Spits veterans step up

by Evan Mathias

After losing their first two games of the season, the Windsor Spitfires bounced back in a big way defeating the Erie Otters 8-4 Sept. 28.

Windsor’s offence was lead by veteran forwards Kerby Rychel and Brady Vail. Rychel finished off the night with five points and now leads the team with eight points in four games this season.

“It was a good game obviously for myself and for the team. We’ve just got to get back to basics,” said Rychel.

Vail is second on the team with seven points, four of those against the Otters.

“I just try to play my role and not overthink it too much,” said Vail. “Right now I’m not too worried about points, it’s about winning the game.”

The Spitfires veteran forwards have been Windsor’s best players through the first three games of the season.

“No matter what level, you only go as far as your best players take you,” said Rychel.

Spits assistant coach Jerrod Smith said it was good to get the monkey off their backs with the first win of the season.

“We did all the right things to score some important goals and our best players showed up and were our best players,” said Smith.

The veteran scoring continued against the Plymouth Whalers Oct. 3. Spits forward Ben Johnson scored three goals, including the game winner to power Windsor to a 5 to 1 win at the WFCU Centre.

“It was really fun. I think me, Brady (Vail) and (Steven) Janes all work well together and I give them a lot of credit, they make plays,” said Johnson. “All I’ve got to do is get to the front of the net and good things happen.”

Windsor’s top players will need to continue this quality of play. Windsor’s next game is on the road Oct 4. against the London Knights. Windsor is back home Oct. 6 when they take on the Niagara Ice Dogs.

“I think we have to build off our game against Erie. We were doing all the things we preached in practice,” said Smith. “We’re getting more pucks to the net and having a mid-lane drive and just building off what we did against a good Erie team.”