Ottawa Junior ‘A’ Senators Showing Lots of Promise

Looking to build off what was a strong second half to last season, the Junior ‘A’ Senators, who haven’t qualified for the playoffs in the last two years, have an 11-3-0-1 record in their first 15 games, which sees them occupying second place in the ever-competitive Yzerman Division.

“We were top three or four teams from December on,” Jr. A Senators General Manager Patrick McCallen said about last year. “It’s (a good start), very important. You want to be the team which puts everyone on notice. “We have to stay confident and level-headed.”

Holding down first place in the division are the red-hot Rockland Nationals, who have won their first 15 games of the season.

In terms of last year’s strong second half, McCallen remarked, “It’s so encouraging for players and staff to see results. It’s encouraging and helps build morale.”

This year, Ottawa has approximately 10 new players, and so far, McCallen is encouraged by the chemistry he sees between his vets and rookies.

“I’m very happy with the group (players) we brought back,” McCallen said. “They are working and the guys are gelling really well. For a couple of years, we’ve been so close to making it (playoffs). We just have to continue putting the work in and trusting the process.”

This season, the team is stressing a defensive system which includes getting into the shooting lanes and grinding in the corners.

“I’m really happy with the effort and competitive level,” McCallen said. “They have really bought into the defensive style, and in the long run, playoffs are the objective.”

McCallen expects the veterans to lead by example and give 110 percent effort every day.

Among the Ottawa players off to strong starts are second-year centerman Clément Valette, who currently leads the team with 15 points (3 goals, 12 assists). Other top point producers include rookie left winger Wynston Iserhoff, who sits second in team scoring with 9 points (five goals, four assists) and forward Deklyn Campbell, who is in third place with 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists).

In describing what Valette brings to the team, McCallen didn’t miss a beat before saying, “He’ll do anything for the team. He’s such a great teammate. He can score in different ways and has improved defensively. He is also a great penalty killer”.

On Iserhoff, McCallen was very complimentary, stating, “He has a pro-level shot and is very highly skilled.”

Overall, McCallen voiced tremendous praise for all his players, including second-year left winger Caleb Mead, who has gotten off to a solid start, having produced five goals and seven points in the first 15 games.

“He’s a hard worker who battles and has an underrated shot,” McCallen said.

McCallen went on to add, “The guys have really bought in and are playing the right way. All four lines are going, we have structure, and we’re a hard team to play against.”

The Junior ‘A’ Senators have accomplished their first mission of getting off to a solid start, and are well-positioned to chase down their next big objective — a berth in the CCHL playoffs.