Lumber Kings off to positive start

Carlos Verde, Communications Manager


Pembroke, Ont. — To say the 2016-17 campaign was a trying one for the Pembroke Lumber Kings would be an understatement.

Dale McTavish’s team finished dead-last in the CCHL with a 22-38-2 record, and members of the Pembroke community — famous for its support of its Junior-A club — began to ask questions.

Any time a historically successful outfit like Pembroke misses the playoffs — let alone finishes last — there is inevitably going to be some reflection and soul searching.

After a tough summer made all the more challenging by the departure of three defencemen to the QMJHL in August, McTavish and co. appear to have righted the ship: Pembroke is 7-4 to begin the 2017-18 season, and has played stride-for-stride with the league’s best.

“I think the way we’ve changed a lot of things — practice, training, skill sessions, everything — we’re really focused on skill development and strength,” said McTavish, whose Lumber Kings earned a split with second-place Ottawa this past weekend. “We’re really happy with the response from the players, the attitude has been great.”

As for restoring the town’s faith, all involved with P.L.K. understand the main key for success on that front is icing a competitive product.

“In the end, when you win games, people will come out more and get behind the team,” admitted McTavish, who purchased the team in 2013. “It’s a good chance for us, (and) we took it on ourselves that no matter what’s happened outside, we’re going to get better every day.”

In addition to a potent offence led by the likes of Brendan Browne and Matt Barnaby, goaltender Jake Smith has played a large role in Pembroke’s early-season success.

“It’s his second year in the league now, (so) he got a taste of it last year,” said McTavish of Smith, whose 2.98, .910 line is marred somewhat by the team’s defensive struggles at showcase. “He gives us a chance to win, battles, (and) finds a way to keep us in it.”

Having seen nine of the league’s 11 other teams, McTavish and the Lumber Kings are feeling good about their new, skill-based style of play.

“We want to really work on individual skills and players getting better every day,” said the head coach/general manager. “When you do that, you’re going to improve a ton and start passing other teams in the league.”

The fact Pembroke was picked for last place in a pre-season media poll only adds fuel to the fire.

“We knew that was good motivation for us, (and) we have a lot of confidence that we can be a good team in the end.”