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It was the season that could have been. The Royal City Redshift claimed the league title only to be swept in the second round of the playoffs and finish third. It was a season full of changes with many new faces arriving, and many familiar ones leaving. The future is certainly bright at the recently-renamed Royal City Cosmodome, granted fans are eager for more victories.

On the individual player front, captain Braden Debeau lead the way offensively. The league’s best player played like such scoring the most goals (40) and points (49) over the 38-game season. The reds also had 3 other players in the top-10 for goals and 2 others in the top-10 points despite most players playing less than 38 games due to roster dynamics. Defensively the Reds’ top d-core finished 3rd and 4th in defensive scoring, fading late in the season and surrendering their lead in that category. Tim Newton held a league-best 0.965 sv% only to not qualify for the top goalie award due to a managerial oversight. Adamastor Neri finished third (among qualified goalies) in the league with a sv% of 0.936 with 5 shutouts. Young phenom Golem saw 380 minutes as a 16 year old and posted a 1.42 GAA 0.910 sv% and 1 shutout during that span.

From a team standpoint the Reds were 2nd in league scoring (243) and the best defensive team surrendering only 53 goals over 38 games. The Royal City Cosmodome was sold out every game giving an average attendance for the Reds of 20,000 fans, nearly double second place in that stat.

Next season should feature much of the same from the Reds. They’re younger and getting better each and every day. They’re a team that will sit near the top of the II.3 standings once again and given another season or two should be a formidable foe in Canada’s top league. Until then, fans need to be patient and watch the team and its players develop. With the Raging Pigs missing their shot at I.1 through the promotion/relegation round, the Reds and their fans will look forward to another “Bacon Night” at the Cosmodome. Whenever the Raging Pigs are in town all fans are given a voucher for a free pound of bacon courtesy of any Zehrs in Guelph. When asked about missing their chance at promotion and being forced to play the Reds again next year, PMullings – manager of the Raging Pigs – had this to say: “I love it. The players love it. Our fans who travel with the team love it. What's not to love? Nothing goes better with a road win than crispy bacon the next morning.” Clearly the rivalry is only just beginning between these two top teams of Canada’s II.3.

Look for a young lineup from the Reds next year, a lineup that could boast the best set of 18 year olds (now 17) in the game. With all infrastructure either complete or in the final stages of construction, the Reds will only look for add further depth to their already elite crop of young talent.

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