Jake Ratcliffe - Concentration is the key. Photo credit: Verity GriffinAfter spending two years in the US playing for the Danbury Hat Tricks in the FPHL, Jake Ratcliffe returned to the AIHL as Brave’s newest local signing. Racking up 31 points in his 17 appearances for the Brave, Jake is praised by teammates for his ability to create opportunities whenever he is in control of the puck.
Becoming Brave
“My first impressions of the team and the Brave Cave were great. The atmosphere in there is incredible, and it gives us a real advantage for home games. I think the fans and the community is what makes playing for the Brave so special. The support means so much to us. When you’re selling out every home game it makes you excited to play and leave it all out there on the ice, and we have our incredible fans to thank for that.”
Finding your feet can often be difficult in a new team, let alone one with as many long serving players as the Canberra Brave. “Having a good locker room culture is super important when you’re trying to win. We definitely have that with the Brave. The guys have all bought in and are willing to do whatever it takes, and I think it’s been showing on the ice recently.”
Jake Ratcliffe - Creating opportunities with the puck. Photo credit: Verity GriffinPREPPING FOR FINALSAs we charge toward the end of the season, Jake reflects on his contribution to the team, and how the mentality in the locker room continues to drive success on the ice. “I try to play an offensive style of game and help create scoring chances. It’s been a lot of fun playing with Cange (Austin Cangelosi) and TK (Tyler Kubara) lately. We have good chemistry together and want to keep doing everything we can to help the team win games."
"For the final games of the regular season, we want to make sure we stay hot and continue playing our best hockey of the season heading into finals weekend. We have a chance at taking out our division so that’s a huge motivator for us. Playoff hockey is always the most intense time of the year, and we’re going to do everything we can to bring the Goodall Cup back to Canberra.”
Jake Ratcliffe - Concentration is the key. Photo credit: Verity Griffin