After a difficult season last year, the Creemore Coyotes are looking to turn the page with a stronger roster and new leadership as the Senior AA hockey team prepares for its home opener on Oct. 17.
Tom Macham, the team founder, started the Coyotes with the hopes to give his son the opportunity to continue playing hockey after his final year got cut short because of the pandemic. Building the organization has involved considerable work behind the scenes, and Macham hopes this season marks a step forward.
Andrew Shipley (above), the team’s new coach and general manager, brings years of experience. After playing at several levels, including Junior A and Junior C, Shipley played in China before pursuing coaching. He coached minor hockey and junior teams in Barrie before joining the Elmvale Harvesters last season. Macham said Shipley’s energy and connections with players have already made a huge difference.
“He’s just full of ideas and young, [he has] youthful energy, and it’s been the best thing that’s happened to this organization since we started,” said Macham.
Shipley said his priority was finding players who were committed to the team and building relationships within the community. The roster includes returning players and new additions with professional, university and Ontario Hockey League experience.
“We have a ton of skill,” said Shipley, noting that four players have OHL experience. Among them is Josh Graves, who played with the Oshawa Generals. Shipley described Graves as a strong leader whose character is just as valuable as his hockey ability.
Shipley is also confident in the team’s goaltending and defence, highlighting goalie Brad Van Shubert’s OHL and university experience.
Bringing the roster together is definitely a key priority as the season begins.
“We have offensive firepower that can score against any team. We have defensive walls that can stop any team, and we have goalies that can stop any team,” said Shipley.
Macham hopes the Coyotes finish above .500, place among the top four teams in the north division and win a playoff round. He also wants to see more community support.
“I need Creemore to fall in love with this team,” said Macham.
The Oct. 17 home opener will feature giveaways, live music from Hogback Road and affordable admission. Macham said a family of four can attend for $30, adding that he wants games to be an enjoyable and memorable night out, regardless of the final score.
The evening will also raise funds for former Coyotes player Trevor Franklin, who was seriously injured and faces a lengthy recovery. Twenty warm- up jerseys featuring Franklin’s name and number will be auctioned off, with all proceeds going to his family. Donation jars and silent auction items donated by the visiting Ripley Wolves will also be available. The auction will also include 18 player jerseys and two extra-large goalie jerseys, with bidding expected to close around 10:30 p.m. or 11 p.m.
“All that money goes to the family, 100 per cent of that,” said Macham.
He estimates each game costs approximately $2,500, making fundraising and sponsorships important to keeping the organization running.
Macham describes the work involved in running the team as the “iceberg effect.” While fans see the product on the ice and the team’s involvement in the community, much of the work happens behind the scenes.
“Ten per cent of an iceberg is above water. The other 90 per cent you don’t see,” said Macham, comparing it to the work involved in running a hockey team. He said that includes managing records, rostering players and organizing fundraising.
Shipley said success this season would mean more than wins and losses.
“If you can remember this year as one of the best years ever as a fan, as a player, as a coach, I think that’s a huge win,” he said.
Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for students, $6 for youth under 12, $30 for a pass for a family of four, and $42 for a three-game flex pass, which includes a hot dog and pop. The game is sponsored by Huron Tractor and the first 100 fans will receive a John Deere hat.
The special sweater ceremony begins at 7 p.m., with puck-drop and game to follow.
Coyotes Corner
Game 1
Oct. 2
Saugeen Shores 5 vs Creemore 2
Shots: 41 each
Goal scorers for Creemore: Garrett Nichol and JD Falconer each with one
A decent start to the season with a solid effort put in by all.
Third period penalties ruined a comeback attempt
Game 2
Oct. 10
Creemore 10 vs Apple Kings 3
Goal scorers for Creemore: J Drobczyk with a pair, the Taylor brothers with one each, Nick Sammons, Garrett Nichol, Kirill Evstigneev all with singles and a huge outing for captain Kevin Boyd with three goals along with two helpers to cap off a five-point night
Up next is the home opener on Oct. 17 where the Ripley Wolves will provide the opposition. The theme for the night is “Fill the barn for Frankie.”
