Oro was finishing out the regular season slate this evening vs Midland in our second game of the day.
This game meant nothing in the standings as we had clinched first overall earlier in the morning,but we wanted to win nonetheless and keep the undefeated streak going.
Mostly,this game was about team sharing and caring and rewarding some players for their contributions season long
Jacob B started the game and finished at center,his natural position.
Bo has had an incredible season,playing wing mostly and developing into an outstanding two way player.
We always knew he had a knack to score,but his development into a terrific puck sharing player and backchecker has not gone unnoticed by the staff. Congrats on a fabulous regular season Bocephus
I should apologize to some of our players for short ice tonight...everything was in a blender and we were missing forwards with no set pairs. Edward,Mark and Zack missed some shifts and not to worry,as things will get back to normal once the playoffs start...you all played very well once again. Mark had another big goal this evening and was a force in front of Midland's crease. As Ty will tell you,you're not easy to move Mighty one...great work and you deserve it.
The Big O notched his 5th shutout tonight...absolutely incredible for a young man who had never played goal before and started the position after 5 games in! It's testament to your dedication and willingness to learn that has made you one of the league's best keepers Owen. Kudos.
So the secret was out early that we were trying to help a teammate out this evening.
All of the players dressed tonight have had at least one goal this season,save one...The Iceman.
Caelan has played fantastic hockey for this team and blossomed into a dependable d-man who has learned to make quick,smart decisions with the puck while holding the blueline firmly. His speed,toughness and quiet competitiveness has helped keep our GAA (goal against average) to a league low.
So starting a position completely unfamiliar is a daunting task,but your teammates were at the ready,and we witnessed selflessness all night long.
I saw Aidan pull up on a breakaway to slide it over to Cae....Fletch and Cappy ragging the puck,giving up great shot position to look for you in the slot..in fact every player who had the chance tried to find you at some point this game. This is what you mean to your teammates.
I think Midland got wise and realizing they couldn't win the game,set up to stop our plan. Can't say I blame them
As the clock wore down it seemed not meant to be sadly. No matter,it was the heart warming thought and effort that counted and not everything ends like in the movies.
There was an odd moment late game where we somehow scored a goal that nobody saw
The ref came to the scorekeeper and the puck went to center...a mystery goal!
The clock struck zero,we won 7-0 and went on to celebrate in the dressing room...sweet rewards for a great season.
When the festivities wore down,Fletch and I went to look at the game sheet,curious about goal #7
Well,you can call it divine intervention or straight up glorious karma, but there with the 7th and final goal was the #12. Fletch ran down the hall,scoresheet in hand,excited to break the news.
Oh,in a few years Caelan can tell his friends it was top shelf where Mom keeps the peanut butter as hockey players are want to embellish,but for now we'll just see it as a massive cherry on top of this sundae of a season.
This team has played clean,honest hockey all year long,and man it does this heart proud to see the good guys get rewarded.
Relish,savour and celebrate team, for soon we get back to work and ready to compete for the ultimate prize.
To paraphrase an old novel..The Iceman Scoreth! (with a legion of teammates cheering you on )
For you buddy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=149jGeIlx3I