By Bo Ford
A pair of
Sherwood Falcons alumni are set to do battle together once again. This time it
will be at the Fred Page Cup in Kanata, Ont.
Ben MacSwain and
Evan Carmody grew up playing minor hockey together, going to school and hanging
out together, now they will get a chance to live out a dream.
Both players have
taken almost the same paths to being where they are today, but for MacSwain the
trek has been a little bit longer.
Both players have
played for the Falcons, both have played for the Cornwall Thunder and now they
can say they both play for the Woodstock Slammers.
Carmody started
his rookie season with the Slammers putting up 35 points in 52 games.
As for MacSwain he
started his second season in the MHL with the last place Miramichi Timberwolves.
MacSwain got news
from the T-Wolves on Dec. 7 that he was traded to the Slammers for two other
players and ending his season with a combined 17 points in 44 games.
MacSwain said
when he found out the news he was excited, he knew he was joining a special
team, with a great group of guys.
He said it didn’t
take him long to reunite with his long time friend Evan Carmody.
“When I pulled
in, the first person to greet me at the front door was Evan.”
Carmody was just
as excited as MacSwain when he heard the news that he was on the way to Woodstock
to join the team.
“I was the only
one on the team that knew him. We were always good buddies, I knew he would be
a good fit for our team. It was a good trade for us,” said Carmody.
Both players
agree it was great to get back together.
“It’s just like
old times, we hang out pretty much everyday. Away from the rink were together a
lot,” said Carmody.
The two players
have won a handful of minor hockey tournaments back in there Falcons days. Now
after a 4-3 triple over time victory over the Yarmouth Mariners the two boys
will now get a change to bring their friendship to whole new level at the Fred
Page Cup.
Both players
enjoyed a stellar playoff run, each putting up a nine points in 15 playoff appearances.
“It’s been quite
the ride, but I’ve learned a lot. Jason (Tatarmic), our coach has given me lots
of ice time and a chance to prove myself,” said MacSwain.
It was also
Carmody’s first junior playoffs. He said it didn’t feel like it until the final
round.
“Until we got to
play Yarmouth and faced some adversity, it didn’t feel like the playoffs.”
Carmody was on
the ice for the game winner against the Mariners and recalled the crowd going
crazy.
“We were just
trying to get it over with, I was on the ice when it went in the net, the whole
place erupted. It’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever had in my whole life.”
The team didn’t have much time to celebrate the hard fought victory, hopping
on a bus Monday for the 10 hour long bus ride to Kanata. But MacSwain said it
is for the best.
“We aren’t that
far removed from the series, so we should be ready to go for the tournament.”
Both players said
they want to do whatever it takes for the team to win the championship.
“We need to work
hard, stay focused on the task at hand. If we stick to the game plan, we’ll be
alright,” said Carmody.
MacSwain said
Carmody is the model of consistency with the Slammers, playing both offensively
and defensively.
“He’s really good
in both ends, he knows is defensive zone well. He has a powerful shot and he
knows how to score goals.”
As for MacSwain,
Carmody said his hard work and grit allows him to jell with the team.
“He brings a ton
of energy to the team, he throws hits, battles in the corners. He’s also the
type of guy who can score at just the right moment.”
The team
practiced last night (Tuesday night) in preparation for the Slammers first game
on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m (6:30 Atlantic Time) against the host Kanata
Stallions.
MacSwain said he
hopes to be able to chip in on the points department as much as possible.
“If it means me
hitting, if it means me chipping in a few points. We came here to win, and I
don’t think anyone will be satisfied if we don’t give it our all.”
Carmody agreed
saying he has the same mentality as MacSwain going into the tournament.
“Whatever it
takes to win. Every player has bought in all year, none of us expect it to
change now.”
MacSwain summed
it up at the end of the interview, when asked what it would be like to win the
Fred Page Cup.
“Were all out
here with the same mindset. To win. To give ourselves the best chance possible
to move onto the Royal Bank Cup.”
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