Spits make physical statement
The Windsor Spitfires and Plymouth Whalers played a fight-filled game Nov. 21 at Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Mich. Before the game, Spitfires forward Emerson Clark said Windsor is the toughest team in the league. (Photo by/Rob Benneian)
by Kenton Wolfe
For a team that has been searching for their identity all season long, the Windsor Spitfires may have found it.
“We’re the toughest team in the league.”
Despite losing six of their last seven games, members of the Spitfires echoed the statement, culminating in a 3-0 loss to the Plymouth Whalers Nov. 21. Te team racked up 35 minutes in penalties.
With four fighting majors in addition to several roughing minors against the Whalers, the Spitfires have built a distinct character which Spits assistant coach Bob Jones thinks can translate into a winning identity.
“I think it is part of our team makeup that we’re tough,” said Jones. “We got to use that to our advantage of course. We have to do it without taking penalties, you know be the aggressor in the situations. We have the makeup of a real hard team.”
For a team that has a recent history of winning championships as an offensive-minded team, the switch to an aggressive, tough team has taken some adjustment. The team has just nine wins in 25 games, forcing Spits general manager Warren Rychel to trade skill forward Derek Schoenmakers and defenseman Brandon Devlin. In return they received centreman Zach Lorentz and defenseman Trevor Murphy, who may be able to play into their rough-and-tumble style.
What Lorentz and Murphy will learn early is a philosophy that Spitfires tough guy Emerson Clark preaches – stick up for your teammates.
“There is no question we are the toughest team in the league,” said Clark. “We are just a bunch of tough guys who are not afraid to, and will, stick up for each other.”
Heading into a Nov. 23 matchup against the Owen Sound Attack, the Spitfires hope that they can turn their tough play into a win.
“There is nobody in the league who can match our toughness,” said Spitfires enforcer Ty Bilcke. “That’s the identity we want. When opposing teams come into our arena we want them to know it isn’t going to be an easy game for them. We’re going to battle hard.”
Follow @MNN_KentonWolfe for all your Spitfires updates.
Get Social!
