Thoughts

First off It does indeed look like the Salford Blacksox will play fastball in 2009 with 12 currently on the roster, I am still looking to add a few pitchers and a catcher, and at the time are still working on coaches I have one coach confirmed for sure and am still contacting a few more.

The Niagara District Junior C season starts Sept 19 and it's time for this blogger to preview and predict how I think the standings will shake out come the first of February.

1. Norwich Merchants- Last years division Champions just got alot stronger with adding Chad Barclay after 2 seasons away and adding his linemates from St. Thomas. They also added a stud dman and return thier league leading goaltending tandem of Justin Alyea and Cody Vinnai.

2. New Hamburg Firebirds- After a surprising season last year they return most of the team from last year and should be even better.

3. Simcoe Storm- If anything they will be much better defensively with Pat Lenehan starting from scratch this season. They won't be as lethal up front as they have in the past after losing Cam Sault.

4. Aylmer Spitfires- It will be a rebuilding year after losing most of thier scoring punch, they still have vetran keeper Brandon Rohrer back for another season which should be enough for a top 4 spot.

5. Woodstock Renegades- Another season of promise will turn out in dissapointment after losing goalie Matt Fallowfield to injury and losing several player to overage, it will be yet another up and down year. If Chris Lee bounces back from a awful year last year they might be a surprise this year.

6. Paris Mounties- Maybe this year they might be in position to battle for 5th spot, A new attitude by management and a whole new coaching staff may just be what this team sadly needs.