Welcome to a new weekly feature in OrilliaMatters that shines the spotlight on the city’s minor hockey teams. This series is produced by Nick Raseta, an 18-year-old student pursuing a sports journalism career. His goal is to go beyond the scores, goals, assists and statistics. Over the weeks ahead, he will feature each of the city’s rep hockey teams, focusing on the unique stories and characters that provide the heartbeat of hockey in Orillia. He kicks off the series with a story about some familiar faces behind the bench of the major midget Terriers.
--
Most minor hockey teams are both similar and familiar.
There are kids the same age chasing the puck and their ice dreams as their parents and siblings and grandparents cheer from the stands.
And, more often than not, you’ll see the players’ parents volunteering on the bench.
However, that is not the case with the Kelsey’s Major Midget Orillia Terriers. Not only is this team comprised of players born in 2001 and 2002, the entire bench staff is made up of volunteers who are not related to any player on the team.
Head coach Mike Borrelli, coach Cole Middaugh, trainer Dave Melrose, and coach Lou Soriano each choose to take time away from their families, and sometimes work, to coach minor hockey.
Borrelli said they have chosen to volunteer out of a passion for the game.
“I’m very passionate about the game and I’m very passionate about turning these young boys into men,” said Borrelli. “Not only am I a coach, I am a mentor to these kids because hockey is a big part of their lives which makes me a big part of something they love to do.”
Borrelli, who has coached minor hockey for years, had high praise for his comrades on the bench. “Dave, Cole, and Lou bring loyalty, charisma and a sense of development to these boys,” he said. “They love what they’re doing and that’s why we all do this.”
The players admit it’s unusual not to have parents or teammates’ parents on the bench.
“This is the first time I've had all coaches who are not parents on a minor hockey team,” said Zak Villeneuve, a 17-year-old defenceman. “It’s different from what I've grown up with.”
Liam McCrimmon, a 16-year-old forward who also had Borrelli as a coach last year, agreed.
“I love this bench staff,” he said. “It shows that they’re volunteering because they love the game and that is that.”
The players also said it was unique to play on a team made up of two different age groups.
“Last year, I played with the older guys, so it’s cool to see the other side of it,” says Villeneuve.
McCrimmon says he loves “playing with the older players because they’re smart with the puck and it’s good chemistry with both years on the ice.”
Both boys have high hopes for this season.
“It’s my last year of rep hockey and I'm just looking forward to having a blast with everyone,” said Villeneuve.
McCrimmon is looking for something else.
“I'm looking for an OMHA title,” said the teen. “We have a good team and with all of our experience and knowledge I feel both players and coaches can bring home the gold.”
Borrelli agrees with McCrimmon and Villeneuve that the four coaches do what they do for the development of the players and for the love of the game.
You can catch the major midgets at their next home game on Dec. 5 at 8:50 p.m. at Rotary Place against the Stouffville Clippers.
