Local AAA teams excelling

Three of the top-5 teams in the Alliance Hockey U16AAA league hail from Windsor-Essex and Kent County. The Windsor Jr. Spits (4-0) are third overall. The Chatham Cyclones (3-1) are 4th while the SunCounty Panthers (3-3) come in at #5. "The Alliance is super competitive this year with the 2008 group. Any team can win on any night." said Panthers' head coach Zack Percy. "I really like our group so far, they’ve proven in a short period of time together, that they are capable of playing well against some of the best teams in Ontario."

The Jr. Spits have come out of the gates strong allowing only 5 goals in their first four games while netting 14. "Our message right from training camp has been "believe" and this group right now has that belief and confidence in themselves to do some special things this year." said head coach Matt Zuccato who believes this is one of the hardest working groups he's had in his 5 years at the helm. "They come to the rink wanting to learn and get better each practice."

There's still lots of season left but it's good to see area teams and players having an impact. The Spits are at the CCM World Invite in Chicago starting Friday when they open the tournament against the Chicago Misson.

The Panthers have a busy weekend coming up as they head to Brantford Friday before a back to back in Cambridge Saturday and Sunday.

Windsor and Sun County don't square off against each other until November 24th at Central Park Athletics at 7pm. "Having two competitive teams in this area makes the rivalry that much better. We know every time Windsor and Sun County play against each other the games are going to be close, and they’re going to be a battle.

Mark it in your calendar.