The Predators are at the top of the food chain in the Howe Sound Men's Hockey League - but the hunters are also the hunted.
The team is in first place, with four wins, two losses, and two ties (10 points) as of Nov. 9. Last year, the team finished third in the league.
"They drafted well, plus they had some strong returning players this years," said Steve Hadden, the Flyers goalie, and league spokesperson. "That combined with some good drafting put the Predators on top."
But the competition is fierce. The Chiefs are right behind the Predators with three wins, four losses and three ties for nine points. In 2003, the Chiefs finished at the bottom of the league."The Chiefs drafted well getting Brandon Reilly," Hadden said. "He's a good smart player. The Chiefs have picked up a much-needed goal scorer with Brandon."
Reilly scored a hat trick in a 6-3 win against the Flyers on Nov. 3.
"They have a strong defense anchored by Rob McNutt in net," said Hadden, noting that McNutt is the best goalie in the league.
Hadden said the team would further improve with the return of defenceman Ora Ramage, who was injured.
"They'll be even better when he comes back."
The Flyers, who finished in first place in the league after the playoffs last year, are sitting a point behind the Chiefs in third place. The team has four wins and three losses for eight points, but Hadden said it reflected the improvement in the league.
"It's a reflection on how the rest of the league is doing for sure," he said. "They've been kicking our butts. Usually we're ahead of everybody else.
"Winning all of the time is the pits."
The Flyers didn't draft any new players this year. And the team captain, centre Miles Rosser, is out with an injury.
The Red Wings, in last place with two wins, three losses and two ties for six points, have taken on some new players.
Kevin Smillie and Brandon Hurren are new on the team, but Smillie is out with an injury.
"He's a young kid everybody wanted. He's a good player," Hadden said. The teams are closely matched. And with every team just trailing behind the next in points, the turn out at every game is anyone's guess.
"It makes it way more fun - on any given night anyone can win," Hadden said.
"First place could be decided by an injury, it's that close."
Anything could happen by the time playoffs come around in late February or early March, when everything is laid out on the ice.
"The best hockey is in the playoffs," Hadden said. "Anyone can be first at this point."
