After a strong showing during the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL) Showcase last weekend, the Rockland Nationals are ready to welcome the Cornwall Colts later this week, marking the team’s official home opener.
With wins against the Carleton Place Canadians and the Kemptville 73’s during the CCHL Showcase, held on Sept 14 and 15 at the Benson Centre in Cornwall, the Nats hope to keep the momentum going when they host the Colts on Friday, Sept. 20.
“It felt good to get back out on the ice and into the routine of a new season,” said Nats forward Josh O’Connor. “It’s great to get some wins, but it’s really early and it’s a long season.”
O’Connor is entering his second year with the Nats and was recently named team captain for the upcoming season.
“It’s an honour to be named captain,” said O’Connor. “It’s something I take a lot of pride in, being that positive voice and set the tone for the team. To have the confidence of the coaching staff to be the leader of this team just shows how much respect they have for me.”
After losing to the Navan Grads in the second-round of the playoffs last season, Rockland’s newly minted captain believes the team is able to take the next step and compete for a Centennial Cup.
“The goal is winning, and everyone is hungry,” said O’Connor. “We have really great depth and tons of potential. It’s going to be an exciting season for sure.”
Forward Alex Kelloway enters his second season as a member of the Nats program and shares his captain’s excitement for the upcoming season.
“We had a really strong team last year and are ready to take it to the next level,” said Kelloway. “Coach Pereira has really put it in our minds that we can win, and we are all just dialed in and ready to work. One thing that coach does is that he rolls four lines, because we have four lines that can score. And in order to be a championship calibre team, you need to be able to involve everyone and all guys need to be able to chip in.”
Trystan-Felix Tremblay and Jeremie Ndeffo were named assistant captains, rounding out the team’s leadership group.
For more information about the Rockland Nationals, visit www.rocklandnationalsjuniora.com.
