Coyotes go to playoffs in season 2

Creemore Coyotes may have been ousted but can find a victory in having progressed to the playoffs in their second year of play.

The AA senior hockey team was taken out of the playoffs after Saugeen Shores won the series in Game 6 on Sunday with a score of 4-1.

Following the win Saugeen Shores Winterhawks tweeted, “The Creemore Coyotes built their team in the middle of a pandemic. To get to where they are in two years is nothing short of incredible. Nothing but respect. They never gave us an inch.”

The Yotes won the fifth game on Saturday night in Creemore on Feb. 18, when the Coyotes came back from being down 4-1, came back for a 5-5 tie, and then Derick “Farmer” Robertson scored nine minutes into overtime for the 6-5 win.

The hometown crowd went wild, encouraged by Mr. Johnson who laid on the fog horn.

“The last three games in Creemore were outstanding for entertainment value,” said general manager Tom Macham. “We won all three and they all went into extra time. It was great.”

Macham said he is grateful for the support of the fans and believes getting into the finals helped garner some attention for the team.

The Coyotes moved up six spots in the standings this season, rising to sixth place.

“It’s a huge confidence booster, the boys are already pumped for next year,” said Macham, who also has lots of plans to make the home games exciting for fans. “I’m really proud of the guys. They work hard.”

Next season, he’s hoping for more sponsorships, live music in the booster club, and expanding on theme nights.

Throughout the season the Coyotes have supported community causes and honoured others in the hockey community, with the goal of making games fun and family friendly.

What started as a mission to provide an avenue for local hockey players over 21 to continue their hockey careers in a competitive league has now expanded to providing the village of Creemore and area with a source of entertainment on Saturday nights.

Macham said he is very grateful for the enduring support of Creemore Home Hardware and Creemore Foodland, who have been very generous with the team and audience prizes.

The Winterhawks now advance to the WOAA Senior AA semi-finals with the Ripley Wolves.