Captain of the Virden Oil Capitals Ethan Guthrie believes that since the holiday break, the Oil Caps are hitting their stride, ramping up toward what they hope is a special second half and into the playoffs.
"I think everyone needed a break," the 20-year-old defender says about his group coming back refreshed from Christmas. "We went into a bit of a skid at the end of December but since coming back, we've found a spark. Our coach (and general manager Tyson Ramsey) made a couple of moves and that really helped. They brought in guys to help where we needed it, fill in gaps and we've been buzzing lately, it's been really positive."
Having so many new guys come in at this point of the season could have been disrupting but Guthrie says everyone brought in has come with a great attitude. "All the guys, they walked in believing in what we have to do here. We all want to win. We had a bit of a rocky start, that's no secret, but the new guys have come in and everyone is fully bought into what we need to do as a team to find success. We're on the same page and we're starting to get cooking."
Guthrie says that when the teams been successful, it's every guy doing their part and when everyone feels apart of wins, it makes things a lot more fun. "Guys are having fun. Winning is a lot of fun. The guys are happier and it's something we want to keep building on."
Tied for the 4th and final playoff spot in the MGEU West, all games become more important but especially when it's against the team that's tied in the standings. "(Tuesday) is a big one against Wayway," Guthrie says excitedly. "It's a good test and to see who really want's that spot."
As a 20-year-old and every game from here on out having more and more on the line, Guthrie says he's loving every second of it. "I'm a competitive person, we have a competitive group. Every game has a playoff like mentality to it now, it's must win if we want to get to where we want to go. It's very exciting."
Making life difficult for teams coming in to their building has been a staple for the Oil Caps and Guthrie believes that will be a factor going forward. "We have the best fans. They come out and their support means a lot. It makes us play better because we want them to be proud."
In his final junior season, Guthrie says he's taken some time to soak in all the moments from on the ice to the bus rides but it's in the community where he want's to leave a lasting impression. "The community support means a lot and we've been working hard to show our appreciation. We love to keep building that relationship and leave a positive legacy."
Virden will host the Waywayseecappo Wolverines on Tuesday night. They will welcome in the Winnipeg Freeze on Thursday then head to Dauphin for a matchup on Saturday night.