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The Arnprior Packers have exploded out of the gates and are currently on the best start in franchise
history, with 10 wins and zero losses.
This puts the team at the top of the pack for the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL). The
Packers currently sit in first place of the Richardson division at 10-0. Over in the Martin division, the
Ottawa Jr. Canadians sport a 7-2 record for top spot in their division.
Coach Barry Cape calls it an incredible start for the team.
“We had been building and improving for four years now. With the additions made this summer I knew
we would compete for a top spot but never expected to come out of the gates this strong,” said Cape.
“Going 10-0 is not something you expect or even talk about, I think it must be a record for best start by a
Packers team. Hopefully we can keep this wagon rolling.”
Those across the EOJHL are starting to take notice of the teams’ powerful performance, in the league’s
Stars of the Week release the second star was Nolan McGregor with three goals and three assists. The
20 year-old, Braeside player is in his final season in the EOJHL and is currently in fourth place in the
league with 10 goals, 11 assists for 21 points.
The Packers defeated the Valley Timberwolves in Eganville on Sunday, Oct. 23 winning 6-0. They often
say that to keep on winning you need strong defense, and with that being said the player of the game
recognition went to Finn Almstedt who played an incredible defensive game to limit the Wolves offence.
Between the pipes Jaden Cholette made 35 saves to earn his first shutout in the league for the win.
“We were short players due to injury and illness. It was a slow start but we focused on a simple game
and defensive play to avoid fatigue, said Cape. Our 16 year old rookie Jayden played great in net.”
On Oct. 25, it was announced that Cholette earned the EOJHL first star for the week. The rookie has
started the season off with a 5-0 record, 1.0 goals against average and a .968 save percentage.
Samuel Klawitter and William Inoue led the way with a pair of goals each with Emmitt Robillard and
Tyson Verch both picking up singles. Klawitter is also tied for the stats lead in the league with 10 goals
and 16 assists for 26 points. He’s tied with his teammate Jake Coleman with seven goals and 19 assists
for 26 points. Rounding out the top five in the league is Andrew Cuglietta with 10 goals and seven assists
for 17 points.
Let’s pack the rink on Friday Oct. 28 as the Packers host the Smiths Falls Junior Bears (3-4-0-0).
“They are a fast team that pressures everywhere on the ice. They play a structured game and limit
scoring chances,” said Cape. “We expect a close, competitive game in front of a big crowd Friday night.
Most our players will be back from injury and illness so that should help us keep pace with Smiths Falls
speed.”
The puck drops at the Nick Smith Centre, 77 James St, Arnprior, at 7:30 p.m.

– Tiffany Lepack