Ryan Pyette

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : Brandon Prust grabs London Nationals' reins, with help from old friends Brandon Prust grabs London Nationals' reins, with help from old friends In his own way, Brandon Prust is helping get the gang back together. Author of the article: Article content In his own way, Brandon Prust is helping get the gang back together. Advertisement 2 Article content Brandon Prust grabs London Nationals' reins, with help from old friends Back to video Just this past weekend, the new London Nationals head coach was hunkered down at Western Fair Sports Centre planning some special teams strategies. He turned to a familiar face for advice. “We had old Rob Schremp there helping me with the power play,” Prust said of his high-scoring teammate with the 2005 Memorial Cup champion Knights. “He's kind of been back in town (after his post-playing days spent in Florida and Latvia). I told him if you're here, I could use some of that power-play expertise. “That was really good.” The Nats open the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League season Wednesday in LaSalle. The first home game is Wednesday, Sept. 18 against Listowel. Prust isn't just leaning on Schremp, one of London's greatest junior hockey scorers. Rob Drummond, another member of the ‘05 team of the century, is back as an assistant along with Dave Moore. Advertisement 3 Article content The new coach is regularly communicating with his old teammates Dylan Hunter and Rick Steadman, the current Knights assistants, and the rest of the London OHL brass on the tricks of putting a winning program on the ice. “I've been picking their brains on a lot of things,” Prust said. “I've been around that Knights dressing room for many years. I'm taking a lot of pages out of their book. We have a great relationship and I was just on the ice with them a couple of days ago.” He also will be watching 2005 Knights captain Danny Syvret's London Junior Knights U16 ‘AAA' team this year for affiliated help and to see who's coming up the ranks. “Danny is kind of with that younger generation,” Prust said. “You hope they come to me next, then off to the Knights. It's a gradual stepping stone in London.” Advertisement 4 Article content It's going to be a process with a Nats team trending younger this fall. But the man in charge has passion to spare. “We did our first video session and it's a different look,” he said. “As a player, you used to just show up and learn. Now, you're teaching it. I woke up at 5 a.m. and my brain was just going. I just started watching game tape for about four hours. My girl wakes up and I've got the laptop in the bed watching hockey. “She's like, ‘What's going on?'” The club's top four scorers are gone. Londoner Talan Palmer, who tallied 25 times last season, already potted his first goal for the Collingwood Blues Junior ‘A' team. Arva's Quinn McNamara also moved to the Wellington Dukes. “There are a lot of new faces,” Prust said. “That said, we picked up a lot of character guys and good hockey players. It's about getting everybody on the same page and working together. The one question mark is where we're sitting with the goaltending. We have a couple of guys in place and we're waiting to see on Hayden Sabourin (who went to Oshawa's training camp). Advertisement 5 Article content “That's an important part of the team.” Prust already put his brand on the roster with full-player access to his BP8 Fitness gym on Blue Heron Drive. Junior B teams don't typically have pre-game skates, but the club is encouraged to show up early to ride the bike, stretch and get their bodies ready for the game ahead. The GOJHL's switch to a two-conference format this season means an early winning start is more important than ever. There are 12 teams in the West, including traditional heavyweights such as Listowel and Stratford, and only eight playoff spots available. “I like the change because it makes that regular season a little more impactful,” Prust said. “The last few years pretty much everybody made the playoffs. Now, you're going to have to battle for those spots. The rivalries will be running pretty deep as soon as that season starts.” Advertisement 6 Article content St. Marys Lincolns. Last year: 33-11-5-1, 72 points. 2nd in West. Lost in 5 to Listowel in Sutherland Cup final. Outlook: They will be grand again. Listowel Cyclones. Last year: 39-9-1-2, 79 points. 1st in Midwest. Sutherland Cup champs. Outlook: Target on their backs. Stratford Warriors. Last year: 31-15-4, 66 points. 2nd in Midwest. Lost in 5 to Listowel in conference final. Outlook: All in at ancient Allman Arena. London Nationals. Last year: 36-11-1-2, 75 points. First in West. Lost in 7 to St. Marys in conference final. Outlook: In Prust, they trust. Strathroy Rockets. Last year: 33-12-3-2, 71 points. 3rd in West. Lost in 4 to St. Marys in 2nd round. Outlook: Take the next step. Advertisement 7 Article content LaSalle Vipers. Last year: 30-19-1, 61 points. 4th in West. Lost in 5 to London in 2nd round. Outlook: New coach Anthony Iaquinta had a history of Junior C success with Lakeshore. Chatham Maroons. Last year: 27-20-2-1, 57 points. 5th in West. Lost in 6 to LaSalle in first round. Two years removed from last Sutherland Cup final. K-W Siskins. Last year: 29-13-4-4, 66 points. 4th in Midwest. Lost in 6 to Ayr in first round. Outlook: Want a bounce-back after quick exit. Elmira Sugar Kings. Last year: 32-16-0-2, 66 points. 3rd in Midwest. Lost in 5 to Stratford in 2nd round. Outlook: Usually in the mix. St. Thomas Stars. Last year: 18-27-3-2, 41 points. 6th in West. Lost in 5 to Strathroy in first round. Outlook: End long string of early exits. Komoka Kings. Last year: 8-42-0-0, 16 points. 8th in West. Lost in 5 to London in 1st round. Outlook: Get out of basement. Sarnia Legionnaires. Last year: 17-27-4-2, 40 points. 7th in West. Lost in 4 to St. Marys in first round. Outlook: Haven't made 2nd round since 2015. Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Brandon Prust grabs London Nationals' reins, with help from old friends Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Latest National Stories News Near Elliot Lake Featured Local Savings

