The 2015-16 winter season has been kind to some of Brock’s teams, but not to others. With still a few months left in the season, all nine Brock teams currently in the middle of their seasons have a chance to finish the season on a high note. Here’s a look ahead to 2016 for Brock varsity programs.
Men’s Basketball
The 2015 portion of the season for the Brock Men’s Basketball team finished on a high note. They picked up a convincing 99-53 exhibition win on New Year’s Eve against Redeemer University. The year 2016 began the same way 2015 ended, with a win. The Badgers defeated Rochester Institute of Technology 92-76
In terms of CIS/OUA action, the Badgers began the 2015-16 season ranked fourth in the country, and they entered 2016 in the same spot. They had a much more favourable schedule in 2015 than what is to come in 2016. Impressive pre-season wins over Ryerson, Victoria and Windsor, and a huge regular season win against division rival McMaster helped the Badgers to a number four rank and a 5-1 record to begin the season.
In 2016, Brock will play a much more home-heavy schedule, but the opponents get tougher. The schedules includes games versus the unpredictable trio in the west, Windsor, Laurier and Western; a rematch versus Ryerson; games versus the top-ranked Carleton and second-ranked Ottawa, two games versus divisional rival Guelph and a rematch against McMaster. The men can’t look at any of their remaining 13 games as easy wins, as it only gets tougher from here on.
Women’s Basketball
Travelling out east over the break to end 2015 did not have the outcome the women expected. Playing in the Thunder Selects CIS Holiday Classic hosted by Saint Mary’s, the Badgers dropped all three games over the course of December 28-30. Losing to Acadia 58-45, then dropping a 64-60 game to Dalhousie and shockingly being outplayed 81-68 by Lakehead.
Entering 2016 with a 5-1 OUA record, and ranked seventh in the country the Badgers will need to regroup quickly. Opening at home versus Windsor, the Badgers will also have tough games versus Western, Laurier, Carleton and Ottawa. They’ll travel to Toronto to play number three ranked Ryerson. Also, with still three games remaining in their own division, the Badgers have a lot to play for. They’ll get a rematch against McMaster after opening the season with a three point loss to the Marauders. They’ll also have their two games versus Guelph. So just like the men, the women are in for a tough 13 games.
Men’s and Women’s Curling
After last season saw the women’s team win OUA silver and the men finish fourth, both teams will look to continue the success. However, before we can get ourselves prepared for the OUA championships taking place from February 11-15, the Badgers will be playing host to their own invitational. On Jan. 23-24 the Badgers will host the Brock Invitational, which will prepare both teams for another successful run at an OUA medal.
Men’s Hockey
It was not the best start to the season in 2015 for the Brock Men’s Hockey team. They finished the year 5-8-4, totalling to 14 points. They sit second to last in the OUA West division, riding a six game losing streak. However, they are tied in points for the final playoff spot. One thing’s for sure, with only six points separating Brock and second place Guelph, the Badgers can turn their season around.
Brock mens hockey look to creep into playoffs in 2016
Four of the first five 2016 games for the Badgers will be played on the road, the one home game being against number one seeded York. They’ll finish the season with five of six game at home, the one road game being against York. The issue for the Badgers has been their five on five play as both their powerplay and penalty kill rank top 10 in the league.
Women’s Hockey
With 12 points and sitting fourth to the bottom of the standings, the Brock Women’s Hockey team hopes for a playoff position are not far off. Ending 2015 with a 4-7-1 record, the Badgers are six points out and have one game in hand. They still have 12 games left to play, eight of which are against teams below them in the standings or not too far ahead in the standings. Defensively the Badgers are fine, but they’ll need to get more pucks into the net for a successful 2016.
Women’s Volleyball
With a majority of their road games behind them, the 1-9 Women’s Volleyball team can hope that home-court will bring them some success. With high expectations to begin the season, the Badgers are losing, but not by a whole lot. With six of nine games being played at home, the Badgers season could turn around in 2016.
Men’s and Women’s Wrestling
2015 was another successful year for Brock’s wrestling programs. Heading into 2016, both the men and women are ranked number one in the country. In 2015, the teams won five golds at the Concordia Open, two at the SFU Clansmen, finished first at the McMaster Open, the Greater Toronto Open and at the Ontario Senior Provincials.
The men and women will open 2016 on Jan. 9, as the Badgers hosts the Brock Open. Brock will also be hosting the CIS Championships on Feb. 26-27.
The post What will 2016 bring for Brock’s teams? appeared first on The Brock Press.