Goaltender Jack Barrington’s 37-save performance solidified the Junior Cap's decisive 7-0 shutout win over the Eagles on November 8th
The rookie netminder is enjoying his first year with the Caps and turning heads with his focus and consistent play.
Steve Callahan, Junior Caps coach, said he was impressed with the patience and resilience of his rookie netminder, whose confidence and poise in net is being noticed.
“I knew there was going to be pressure on him. When you play at the Mary Brown’s Centre with more fans, the other team is up for it at the start of the game. His attitude and focus impressed me, especially in that game. He has played four for us now and won four.”
Barrington came to the Caps late to start the season, as he was invited to the Junior A Yarmouth Mariners training camp, a team where Callahan is a scout. After the game, he won the praise of the Caps' General Manager Paul Mills.
“The last game was one of those nights when I walked off the ice, into the tunnel, and met with Junior Caps General Manager Paul Mills. We both looked at each other and said Jack was good tonight.”
But Callahan was equally impressed with his team this season, especially its 8W-4L record with nine rookies in the lineup.
“I thought all the guys were dialled in. It was very business-like. We came off a couple of tough losses a couple of weekends before. One, we didn’t deserve to win, and the next night where we fought hard to win. It was a tough game that escaped us in the last few minutes. But the guys came focused on this game and had a business-like attitude.”
Zack Hawco led the scoring with two goals, followed by Jordan Winter, Sean Brown, Justin Hepditch, Andy Knight and Patrick Hurley, who all had single markers in the contest.
The third line did most of the damage in the game, which speaks to the depth of the Junior Caps roster.
“When you start from the backend out, good things usually happen. I thought our defence moved the puck quickly. I thought our forwards put us in a perfect position to receive the puck. We got some offence from what would be considered our third—and fourth-line guys. It was good to get what would be considered the back-end contributing. This year, it seems like you can throw any line out there, and it is a nice feeling.”
The game also tested the team's pack mentality after an Eagles stick deliberately tapped Barrington's mask while saving a scoring opportunity. Callahan said moments like that make the team stronger.
“I didn’t like the little tap, and Jack let the guy know, but I liked our pack mentality and how our team responded. Everyone was all in. Sometimes you have to do that, and sometimes you can’t. If anything, it made our team a little bit better. We were focused, and we were able to put our team ahead. It sparked our team and gave them a little edge from start to finish. We are willing to play the offensive, defensive and physical, which made me happy.”
The Junior Caps' next game will be Friday, November 16th, at the Mary Brown’s Centre. Callahan explained will be a taking care of unfinished business kind of match-up.
“They played us hard last game. They brought a great attitude. Some of them reminded us after the game and pointed towards the score clock to taunt us. Our guys are not going to forget about that. We are looking forward to Friday night's game. It should be a good one.”
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