After losing many of their veteran players after the 2023-24 season, the Carleton Place Canadians had no choice. They had to let the youth run free. It is something that is immediately evident looking at the roster. Sixteen players on the roster were born in 2006 or earlier, and seventeen players are playing in their first CCHL season.
Safe to say that it is paying off so far.
The Canadians entered the Holiday Break with a record of 18-10-1-3, good enough to lead the Robinson Division and 4th in the CCHL after 32 games.
The season started with the growing pains a young team is expected to experience, with a 2-3-1-1 record in September, but they would quickly turn it around.
The Canadians would go on a two month home winning streak from mid-October to mid-November. This included seven straight wins, six of which came in regulation time. Since the start of October, Carleton Place has won 10 of 13 on home ice, leading to the second best home record in the league.
Their success is not just limited to home ice, however. Starting on October 27th, the Canadians went a whole month without a regulation loss, being victorious in 8 of 9 with the only loss coming in a shootout.
The team has been led by captain Loic Prud’Homme (‘04, Ottawa, ON) who has recorded 15 goals and 25 assists for 38 points in 31 games, which is good enough to put him in tenth place in league scoring. He is joined by fellow veteran Will Bouwer (‘04, Carp, ON) whose 18 goals on the year puts him tied for eighth place in league goal scoring.
It’s a group of players that is leading off the ice as well. Carleton Place owner, GM and coach Brent Sullivan emphasised the importance of having a strong group of leaders on a young team. “I was disappointed last year in our culture, ultimately that falls on me and I take ownership of it.” admits Sullivan. “In saying that, it was important that we chose the right leaders and returners to bring back to support the youth here. Prud’homme, Bouwer, [Ian] Vandenberg, [Cole] Mathews, as 20 year olds initially was the perfect group. Add in Tristan Boudreau and the return of Masen Culley and you have a nice mix of character, competitiveness, and guys that want to win.”
The myriad of rookies have been a massive help for Carleton Place as well. Miller Kay (‘06, Ottawa, ON) ranks third on the Canadians with 32 points, one point off the CCHL rookie lead. Finn Barton (‘07, Kinburn, ON) is tied for the rookie lead in goals with 12. Both Miller Kay and Ryan Small (‘06, Grand Falls-Windsor, NL) have won CCHL Player of The Week honours. Furthermore, Finn Barton won Rookie of The Month for the month of November. Overall, six of the top ten rookie point totals belong to Carleton Place Canadians.
The youth were on full display during the Battle of Ontario in November, where seven Carleton Place Canadians were named to the Robinson Young Guns team, coached by Brent Sullivan. “Lots of fun for our guys to be a part of the Young Stars with having so many eligible players for it.” Sullivan says, “It’s a nice feather in the cap for our guys to showcase what CPC is all about with their peers.”
Only one Canadian was named to the Robinson All-Star Team, forward Jackson Froysland (‘06, Byron Center, MI). “Of course I was disappointed we only had one named to the All Star event,” says Sullivan “I felt we had more that could have been there.”
There have also been some important reinforcements for Carleton Place. Masen Culley (‘04, Ashton, ON) has been a big piece on defence since returning from the NAHL. In his second season with the Canadians, he has recorded 2 goals and 5 points in 7 games. Henry Doucet (‘08, Kanata, ON) has also put up 4 goals in 13 games after a stint with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves. The Canadians are also awaiting the return of Brady Blaseg (‘08, Ottawa, ON) from an injury he suffered in his CCHL debut. He started his season in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals, playing 6 games with them.
The goalies have been a strong point this year as well. Ian Vandenberg (‘04, Nepean, ON) ranks 3rd in the CCHL in GAA at 2.62, and 5th in save percentage at 0.916%. Rookie Ty Ferguson (‘07, Almonte, ON) ranks 11th in both statistics (0.906sv%, 2.96 GAA).
The team’s growth can be shown by the improving power play. Carleton Place only scored two power play goals in their first ten games, playing to a power play percentage of 4.22%, dead last in the league. They would then record 8 power play markers over their next 10 games to improve to a power play percentage of 12.08%. They now sit seventh in the league with a success rate of 20% on the man advantage.
“Power play is alot about detail and confidence.” commented Brent Sullivan. “It took some time for us to figure out our units, who’s more comfortable where and sticking with it. What was challenging to start was not only were we not scoring, it was deflating and losing confidence for the entire group and you could feel it on the bench. Been much better of late and guys are buying in and quite receptive to what we want to do.”
The penalty kill has been consistently successful this year. Entering the holiday break, the Canadians sit at 83.0% on the penalty kill, good for third best in the league.
Carleton Place plays nine games in the month of January, including a five game home stand between the 12th and 26th.
Even with the strong start, coach Sullivan knows his team can’t get complacent “We’ve had the underdog mentality all season and that won’t change regardless of where we sit in the standings. You’re only as good as your next game, and we have to continue to generate momentum and play the right way.”
However, there is still much to celebrate. “I will say this, this may be the most proud I have been as a coach to coach this group of men. We love going to battle everyday with them. Excited for the second half!”
Story by Zach Beamish
