As Christmas draws near, there’s a whole lot of hope and joy to be found among local junior hockey fans.
With key recent acquisitions and newfound discipline, the Milton Menace have emerged as a bonafide championship contender – now riding a seven-game win streak and unbeaten in regulation time in their last 13 outings.
Ivan Fabjan’s second-period powerplay goal – his ninth this season – was all the Menace needed for their latest victory at Memorial Arena Wednesday.
Picked up last week from the King Rebellion, Carter Bickle turned back all 23 shots fired his way for a 1-0 decision over the Pickering Panthers.
This lifted Milton to 22-9-0-3, keep them in third in the OJHL's Western Conference.
Justin Dezoete and Luke Johnston assisted on the lone tally.
While remaining the second most penalized team in the OJHL, the Menace have pumped the brakes on their trips to the sin-bin – taking just three penalties in each of their last three contests.
Wednesday saw the return of Ryder Cali from the Jr. A World Challenge. It also came without the services of captain and defensive anchor Graeme MacAuley, who was called up for his fifth game with the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads – a 7-4 loss to Brantford.
The Menace visit Burlington Friday and King Sunday before a two-week holiday break.
Last Sunday’s postponed game against Wellington has yet to be rescheduled.