CELTS' LOOKING FOR BETTER IN 2017
In 2016, the Cornwall Celtics started training camp with lofty goals and one thing in mind; a Meredith Cup championship. In 2017, the goal remains the same but much within the organization and the plan to get there has changed.
On the floor, the team is yet to be set, however, throughout the off season the Celts' have managed to secure the core of their coaching staff. Returning behind the bench for his first full season as head coach is Mike Dube. Joining him is returning associate coach Tom Hughes, who also serves as the President of Cornwall Minor Lacrosse. Unfortunately, the team learned recently that Ken Cave Sr. will not be returning to the bench due to family commitments.
"It's unfortunate that we lose such a great lacrosse person like Ken for the upcoming season- he'll definitely be missed" said Dube. "We're hoping to add some Celts' grads to bolster our staff soon but haven't had sure commitments."
The on-floor product will have many returning players seeing action in 2017, but also some fresh faces according to Dube. With 8 graduating midget players from the minor system and the Akwesasne Jr. B team returning almost all of their players,
the local Jr. C's only see room for improvement.
"We couldn't be happier to have some added competition to the fold for camp in April. Our guys went through some turmoil at the beginning of last season. We felt we weren't able to form a concrete team until well into the regular season. This year things will be different." told coach Dube.
It appears that the team's staff has mentally turned the corner from a season in 2016 that saw many obstacles. Losing a head coach, ample player movement and some uncharacteristic, ill-timed suspensions throughout the season turned the room weary by seasons end.
"We went through a lot last year as a group. It was a mentally tough season for our guys- for too many reasons. It's up to us to come up from that. We will only be a stronger group having survived last summer's ups and downs."
Time will tell.
