If the Sooke Celtic’s first game was any indication, the div-1 men’s team shouldn’t have too much to worry about this season.
The team bested Juan de Fuca 6-0, with centre mid-fielder Mike Moon collecting a hat trick against a team that didn’t seem like their usual selves.
“They weren’t as strong as last year, that’s for sure,” said player coach Steven Scott.
Moon, 32, scored with a header, a penalty kick and off a rebound. Second-year player Cam Fischer, 19, also contributed with his first goal for the team.
Scott, who has been a Celtic for about eight years, said they have a strong young team this year. They picked up 19-year-old defenceman Chris Hackett during tryouts in the summer.
“He played really well, super solid back there (on the field). Good distribution going forward.”
Another youngster on the team is goalie Blake Ridley, who Scott said was “on fire.”
“He kept us in every game last year,” he said. “Good hands, can’t really pick up on a weakness.”
Hackett was the only person to make the team from tryouts, and the roster is full with 17 players.
The team also faced off last Friday in an away game against Cowichan, last year’s Jackson Cup champions. They were undefeated against Sooke last season, and thar streak continued with a 3-0 victory.
“We had a couple chances early, Doug Armstrong hit the crossbar,” said Scott, who added the striker played “really well up front.”
He said the bounces just weren’t going their way — the Celtic were unable to convert on any opportunities and were down by two goals at halftime. Cowichan took off adding one more goal to their eventual shutout shortly before the final whistle.
“They’re a good team,” said Scott of the black white and gold squad. “They definitely did us in for a portion of the second half, that’s for sure.”
Sooke plays at home this Friday against Lake Hill at The Log (Fred Milne Park) at 7 p.m.
