Sydney Academy will enter the tournament looking to redeem themselves after a tough weekend on the road at the City of Lakes tournament in Dartmouth, which saw the club suffer lopsided losses, scoring only one goal in three games. 

Despite the difficult tournament, Crane said there were positives to take away from the games.

“We had some tough teams up there but there were some things that we did well in those games and that’s what we’re focusing on going into the Blue and White,” said Crane. 

Wildcats assistant coach Justin Lund said the team has been battling illness and suspensions in recent weeks but expects the majority of the club’s players to be back in the lineup for the tournament. 

“Most of the suspensions are all cleared up and now the team has to come out, work hard and they have to want to win it,” he said. “We’re not really out talented by any of the teams in the tournament, so I think it’s going to come down to the team that works the hardest.”

Joining Sydney Academy and Memorial in the tournament will be the Glace Bay Panthers, Riverview Ravens, Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars of Truro, Central Kings Gators of Cambridge, N.S., and Hants East Tigers on Milford, N.S.

In Cape Breton High School Hockey League play, Sydney Academy has a 1-13-1-0 record. While the record doesn’t necessarily speak for how competitive the team has been this season, Crane hopes the club will use the tournament as momentum going into the playoffs. 

“It’s a good opportunity for us to use this as a turning point in our season,” said Crane. “We can get some motivation out of it and show that we can play with some of the best teams in the province and it will only help our confidence as well.” 

Schedule

Thursday
• 7:30 p.m. - Memorial vs. Sydney Academy

Friday
• 10 a.m. - Glace Bay vs. Riverview
• 1 p.m. - CEC vs. Memorial
• 2:30 p.m. - Riverview vs. Hants East
• 2:30 p.m. - Sydney Academy vs. Glace Bay
• 6 p.m. - Central Kings vs. CEC
• 7:30 p.m. - Sydney Academy vs. Hants East

Saturday
• 8 a.m. - Riverview vs. Central Kings
• 9:30 a.m. - Memorial vs. Hants East
• 11 a.m. - Glace Bay vs. CEC
• 12:30 p.m. - Sydney Academy vs. Central Kings
• 5 p.m. – Semifinal No. 1
• 5 p.m. – Semifinal No. 2

Sunday
• 12 p.m. – Championship

Lund believes there were a couple of games in the first half of the season where the Wildcats deserved to win, but the club’s work ethic will determine their outcome in the tournament. 

“The first game against Memorial is very important for us,” said Lund. “We’ve had some back-and-forth games with them and getting that first win on opening night will be key.” 

Memorial leads the regular season series with Sydney Academy 4-1. 

Crane, who leads the team in points with six goals and 13 points in 12 games, said the contest with the Marauders will set the club’s mood for the tournament early. 

“Memorial is a hard-working team and we have to show up and give it our best,” he said. “At the end of the three periods, if we work hard enough I think we will have the outcome that we’re looking for.” 

Crane isn’t the only offensive player for the Wildcats. In fact, linemates Kent Wolodka and Kenzie Carew have had strong starts to the season as well. Wolodka has five goals and 10 points in 13 games, while Carew has five goals and eight points in 14 games. 

Following Thursday night’s contest, Sydney Academy will play a pair of games on Friday against Glace Bay at 2:30 p.m. and Hants East at 7:30 p.m. The team finishes the round robin on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. against Central Kings. 

Both semifinal games will be played at 5 p.m. on Saturday, while the championship game is slated to take place on Sunday at 12 p.m.