Heading into the week of February 14, the Listowel Cyclones are in love with their start to the month. Beating Brampton 5-2, Guelph 4-0 and Brantford 2-1, they ride a 3 game winning streak in February.
This has been part of a turnaround following a 9-1 drubbing to Stratford. Coach Jason Brooks had his team back to basics with a focus on their defensive shape. It has came together the past week with Listowel allowing only 3 goals over the span of 3 games.
Another adjustment has added a boost to the Cyclones. Defenseman Tanner Mighton played his first games of the season this month, picking up an assist in the win over Brampton.
What Mighton brings to the table is an offensive flavour that has been lacking on Listowel's back end for the most part this season. The Durham native had 40 points in 83 games heading in to his return and Jason Brooks says his presence shows on the powerplay.
"He sees the plays so well and reads who is open." Brooks said, adding that it takes some pressure off Brad Yowert. "We put a lot of pressure on him to do it alone with other guys being hurt."
The return of the puck moving Mighton adds to a blue line that is continuing to solidify heading into the playoffs. When 6'6 anchor Riley Robertson returns, the back end will look rather stacked on a team that relies on their defense for results. That pair of returnees will add to the steady play of Yowert and Keaton Willis, as well as deadline deal Ethan Morrison.
Listowel's next game in Friday night at home to Brantford. You can hear that game on CKNX with a puck drop of 7:30 p.m.
