The Port Hope Predators have made a lot of changes since the start of the Junior A season.

From trading their Number 1 goalie to picking up a defenceman from the Ontario Hockey League, the team has tried everything to spark a climb up the standings. To date it hasn't worked, as the team has remained securely in fourth in the East Division, well ahead of fifth place Bowmanville but consistently behind the third place club, currently Peterborough.

Since returning from suspension in November, General Manager Tim Clayden has looked high and low for impact players and his search continued with the recent acquisition of Andrew Taylor from the Brampton Capitals. Taylor has made an impression with eight points in his first six games as a Pred.

"Andrew Taylor is a huge pick-up for us," said Clayden. "He previously played in Brampton and as Jesse Chidwick's centre. Andrew and Jesse have tremendous chemistry and the addition to their line of

Garrett Noiles makes them a threat to score every shift."

Clayden is pleased with his collection of forwards and expects his defense to get even better when Justin Klassen joins the team. Klassen was acquired from the Melville Millionaires last month and has been rehabbing a collarbone injury.

"Once Justin Klassen joins our hockey club after the holidays, our defense is as good as any in the OPJHL."

Though the team may be set with their skaters, goaltending continues to be an issue. The Preds crease has become increasingly crowded since Jeff Potvin was traded in November, and the latest goaltender to get a shot at the top job, Devan Hartigan, fell short after a six-game tryout.

"Devan is a very good goaltender and a terrific young man. We wish him the very best as he moves on in junior hockey," said Clayden. "We want more consistency from our goaltenders and will keep the door revolving until we get consistency for 60 minutes each and every game.

"Once we can land a starting goaltender that is consistent every night, we are very confident this hockey club is poised for a big finish."