Navan, Ont. — The start of the 2017-18 CCHL campaign has been an undeniably difficult one for the Navan Grads in their first year under head coach Tony Iob.
Navan sits at 3-8-0 with a visit to Jim Durrell and the Ottawa Jr. Senators looming on Thursday night, and — aside from Keenan Reynolds’s ridiculous offensive breakout — positives have been few and far between.
Team broadcaster Nick Laws attributes most of Navan’s early-season struggles to its young lineup and new coach.
“You can attribute these struggles to the heavy amount of rookies in the lineup, but nonetheless the team needs more from the young guys,” Laws told TheCCHL.ca. “Even more importantly, the goaltending needs to be better — both goalies have posted sub-.900 save percentages.”
Navan has signed F Mike McPherson (’97) and G Joseph Giacobbo (’98). #CCHL
Both American, they began the season w/Amarillo (NAHL).
— CCHL PR (@CCHL_PR) October 5, 2017
The Grads made a splash earlier this week with the signings of forward Mike McPherson and goaltenders Joseph Giacobbo.
“After a disappointing start, the Grads had to do something to shake things up,” said Laws. “Both seem to be pieces that could fix the Grads’ woes.”
The 20-year-old McPherson comes with a scoring pedigree, having notched 35 goals in 49 games with Boston (EHL) last season, while Giacobbo also had a strong year with Philadelphia (EHL).
“Only time will tell, but I’m sure Tony Iob and the rest of the organization hope these young men can turn this team around,” said Laws.
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