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Renfrew County is proud to highlight five local athletes who will be competing at the Ontario Winter Games with the Ottawa Valley Titans U14 hockey team (from left) are Tyler McEnery, Eganville; Andrew Enright, Cobden; Coach Scott Buffam, Arnprior; Kaden McGregor, Braeside and Brian Rathwell, Pembroke. Hockey takes place in Renfrew February 3-5.
RELEASE DATE:
January 24, 2023
The Ottawa Valley Titans AAA Hockey Organization has a long and proud history in Renfrew County. Now, the U14 Titans will be able to add competing in the Ontario Winter Games in their own back yard to the list of accomplishments.
The team qualified as Hockey Eastern Ontario is the host of the Games and it received two bid spots to the Games. The first team that qualified was Myers and the Titans are considered the host team.
“Both teams are ranked in the top-10 in the province and will provide tough competition for the other six teams in the Games,” said Coach Scott Buffam who hails from Arnprior.
Buffam grew up playing for the Arnprior Packers and is currently in his 27th year of teaching. He started coaching high school athletes in 2003 and was able to take the Renfrew Collegiate Institute hockey to the Ontario finals four times in 14 seasons. He has coached minor hockey in Renfrew/Arnprior, coached U18 AAA for Renfrew/Carleton Place and has been on the Titans executive for three years.
Buffam is very excited to be back in the town and rink where his coaching experience got started. The hockey competition is being held at the Ma-te-Way Activity Centre in Renfrew.
“I am thrilled to lead such a talented and hard-working group of boys in the province’s highest level of competition in the Ontario Winter Games,” said Buffam. “I have so many great memories and relationships that set the foundation for my love of the game and I am looking forward to making new ones during the games as we battle some of the best teams in the Province.”
The team is made up of 17 players from Districts 4 and 5 (West Carleton, Stittsville and all of Renfrew County) including four players from Renfrew County: goalie Brian Rathwell from Pembroke; defencemen Andrew Enright from Cobden; defencemen Tyler McEnery from Eganville; and forward Kaden McGregor from Braeside.
Rathwell has deep roots playing hockey in Pembroke; he started with Pembroke Minor Hockey, moved up to the Kings competitive team, earned his spot on the Ottawa Valley Aces and then moved onto the Titans. Rathwell’s fondest memories playing in District 5 are winning the regional Silver Stick with the Aces and winning bronze in the provincial championship last year.
“I am proud to represent District 5 at the Ontario Winter Games to show other District 5 kids that your dreams are achievable; all you have to do is put your mind to it,” said Rathwell. “The Ontario Winter Games mean a lot to me because what it has taken for our team to qualify for this event. As well as the added bonus of it being in our back yard. It will be one of the moments I will remember for the rest of my life with a great group of teammates.”
Enright learned how to skate on an outdoor rink in an effort to keep up with his older siblings. He started in the initiation program in Cobden with the Muskrat Minor Hockey Association and played there for the next three years until he was old enough to try out for the Aces, where he played for two years and for the last two seasons he has played with the Titans. One of Enright’s favourite hockey memories was his experience at the under-13 provincial championships in Toronto.
Enright is thankful for his coaches and volunteers at each level he has played at for their guidance and encouragement.
“I have developed some very strong friendships during my time playing hockey and I am really looking forward to playing in the Ontario Winter Games in Renfrew County,” said Enright.
McEnery started his hockey career skating on the frozen shores of Mink Lake in Eganville and was excited the first time he got to wear real hockey equipment with the Eganville Minor Hockey Association’s Introductory Program. He went on to play his novice years in Eganville and the Barry’s Bay Valley Storm rep team. He moved up to the Ottawa Valley Aces and will always remember winning the Regional Silver Stick Championships and going on to the International Silver Stick Final.
“I am honoured to be playing my second season for the AAA Ottawa Valley Titans as I have many cherished memories as a Titan,” said McEnery. “But my favourite hockey memories are the friendships I have made with my teammates, friendships that grew out of a common connection to hockey and are rooted in the love of the game.”
McGregor hit the ice on his backyard rink in Braeside when he was two years old and then moved up to the initiation program with the Arnprior Minor Hockey Association, but soon he was off to the rep team and then qualified for the Upper Ottawa Valley Aces team. One of his favourite memories is winning the Regional Silver Stick tournament. In 2019, McGregor was selected to play for the Connecticut Junior Rangers and attended the prestigious Brick Invitational Tournament in Edmonton, Alberta. His team went undefeated, winning the tournament in overtime against Team Alberta and he was named the playoff most valuable player. McGregor has played for the Ottawa Valley Titans for the last three years.
“I am proud to represent Renfrew County and District 5 at the Ontario Winter Games,” said McGregor.
Make sure you catch the U14 Hockey competition at the Ontario Winter Games on Feb. 3, 4 and 5 at the Ma-te-Way Activity Centre (Free Admission).
“Folks in the Ottawa Valley have a strong bond with the game and it is a vibrant part of our culture,” said Buffam. “Meeting new people through the game is what I enjoy the most about the experience. I strongly encourage the community to come out and see some of the best U14 players in the province.”
The young athletes are also looking forward to competing close to home.
“It has been a long time since I have been able to play in a tournament so close to home. Many of my relatives and family friends are coming to the games to cheer our team on,” said McGregor. “I attend St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Renfrew and will even have some of my teachers and classmates in the stands. I’m hoping that the local crowd will give us an advantage as we battle in this competitive tournament.”
McGregor added the team is very proud they have qualified for the Ontario Winter Games.
“We set this goal at the beginning of the season and worked hard to earn a spot in this tournament. Our team was fortunate to play at the All-Ontario Provincial Tournament last year in Burlington and came home with a bronze medal,” said McGregor. “Hopefully, this experience will help us to deal with the pressure that comes with playing some of the top teams in Ontario. We know the hockey is going to be fast and tough but we are excited to compete and have fun!”
The Ottawa Valley Titans hope they will see a lot of local fans come out and support their team.
“Our games are not in our local district so that limits the ability for my family and friends to come watch me and my teammates play,” said Rathwell. “This is a very special opportunity for them to come see what drives a major part of my life and down time. And for that I’m very thankful!”
For more details on the U14 Hockey schedule visit: https://renfrewcounty2023.ca/events/mens-hockey/
The Ontario Winter Games are coming to Renfrew County from February 2-5 and February 9-12, 2023. The Games will feature 2,200 young athletes competing in 23 different sports at venues across Renfrew County and into Kanata. The event will be run with the help of more than 750 volunteers.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RenfrewCounty2023
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RC2023OWG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renfrewcounty2023/?hl=en
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cindy Burwell Games Manager, Renfrew County 2023 613-433-1037
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
The Ottawa Valley Titans AAA U14 hockey team will compete in the Men’s Hockey tournament at the Renfrew County 2023 Ontario Winter Games, with games taking place at the Ma-te-Way Activity Centre in Renfrew February 3-5.
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