added skill and much needed depth for the short staffed Coyotes bench.

Game after game the players have stepped up to meet whatever challenge the opposition presents. During the 14 game win stretch for the Coyotes all the games have been tough against good teams with different playing styles and game plans.

Captain Chris Brown has been leading the team from day one in points and he has been providing stellar leadership from the get go. With great patience and superior ability Chris has established himself as one of the GMHL elite players.  Chris’s ability to anticipate at high speed and hissmooth passing is something to see and enjoy for all hockey fans. Chris’s line mates Vander Zagg and Liamaschanka have gelled nicely and are dangerous every shift.

Coyotes Fan favourite, powerhouse defenseman Derek Van Ness has proven to be arguably the league’s best D-man. He can shoot, score, pass and man can he dish out a body check out. Van Ness can and does change the game complexion at will, bringingpassion and a desire to succeed every game. It is easy to understand why he is a favourite amongst the fans and his team mates.

Team goal scoring leader with 35, Gordy Bonnell is an exciting player to watch. With great speed, Gordy is an elusive player with excellent hands and pin point accuracy.  Combined with line mates Filip Sedivy and Nikita Nikitin the three are deadly in the attack zone and generally leave the competition looking dumbfounded. FilipSedivy is strong and determined and very difficult to handle. Young NikitaNikitin is a top notch dangler that skates with such ease it seems he is out their alone sometimes. This line has been a huge contributor to the success of the Coyotes.

The third and fourth line players have equally contributed to the team’s success, performing their roles with pride and with purpose. Players like Randy Mortley, Troy Wilson, Brandon Manktelow, Kaz, Sergey Rovinets and Alex Duktovich. All hard working players determined to step up their game when called upon.

Defensively the Coyotes have beenblessed with solid hardworking defenseman. Derek Van Ness, Vlad Sokolov, Marshall Berninghausen, Boris Tobolov, SlavomirZub, Sergey Rovinets and Mikhail Antonov make up the defense corps that works every game, grinding the attacking forwards, getting the pucks out of our end and feeding our forwards.  Good attitudes and attention to detail whether defending leads or fighting for the advantage has been a huge asset and reason for the Coyotes climb.

Coyote’s number 1 goaltender Anton Todykov has been a wall between the pipes for the Coyotes. Anton is no stranger to big games and stopping lots of rubber. As seen in recent GMHL polls he is one of the best in the league. Big guy and quick legs, hard blocker and wicked glove hand, Anton has the all the tools to be a pro goalie.

Back up Bruno Novotony has had a great season also with a winning record and filling in admirably as a young developing goaltender. Both goalies have kept the Coyotes in all of our games this season always giving us an opportunity to be victorious. Although with limited action goaltenders Denis Tsaruk and Simone Obertas each have winning records and are developing their game nicely as young goaltenders.

The Coyotes are rolling that is for sure. The team is grateful for this 28 point climb in the standings and are not taking anything for granted. They are focused on the win not the streak. They understand that to too reach their goals they must perform at a high level all the time, not just some of the time.

As for all of the staff and fans it has been an exciting ride and a pleasure to watch as the Coyotes make their mark.

 

All streaks come to an end but for now we are enjoying this one.