Oak Leafs Hockey Club 2003-2004 Season

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD
Oak Leafs Hockey Year in Review
by Corporal J.C. Moreau, CD

The 2003/2004 season began with the usual optimism and bantering of bringing the championship trophy home to Mewata. With the return of part of the team from Bosnia, combined with new players as well as the Old Guard that formed the 2002/2003 Team, the Oak Leafs would be a team to contend with. 

Under the leadership of player/coach and team captain Chris Tucker, the Oak Leafs took to the ice in their first game against H.M.C.S. Tecumseh Blues which netted a 5-4 win for the Oak Leafs. After a few shaky games (one loss and one tie), the team enjoyed a winning streak that carried them till the end of November. Once again it was time to play the Calgary Vets, the proverbial thorn in the side for the Oak Leafs. Losing once already to the Vets, the Oak leafs managed to tie them in a 3 to 3 game. Following this game the team entered into a slump with a few wins but mostly ties or losses. A noticeable absence on the Oak Leafs defence was Glenn "THE ZAMBONI" Fedoruk. recovering from a serious off-ice injury.

By the end of February the Oak Leafs still could not shake off the bad streak. Fortunately a break came for the team in the form of an exhibition game against the BATUS Lions (composed of soldiers from British Army Training Unit Suffield). This exhibition game relieved the mounting stress the team was feeling. With renewed confidence the Oak Leafs started another winning streak. With the help of the big guns such as Dave Patton with 20 goals, James Hutchison with 13, Darren Mccallum with 11, Kevin Knight with 12 goals, and finally Josh Morris and Chris Tucker with 10 goals each as well as phenomenal goaltending by Mike Smith the team went forward into the playoff (round robbin) with 2 wins and one loss putting the Oak Leafs in first place, with the Vets hot on their heels. However on 22 March 2004 the Oak Leafs suffered a 5 to 3 loss at the hands of the 14 Service Battalion Huskies. Unfortunately that second loss knocked off all hope of winning the league championship.

Already our thoughts are to next year, as well hopefully a trip to Suffield to play against BATUS. This would seem to be fitting with Her Majesty the Queen’s upcoming visit. As we neared the end of the season the Third Battalion PPCLI claimed its first Highlander and teammate Kevin "PING" Knight. Kevin finished the season with 12 goals and 10 assists. The team wishes Kevin the best with his new battalion. Now those cross bars can rest in peace.

^{In closing, the Oakleafs would like to thank Colonel/Private Moffat for piping us out to the ice. Sir, next year we will be having you play Black Bear so much, you will never want to play it again!}