London has long been a soccer city and that reputation is growing. London has long been a soccer city and that reputation is growing.

The Western football team hasn't lost to an Ontario foe in a long time.

Matt Snyder liked the response. Article content The London Beefeaters lost by 30 in their Ontario Football Conference home opener against long-time rival and defending champion St.

The London Beefeaters lost their Ontario Football Conference home opener, but have rebounded with three straight wins.

Article content WATERLOO – That wasn't anywhere close to good enough. Article content

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : Western Mustangs lose first conference game since 2021 – to London-raised QB Western Mustangs lose first conference game since 2021 – to London-raised QB Author of the article: Article content WATERLOO – That wasn't anywhere close to good enough. Advertisement 2 Article content Western Mustangs lose first conference game since 2021 – to London-raised QB Back to video The Western football team fumbled and bumbled their way through an awful first half before ultimately taking it on the chin 43-28 against fellow heavyweight Wilfrid Laurier before 2,943 Saturday at University Stadium. Kiss good-bye their national No. 1 ranking, the shot at a third straight perfect Ontario university conference run and – most likely – first place and a chance to play the Yates Cup championship game at home for an eighth time in nine seasons. “We dug ourselves a hole,” said Western head coach Greg Marshall, whose squad trailed 17-2 at the break. “We took penalties. We take the snap over the head. We fumble (and) busted some coverages. I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness.' What else can go wrong? I said to them at halftime at least we can't make that many mistakes (in the second half). Advertisement 3 Article content “You're not going to make that many mistakes, put ourselves in that situation and beat a good team like Laurier.” The defeat ended Western's incredible 30-game conference win streak, including playoffs, dating back to a 23-21 loss at Guelph Sept. 25, 2021. The Mustangs certainly deserved this one. Western veteran running back Keanu Yazbeck fumbled away the first carry, leading to an early deficit. Normally reliable centre Alex Berwick had some trouble with the snaps and the majority of quarterback Evan Hillock's completions and yards happened late while trying to play catch-up. Laurier was better in the air and on the ground. “Keep running the football,” Marshall said of what went awry. “Break off a chunk play and we'll put ourselves in a good situation. It's a learning situation for everyone – not just our players but our coaches, too. We haven't been in many of these games the past 5-6 years. “It's how we respond (and) commit to getting better. We knew we weren't just going to come in here, roll in and push them around. Hopefully, we get a chance to play them again.” Advertisement 4 Article content STRIPES FACTOR: Marshall was coy about two early calls against Western that loomed large when looking at the final score. Seth Robertson had a touchdown catch overturned and a successful shot down the field to Brayden Misseri was flagged for offensive pass interference. “My eyes aren't that good,” the Mustangs coach said with a grin. “I need a bigger screen than the little ones we have (at the field). I'll look at it.” Robertson saw the side judge signal for a touchdown, but the official already in the end zone waved it off. “The ref that's right there is probably the one that should make the call,” the receiver said. “He called touchdown. The other guy comes over and overturns it. It is what it is and we have to play through that. We can't control that kind of thing. Advertisement 5 Article content “We'll watch the film, see what we have to fix. They obviously had a good game plan and executed well. We have to execute better in that first half. We made some corrections, scored some touchdowns and hopefully, we can have a better showing next time.” Misseri reached back to pull in a ball that was a tad under-thrown by Hillock on the costly interference call. The referee told him he had his hand on the defender's helmet. “I don't know how that's possible when I'm going up with two hands trying to catch the ball,” he said. “I can't control