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And the Waxers are glad heıs stepped up his game as the second-year centreman delivered two goals in Fridayıs 5-2 win over the Ajax Axemen at Centennial Arena. To prove that was no fluke, Cottreau deposited a hat trick, including two third-period power-play goals within a 16-second span, as the Waxers posted a 7-3 road win over the Wexford Raiders on Sunday. Cottreau attributed his slow start to some personal matters. That involved turning down an offer to join the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League and focus in on trying to earn a collegiate scholarship south of the border. "This definitely wasnıt the type of start I wanted to have this season," said Cottreau, after coming off an auspicious freshman term in which he delivered 18 goals and 14 assists. "I was leaning towards the OHL. But that didn't work. I want to try to go to school. I was told by some hockey people that I fit the collegiate type of player more so than an OHL player." Cottreau credits his improved play to a line he centres with veteran Tony Rossi and rookie Ryan Olidis. "Our line has speed. Tony (Rossi) is a great playmaker and Ryan (Olidis) works hard. We feed off of each other. And tonight (Friday) we were happy with our performance," said Cottreau, who prior to playing in Markham was a member of the Wexford Raiders organization. With Cottreau experiencing a satisfying rookie campaign a year ago, Waxers head coach Russ Herrington was banking on Cottreau to continue his upward curve this season. But he conceded Cottreauıs start wasnıt what was anticipated. "This past summer, Ben was debating whether to go to Peterborough or to come back and that occupied a lot of his time. He didn't know what he was preparing for and because of that he didnıt come into camp in the best shape and he was expecting some big things from himself." "Weıre glad that he made the decision to come back and we feel his best hockey is still ahead of him."
In Friday's outing, Liam Bowen, Pat Porretta and Ryan Steane added single goals for the Waxers, who jumped out to a 3-0 first-period lead and padded it to 5-1 after 40 minutes. On Sunday, Porretta, Bowen, Olidis and Kevin Cribari added singles for the Waxers, who trailed 2-0 after one period and 2-1 through two before erupting for four power-play goals. With the two wins, the Waxers moved into a three-way tie for first place in the south division along with the Raiders and North York Rangers with an 8-4-3 mark. On a separate note, centreman Jeff Weiss made his debut in a Waxers' uniform on Friday and logged plenty of ice time after incurring a shoulder injury during the preseason....the Waxers will be on the road tonight to face the Collingwood Blues and return to Centennial Arena on Friday to face the Newmarket Hurricanes at 8 p.m.
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..FROM
THE DESK OF MIKE HAYAKAWA..