The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League is well into the 2018 playoffs, one team that has been exceptional throughout has been the London Nationals. The Nationals swept the Strathroy Rockets 4-0 in their first series, they beat the Chatham Maroons 4-2 in the second series, and they swept the St. Thomas Stars in their third series. Last night, they completed their first game of the semi finals for the Sutherland Cup at home and came out victorious against the Listowel Cyclones in double overtime. One of the main factors to their win was centermen and team captain, Brenden Trottier.
Trottier recorded 4 assists last night and contributed on all of the National’s goals. It was clear to see how essential his play is for this hot team and how much he’s needed in order for London to go home with a W. It wasn’t just last night that Trottier was productive, it’s been essentially every playoff game this season that he’s helped to make a difference. In now 15 playoff games, he’s been able to put up a league leading 29 points. He also leads the league with 24 assists in the postseason.
I spoke with him after the game to find out why he’s been so productive, “I honestly just think you kind of have that that extra gear, that extra want inside of you, you know I’ve just been riding that wave during the playoffs.” Trottier’s been producing like he has more drive and passion for winning the Sutherland Cup than any other player, and that’s why he’s been so dominant.
The London Nationals’s head coach: Pat Powers explained just how essential Trottier’s line is to their team, “They’re kind of the catalysts, those guys can score points, they can defend, they can do a little of everything.” Take last night’s game for example, all four goals London scored was produced by the Trottier line, they lead this team in offence.
Line chemistry is essential for any team to play well, Trottier said that he’s been playing with one of his line mates for years and he has him to thank for his point production. If the Nationals expect to compete in the cup finals, their ‘catalyst’ Brenden Trottier will have to continue his hot and explosive level of gameplay in order for London to take home the Sutherland Cup in 2018.