Game three with the season on the line as the two Oro squads faced off for what could be the deciding game Sunday.
We knew Oro 2 would bring their best game and our team would have to be ready..and boy were they.
In my last address to the team I tried to convey the importance of this game and the effort required to elevate and overcome as what we try to teach in hockey is best conveyed as an allegory for life.
It went something like this;
"What will be your verse?
It is an interesting question.
All season this team has written their story through dedication,will and determined play.
These efforts are but life lessons and the character earned will serve you well as you move through your lives.
Doctors,teachers,engineers,nurses these are but a few of noble pursuits and essential to life.
But hockey,hockey is the beautiful game where we summon our passions to squeeze the juices and love of life and all its glory. And these passions, this is what we
live for.
So today,you have the chance to write your final verse in this storybook season.
Will it be a jot note,or a beautiful song?
Will it be a scribble or a triumphant poem that fills the soul?
You,all of you, are the authors of this story and we are but merely sheppards and witnesses to your artistry.
So I will ask,one final time...
What will be
your verse?
All of us can't wait to find out,and are certain it will be...spectacular"
And it was
Oro 2 played a determined first period keeping the score close,but our team would not be denied.
With sheer will and exuberance they forced the play and and took their game to new heights.
The scoring was spread across the board and all our scoring leaders made crucial impacts.
And Owen,often the forgotten one, and he of the playoff goals against average of 1.0 was his consistent self shutting the door time and again and making it look easy.It is nearly impossible to beat this team when we only give up one goal per game.
Such has been his ascendance since starting this daunting and most important position in game 6.
Congratulations to Oro 2 on a highly successful season as they too are worthy champions to have come so far and defeated so many excellent teams below them. Champions all.
To our defense of Cassie,Tyrus,Caelan,Fletch and Colt...you are rocks and together with the Big O make scoring against a challenge for any team. Often under the radar,
defense is what
makes Champions. Congratulations on your verse today and season long.
To our forwards of Edward,Mark,Skylar,Evan,Bo and Zack...you wrote your final verse with effort and skills gleaned from a year of hard work. I watched many of you have the game of your life,and you were crucial to our team's success. Congratulations ..you are Champions in heart and spirit.
To our centers,Jacob and Aidan...both double champions on the day.
Simply unbelievable. I wondered at season's beginning how we would fair down the middle as last year we had two fabulous pivots in Eric and Owen. Well you matched and often exceeded those two leaders play and took your game to ridiculously lofty heights. Creative,determined two way centers who understand how to play the game in both ends. So proud of both these young men.
We will finish the season in Whitby at Pizza Pizza and asked the tourney directors to be sure and challenge us with the best teams invited. Our old adversaries in Bradford will be there to play us in our final game.
We will bring our best,play to challenge ourselves,but win or lose,this team is one that has already proven they are undeniably poetry on ice and champions through and through.
Dancers,racers,policemen and artists... and a team I will never forget
Coach Greg
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