Wolves eliminated from WECSSAA boys hockey playoffs

North Star’s Ryan Reid (right, black jersey) takes a shot during the WECSSAA quarterfinal Feb. 12 in Essex. The Wolves lost a 4-1 decision to the Essex Raiders.

The North Star Wolves travelled to Essex for the WECSSAA boys hockey playoffs last week but they will travel no further.

The Wolves dropped a 4-1 decision in the WECSSAA quarterfinal with a first period goal from Kyle Glover being the only goal for North Star.

Despite the loss, North Star head coach Glen Holden was pleased with his team’s performance.

“It was an excellent hockey game,” said Holden. “I’m proud of their effort. Essex finished ahead of us in the standings for a reason.”

Holden pointed out it was a 1-1 game heading into the third period but things went the Red Raiders’ way in the third period.

“They got a couple of breaks. We didn’t,” said Holden. 

Holden said there was “significant improvement” in the Wolves from the start of the year to the end.

“We finished strong,” he said, noting the three-game winning streak to end the regular season. “We’ve got a young team.”

The Wolves lose only three players to graduation, said Holden, and got regular contributions this season from Grade 9, 10 and 11 players.

“That makes us pretty excited about what the future holds,” he stated.

Ryan Reid, one of North Star’s seniors, said the team played well in the game against Essex, even though they lost.

“I thought we played alright. We gave a good effort.”

There was room for improvement, though, and he said an even better effort was needed.

“It’s hard in a one-game series. Anything can happen,” said Reid.

“We played a really good game,” added teammate Troy McGuire. 

McGuire added they didn’t have the start they wanted to this season, but picked it up towards the end.

“I think we played pretty good in the second half of the season,” said McGuire.

Wolves eliminated from WECSSAA boys hockey playoffs

By Ron Giofu