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That's Sports
MAROONS REPORT CARD
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
I'm not sure if the Chatham Maroons season was as sensational as I think or if it was because I was much closer to the team this year. The highs seemed much higher and lows seemed much lower this year more than any other year.My broadcast partner, Mike Regnier, took a look around after the last game on Sunday night and said "I can't beleive it's over---what are we going to do now?"
That's a darn good question. I guess we just start gearing up for next year.
It was an amazing season for Chatham after many people picked them to be in the middle of the pack in the standings but they stormed ahead to to finish tied for first place in the league and lost by virtue of St Mary's having one more win than Chatham.
I was going to do a report card on the team but man that's tough to do. I will grade the team overall and pick out some of the brightest spots in my mind. I thought overall the team played to an A-.
Even though they won the Western Junior B Championship the team did take some nights off which was something that they couldn't afford to do.
A few games against lesser opponents that Chatham lost meant the difference in winning the league in the standings.
I know that now the point is moot but when we were travelling to game seven in St Mary's I know there were a bunch of players, coaches, owners and training staff that would have rather played that game in Chatham.
With that little inconsistancy being the worst of the year the Maroons did make some amazing comebacks and showed more heart than most teams in recent history.
Some of the players this year that I thought were bright spots included Johnny Aitken and Kyle Funkenhauser.
Aitken is just such a complete player and is so good down low. He's the hardest working guy in the league.
When Funk is healthy he's simply the best. Funkenhauser won Chatham so many games this season with his great play and he would have been a little more of a factor in the playoffs if he hadn't been injured. It's no surprise that he was league MVP.
Jeff Weiringa and Kyle Nishizaki were in the same boat. They each had a solid year but being away at school for the first time was quite an adjustment and they made as many practises as they could but it takes a toll driving up and down the 401.
Mark my words, Josh Johnston will be a force to be reckoned with in the league next year. He is a natural scorer and this year he worked very hard at his defensive game. He is a complete player and might be another Johnny Aitken.
What can you say about Korey Carter? This kid is good. Although I think he's off to Western next year I think he could easily pick up a scholarship at a Division I school. He is fast and is not afraid to take one for the team. He could very well have been league MVP with the season he played.
Brett Vandehogan may not be the flashiest player on the ice but I would love to have 20 players with his skill, work ethic and heart. I would win the Championship every year. He just keeps going and going and he has some sweet hands in front of the net when he's not pounding someone into the boards with a bonecrushing hit.
Brandon Greenside was a rookie sensation---you could just see this kid getting better as the year went on. He became more confidant when handling the puck and had a great knack for poking the puck off the opponent's stick. If this kid picks up a couple of inches he will play in the show.
Jeff McFarland had a great year. He made the move from forward to "D" and did a great job. It's a lot to ask of an '88 to make that transition move and he did it well.
And finally Mike Sadjadi. Sadj was the back-up netminder to the league MVP which means he didn't get a lot of action but he worked hard in practise and was a big part of the team. I would love to Sadj come back next year and get some more starts. I think he could turn some heads.
All and all it was a great year for Chatham. The team won the Western Junior B Championship and suprpassed many expectations. More importantly 20 kids had a great time this year playing hockey and made friendships that will last a lifetime!
Gary Patterson was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He grew up in Thamesville and now lives in Chatham. Patterson was Sports Director at Beaver Communications an Blackburn Radio for over 15 years. Gary is also the track announcer at Dresden Raceway as well as some appearances at Windsor Raceway. He has played all sports inclduing being a mermber of three OBA Championship baseball teams in Thamesville and has also played hockey and football. Gary still plays golf, slo-pitch and ball hockey and well as the odd game of pick up hockey. Patterson is a passionate Miami Dolphin and Michigan Wolverine football fan. Here are few other details about Gary Patterson: Favourite food: steak, chicken wings, chili or Kenny Tharp\'s famous meatloaf; Favourite non alcoholic drink : Diet Coke; Favourite drink: Scotch, Coor\'s Light; Favourite Sports team : Miami Dolphins/Michigan Wolverines/New York Yankees; Favourite Bar : Bru\'s Room Margate Florida/Pompano Beach Florida; Favourite Bartender : Tanya (Margate), Sarah (Pompano); Favourie Vacataion spot : Pompano Beach Florida; Marital Staus : married with chilren Hockey player : Curtis Jospeh/Todd Bertuzzi; Favourite Football player : Retired Dan Marino, Anthony Thomas; Favourite Basketball player : Steve Nash Favourite Baseball player : Derek Jeter; Favourite colour : Blue; Favourite TV Show : CSI Favourite movie : The Sting, Blue Brothers and Field of Dreams; Favourite song Life Been Good To Me ( Joe Walsh); Favourite Band : Tom Petty/Eagles; Favourite type of Dog: Springer Spaniel; Favourite type of Cat : NONE
