The Port Hope Predators seem to be peaking at just the right time.

The club occupied fourth place in the East Division for much of the season, and before General Manager Tim Clayden returned from suspension in November, he made it known that he was unhappy with his team's performance.

He quickly made numerous trades to change the makeup of his team. Now, with the regular season winding down, the changes seem to finally be paying dividends as the team has come on strong in recent weeks. With a record of 7-3 in their last 10 games, the club has moved into third and is hot on the heels of the second place Kingston Voyageurs.

The first two teams in the division will receive a bye in the opening round of the playoffs, and the Preds covet one of those spots.

"You can't lose a round when you're not playing," said Coach Brian Drumm.

Even though the Predators are a strong team, they can't take any potential playoff opponent for granted. "We're capable of playing with the best teams in this league, but we can lose to anybody. It's very competitive. It's great we have this parity."

Drumm points to his former team, the Cobourg Cougars, as a prime example of that parity.

"Someone forgot to tell them they're in last place. They haven't shut it down."

The Preds recently played two hard-fought games against their county rivals, winning 6-3 on Saturday, Jan. 19, after losing 6-4 the previous Monday. "They're starting to put together a strong young hockey club."

As for his team, the coach is pleased with the changes Clayden has made, and likewise, the GM is confident that Drumm is the man to guide the team deep into the hunt for a championship.

"A lot of credit has to be given to Coach Drumm," said the GM. "He's a wise veteran head coach who has been patient and loyal to his players, and it's good to see his team is starting to play for him for 60 minutes."