The Silent Killers: Aurora Tigers motto hoping to propel the boys for a long run

April 14, 2022 · 0 Comments

There’s always a theme or a motto behind every team. The group will concoct a phrase or an inside-reference that everyone acknowledges. That way, it keeps things internal and amongst only the players.

Ahead of the Aurora Tigers’ first playoff game, The Auroran visited the team’s practice last Wednesday.

The motto surrounding this group is to be the silent killers in this year’s OJHL playoffs.

“Silent killers! We created the motto around the team that we want to stay silent. No chirping, no yelling at the refs. Control what you can control. Use all that extra energy to go win a game and be silent about it,” said Tigers forward Ty Roberts, who will be making his second appearance in the OJHL playoffs.

“It also keeps us more engaged in the play, rather than what’s going on around the play,” added Justin Biraben, who will also be making his second appearance in the OJHL playoffs. “It keeps your head in the actual game and that will be huge heading into the playoffs. Collingwood, great fan base. You got to stay focused on the ice. Be silent about it. We want to win.”

For most of the Tigers team, this will be the first taste of the OJHL playoffs in their young careers. William Moore, Ethan McFarland, Hollander Thompson, Sett Ursomarzo and even captain Luc Reeve will all be heading to the big dance for their first time.

Speaking with all of them, these players shared the same thoughts and viewpoints: You have to be physical. You have to work hard and be attentive to details. But best of all, they’re all focused and ready. When everyone is locked in, they believe they can beat anyone.

The Colts came into the playoffs ranked second in goals forward per game (5.00) and ranked seventh in goals against (2.00).

Despite their top defence, assistant coach with the Tigers and former OJHL defenceman Robert Powers knows a thing or two on how to exploit well structured back-ends.

“You have to continually pressure them. They’re well coached. Andrew Campoli has done a really good job up there. You have to do your best to take away time and space. Nobody does well when they’re under pressure. That’s going to be the key,” Powers said.

“Our structure is to continue to play our game. Not get caught up with what they’re doing. Play our brand of hockey and dictate the play. Just do what we do, and do it well, and let the chips fall where they may.”

In Game One this past Sunday in this three-game series, the Colts defeated the Tigers 5-2.

After Luc Reeve opened up the scoring in the first period on the power play just over a minute in, Adam O’Marra tied things up short-handed. Hollander Thompson regained the one goal advantage at almost the midway point of the period before Marcus Lougheed got the Blues level again.

Since the beginning of the second period, things began to go downhill for the Tigers. O’Marra scored his second goal of the game and Dylan Hudon extended the lead by two goals.

Will Redick scored the empty net goal to give the series edge to the Colts.

Game Two was set to take place Wednesday evening after press time.

If the Tigers tied things up, Game Three will take place Friday night in Collingwood at Eddie Bush Memorial Arena at 7 p.m.

By Robert Belardi