it. I saw a video and in my opinion – pardon my language – there was no way in hell that was ever a pass interference. Ever in my lifetime.” IMPORTANT TRIUMPH: Taylor Elgersma was the OUA's top player last year and this performance puts him in the driver's seat for that honour again. He completed 24-of-29 passes for 385 yards, threw two touchdowns and ran in a pair. Advertisement 6 Article content The 6-foot-6 London Oakridge grad has been dreaming of a win like this since he arrived on campus. “This is only one,” the fourth-year pivot said. “We know we're going to have to play these guys again in the playoffs if we want to get this thing done. We're going to celebrate. It's been a long time. We know this is only the start.” The Golden Hawks (3-0) lost to Western (3-1) twice in the Forest City last year. Right now, they are in the driver's seat for home-field advantage through the playoffs. “We've got to finish out the season the right way and try and get that (first-place) bye,” Elgersma said. “Our university has put a lot of money into us and gave us their vote of trust by upgrading all the facilities. It would be pretty cool to reward them with a Yates Cup on our new field.” Advertisement 7 Article content The Mustangs have hit the regular-season bye and will have two weeks to stew about this loss before facing Queen's. “We have to clean up the mistakes and not have those mental ones come back and bite us in the ass,” Berwick, the centre, said. . . . Western's massive right guard Sebastian Sibbald injured his knee early. The 6-foot-7, 380-pounder was on crutches the rest of the game. “It doesn't look good,” Marshall said. “Based on what I saw and his reaction on the field, yeah, it's a big loss. He's a big part of our offensive line.” . . . O-lineman Keegan O'Neil, who was hurt against Montreal last fall, is expected to return in the second half of the season. “We'll ease him in eventually,” Marshall said. “We've got to patch up. The kids went in. (Back-up centre) Simon Smith is a good player (so) we have some depth there. We'll be OK.” . . . The Mustangs played one man short because cornerback Kojo Odoom hurt his surgically repaired knee in warmup. “We already signed off on the game-day roster,” Marshall said. “He's going to have an MRI on it and see what's going on.” . . . Marshall thought Hillock's quarterbacking was “pretty good,” although “everybody needs to get better and needs to improve.” . . . The only points Western scored in the first half came from a safety conceded by the Hawks. Kicker Brian Garrity also missed a long field-goal try. Advertisement 8 Article content [email protected] Golden Hawks 43, Mustangs 28 Wilfrid Laurier touchdowns: Taylor Elgersma (2), Ethan Jordan (2), Tayshaun Jackson Western touchdowns: Dasani McIntosh (2), Jerome Rancourt, Seth Robertson Next: The Mustangs head to the bye week before facing Queen's Saturday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m. at Western Alumni Stadium. Saturday at University Stadium (Waterloo) Golden Hawks 43, Mustangs 28 First quarter WLU – TD Elgersma run 1 (Hodge kick) 5:10 WLU – TD Jordan pass 72 from Elgersma (Hodge kick) 7:09 Second quarter WLU FG Hodge 18 8:42 WES – Safety 10:38 Third quarter WLU – TD Jordan pass 23 from Elgersma (Hodge kick) 4:09 WES – TD Robertson pass 37 from Hillock (Garrity kick) 6:48 WLU – TD Jackson run 19 (Hodge kick) 10:43 WES – TD Rancourt run 3 (Garrity kick) 14:52 Advertisement 9 Article content Fourth quarter WLU – TD Elgersma run 1 (Hodge kick) 5:04 WLU – Safety 7:27 WES – TD McIntosh pass 7 from Hillock (two-point convert failed) 10:52 WLU – FG Hodge 24 13:56 WES – TD McIntosh pass 79 from Hillock (two-point convert failed) 14:15 Wes 0 2 14 12–28 Wlu 14 3 14 12–43 Rushing: Wes – Edwards 13-80, Yazbeck 6-35. Wlu – Nelmes 16-96, Jackson 4-33, TD. Receiving: Wes – McIntosh 3-105, 2 TD, Robertson 4-74, TD. Wlu – Jordan 5-133, Thorne 9-105. Passing: Wes – Hillock 18-31, 322, 3 TD, 1 Int. Wlu – Elgersma 24-29, 385, 2, 0. ATT – 2,943. Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Western Mustangs lose first conference game since 2021 – to London-raised QB Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Latest National Stories News Near Elliot Lake Featured Local Savings

Owen Willmore will reunite with an old net mate as part of the Ottawa Senators rookie camp.

