Written By BRIAN LOCKHART

The Shelburne Wolves U15 LL team is putting in a good effort in the playoffs and had a win in their most recent game.

The Wolves played the Collingwood Junior Blues on the ice at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex on Thursday, April 13.

At the end of the second period, the Wolves were leading 2-0.

Collingwood scored in the third period but the Wolves got one more for insurance to leave the ice with a 3-1 win.

Wolves goalie JA Stevens had an outstanding game between the pipes.

The team has had a good season progressing through the year, gaining experience on the ice and building skills to become better hockey players.

Coach Kevin Goss said he has seen a lot of improvement in the team as the season went on.

“Our guys have had a tough year,” Goss said. “We're a very young team. We have nine minors [with] only one major player, playing a lot of towns that have more major players.”

On a U15 team, a minor player is 13 years old, whereas major players are one year older.

“So that was a really good, hard effort for our team tonight,” Goss said. “The biggest progression for this year is seeing them play as a team as far as passing, encouraging each other, and not getting down on each other. They are like night and day from the start of the season.”

Goss added, “We have mostly minor players and we're playing a lot of teams that are a year older. That one year makes a big difference. But they are passing and playing like a team. Their feet are moving and their puck handling is a lot better. Their shooting is a lot better. Seeing them pass the puck around, that has improved – that has been their best progress for the year. ”

Minor hockey starts playoffs with a round-robin format and teams will play different teams rather than a series for elimination. 

The U15 Wolves have one game they must win to advance in the playoffs.