The Weekend Warriors ran the table to welcome the March Break with big wins over Oro2 Saturday and again in Shelburne this afternoon
Once again we found ourselves down teammates and running short bench this weekend,so everybody got a good workout.
On Saturday Oro 2 sent notice they will be a formidable opponent playing one of their most complete games against us. While the score was 4-2 Oro 1,this game was very close and with a few breaks,could have been much different
There were late game saving plays by Cappy clearing the crease in a frenetic scramble,and Owen flashing a lightning glove hand on Ty S' incredibly improved wrister...I had trouble believing my eyes on that one.
There will plenty of time to write on these two teams coming up soon,but suffice to say Oro 1 learned they had better bring their best game,while getting back to playing our style if we wish to win it all.
Which brings us to the Shelburne contest today. The pregame message was just that,play our brand of hockey... and the results were far better.
We started out moving the puck with confidence and spent much time in Shelburne's zone. There were plenty of chances and Shelburne's goalie came up big to keep us off the board.
Not unlike Coldwater, one player really stood out for their team, the Captain,#10. Fast and highly skilled,he was dangerous all game.
He found some open ice and absolutely labelled a bar down rocket from the high slot,with next to no room available as Owen was standing tall . One of the best snipes we've seen this season and no chance for O
I looked down the bench to see the reaction and it was one of determination to get it right back..it took less than 2 minutes.
It came from the stick of the young man we call Fletch,who was in finest form this match and was an absolute force.
We have watched him put many games on his back this season,and I could tell today he would not be denied.
Jacob has been a revelation this year, bringing a long ago forged work ethic that is second to none.
Great talent is usually accomplished in two ways...natural athleticism or incredibly hard work with attention to detail.
To be elite it is preferable to have both,and while I cant speak to the former,I can to the latter.
His father and he have a special bond..James is his truest and best coach. They spend countless hours each week talking hockey,watching hockey and searching out and hitting any ice space available. They study drills/tutorials,attend camps and are forever looking to push the proverbial envelope. When we asked for 600 shots,Jacob would usually return with a count in the 2000's. Their love of the game is what drives the passion and we all bear fortunate witness to the spectacular,often jaw dropping results.
I can't count how many times I have simply shook my head in disbelief and smiled after watching Fletch creatively dissect coverage at full speed, advancing the puck to either find twine or make a perfectly placed pass.
And yet with all that,his greatest gift to his team has been to demonstrate how to share the puck. A coach can talk passing until he's blue in the face,but to see a peer go out and pass the puck on a breakaway unselfishly time and again, well that's a lesson no coach can teach better...its contagious.
This very mature character trait was on display once again in this game as he passed the puck 2 on 0 on a rope to Cappy who wasted no time drilling home the gift. Cappy had done similar with Ty in the Oro match as has Aidan,Bo and others all season...but I believe you took this to a whole new level Fletch and this team is all the better for it.
And to top it off,your demeanor in the dressing room and off ice is exemplary. You carry a quiet but visible confidence, and always certain to pass on an encouraging word to your mates.
A total package that sets you apart... at any level or community.
For Fletch..your namesake;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7AUpGXLDdk
Edward had so many excellent chances this game by positioning himself properly high slot and barrelling to the net..but the Shelburne goalie was quick with the flippers to deny. Keep up the great passing and hard net drive Fast Eddie!
Mark was playing a super two way game today and made a fabulous shot block by rushing the point to turn the puck dangerously the other direction.Told you post game these plays don't show on the score sheet,but instead find their way to a coach's admiring heart.
We welcomed Zack back to the line-up and while the blades were rusty,he began to find his old mojo late game.
We missed you Zack Attack
Evan was flying both ways,in position and passing well as always.
All the D were in top form...great passing on display and smart,timely rushes too. Colt45 looks very good wearing the A and continues to learn to rush the puck..the only thing left to round out his game. Told him to pick the spots and go for it... and the last three games I have seen the spark igniting. You have the coach's confidence Colt..I know you have what it takes and don't worry about the mistakes..its how we learn.
Ty had a solid game in both ends and made a difficult,smart pass to Cappy from the point instead of his hard shot that was once again close to scoring twice. Caelan was skating with typical ease tracking down all comers and saw daylight to make an excellent rush.
And Big Red keeps growing her game each outing.. Cassie,I can play you anywhere,without hesiation and expect superior play....as you demonstrated once again this game. The improvement you have shown this year is so noticeable from when we started in October.Remarkable really,and you are such a valuble asset to this team.
But this game belonged to Fletch as he was the catalyst that led the charges and finished with the hatty in the 4-2 victory..a score that doesn't do justice to a game never in doubt.
I asked the team post game,do we have what it takes to win the ultimate prize in our league?
Are we prepared to lay it ALL on the line and give everything we have,shift after shift,after shift until the buzzer sounds it's final toll?
The answer was a resounding.."YES!"
This has been an incredible season,where we have been full marks to run a winning streak that I told the team they will likely never see again in their playing careers..independent of sport. But its not over just yet... although I must concur that if this team can bring it's fullest, A plus efforts, then victory will be ours.
We,as a team, are an unstoppable force when everyone plays their game to it's highest level.
That's what it will take.
This season,like the player and family who have left an indelible impression on this old coach's mind..
as spoken in our new game song;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0MTPC1yv30
Lets finish the job Thunder.