This isn't the season to fall short. Article content The Western football team realizes that and it's why a greater sense of urgency

Advertisement 1 Share this Story : PYETTE: Western Mustangs must put ultra-rare loss behind them, and fast PYETTE: Western Mustangs must put ultra-rare loss behind them, and fast Author of the article: Article content This isn't the season to fall short. Advertisement 2 Article content PYETTE: Western Mustangs must put ultra-rare loss behind them, and fast Back to video The Western football team realizes that and it's why a greater sense of urgency is expected after looking ordinary in a 43-28 loss to Wilfrid Laurier Saturday in Waterloo. When the Mustangs lost to Montreal in the national semifinal last fall, head coach Greg Marshall believed the 2023 edition surpassed almost all expectations. He felt this year's roster was more experienced and better prepared for the rigours of a Vanier Cup drive. That path just got more difficult with defeat. Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma, the London native, and the rest of the Golden Hawks made sure of it on their brand-new home turf. This is a prime time to win the conference. Based on the rotating nature of the national semifinals, the Yates Cup winner gets to play the Atlantic champion for the Uteck Bowl in November. Advertisement 3 Article content No one is saying the Maritime king will be a pushover but you have to like the Ontario survivor's odds. The easterners haven't made it through to the Vanier Cup game since Saint Mary's got there 17 years ago. Plus, Western pounded St. Francis Xavier 61-6 in the Mitchell Bowl in 2021 and obliterated Acadia 81-3 in the 2017 Uteck Bowl. Those easy wins set the stage for the Mustangs' two most recent national titles. When Western rolled through the OUA the past two years, it drew the Quebec champ in the semifinal – Laval in 2022 at home and Montreal last year – and lost both meetings. This time, one of those Quebec powerhouses will be Canada West's problem before the Vanier Cup at Kingston Nov. 23. RETURN TO FORM: Western has a lot of work to do until its Homecoming game against Queen's on Sept. 28. Advertisement 4 Article content Marshall will look for improvements in every facet, but it's clear everything starts with the collective mindset. In the dying minutes of the loss Saturday, the captains did important work to lift spirits and restore belief. “I think a lot has got to change – specifically our mentality,” Western safety Jackson Findlay said. “We're not that undefeated team we seem to be most years. There's a lot of good competition in the OUA. We have the talent to compete with anybody. On defence, it starts with the secondary and front seven (making more plays). Clean up the turnovers, better start to the game and we'd be right in it. “I have full faith in this team.” Marshall liked Western's second-half pushback but Laurier kept putting on the offensive pressure. Advertisement 5 Article content “They have a good offensive line and were getting a little banged up near the end,” he said. “I said to the guys, time to learn from it. This isn't the end of the season. We have a chance to get better and we'll usually play these guys again. “So let's keep getting better.” HILLOCK'S START: The Western offence starts with snapping the ball cleanly and that needs to improve moving forward. The Mustangs feel it has enough depth on the line to overcome a couple of early injuries. But Western ball-thrower Evan Hillock's first four games have clearly been uneven so far. He has thrown nine touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 62 per cent of his passes with a career-low 168.9 quarterback efficiency rating to date. Advertisement 6 Article content The 2021 Vanier Cup MVP is normally up near or over 70 per cent completion percentage and racked up an efficiency rating of 194.0 two years ago without throwing a single regular-season pick. He got a late start in the summer due to shoulder surgery and no longer has his high school teammate Savaughn Magnaye-Jones as a go-to target. It's been an adjustment and his adaptability will dictate much of Western's success in the second half of the schedule. It's a glorious opportunity to do something special again. This isn't the year to waste it. [email protected] Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : PYETTE: Western Mustangs must put ultra-rare loss behind them, and fast Comments Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Latest National Stories News Near Elliot Lake Featured Local Savings