The Princeton Posse entered the 2019-2020 season missing some things.
Like ice, and a home dressing room.
With the Princeton arena awaiting a replacement of chiller equipment, the team was forced to limit its summer camp, and to make daily trips to Merritt for tryouts and practices.
Those are humble beginnings for the best season the Posse has seen in eight years - 22 wins placing them in striking distance of first place in the division.
The team has picked up 17 points in their last 10 games, with eight wins and an overtime tie, and sits only six points behind Kelowna Chiefs.
“It’s a nice new level,” said Coach Mark McNaughton. “It’s nice to know we are in a spot where we are comfortable making the playoffs. Having a chance to chase down first place is a nice goal for us and certainly something to strive for.”
There’s no secret sauce to the team’s success, he said.
“It’s just been a really consistent year and I think for the group to hold the best record in the league since Christmas is a good sign of finishing strong. We are excited about this last month and a try to push for that first place in the the division.”
The bench has focused on basic skill development and strategies, added McNaughton.
“We really put an emphasis this year when we were building, trying to increase our team speed and skill set….We trust that they are good hockey players and we have been letting them play and supporting them with some structure.”
The Posse has been in second place since early in December.
“We’ve had a lot of guys really step up and what we are really seeing, again in the last two months, are guys playing as a team. No matter who’s on the ice I thinking we have an opportunity to be productive offensively and our group of defensive players has done a great job.”
There are eight games left in the regular season and the Posse was to play Kelowna at home Wednesday night, with a chance to draw four points in the standings.
To report a typo, email:
publisher@similkameenspotlight.com.
andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.