OFSAA always pressure-packed for Double Blues

For teams that qualify for the OFSAA championships, expectation varies. Some expect to make it past the round robin, others expect to make a serious medal run, while some just want to gain valuable experience.

Then there is St. Michael’s Double Blues senior boys hockey team, a squad not only expected to play well, but always a favourite to win.

The Double Blues made their fifth consecutive appearance in the AAA/AAAA OFSAA championships held March 22–24 in Whitby. They have been in contention every time and head coach Len Chittle knows all about playing at this level.

"I started coaching at St. Mike’s in 1987 … and I can’t count how many times I’ve been here," he said. "I find it’s always the same: the good teams find a way to be successful and average teams find a way to come out on the short end."

St. Mike’s was one of those teams that found a way to win when they captured gold in 2004. But past success is not the only thing that adds pressure to these youngsters every year.

"We are all wearing jackets with 100 years of hockey at St. Michael’s and that’s quite an honour," said Chittle. "At the same time, the honour carries a burden — the burden of representing a school with a long-standing tradition and a strong academic performance.

"It’s not an easy task to put an ‘M’ on and wear it with pride. There are a lot of demands to it. There is a lot of accountability."

Whether or not the pressure of being a Double Blue was a factor, there was no run at a medal this time around. St. Mike’s was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Captain Ian Meagher was the only returnee from last season’s silver-medal winning team. He is very familiar with the pressure of representing St. Mike’s at OFSAA. He’s been there four times — twice each with the hockey and soccer teams.

"Just think of all the guys who have worn that ‘M’ — guys like (Jason) Spezza and (Wojtek) Wolski," said the 17-year-old. "It’s a tough feat to look after.

"But you just work your hardest and just be proud to wear that ‘M’ representing my school, my classmates and my teammates."

In spite of the pressure both players and coaches feel at OFSAA, it is not all about winning. Chittle said he has fun every time the Double Blues participate in OFSAA, regardless of whether it’s a must-win situation.

Meagher, who also plays for the juvenile AAA Humberview Huskies, said while winning is nice the camaraderie is the best part of the tournament.

"I love being with the guys," he said. "It’s a great group of guys.

"If someone gets down, we tell each other to pick ourselves up and keep going. If you make a mistake, come back next shift and do what you can."

And being part of a team with a strong tradition can go a long way toward overcoming the sting of losing.

"The best part of coming to OFSAA is being part of the team and putting forth my best effort to win a Ontario championship," said Meagher. "The joy and pride of trying to become the best team in Ontario is special."