Midland – Saturday, October 25, 2014
2-1, MIDLAND
Saturday's match brought us
to the metropolis of Coldwater to face our old nemesis the Midland Centennials.
The coaches knew going into the game that it would be a very tough match and
they tried to motivate the team to bring their best.
From the drop of the puck in the first period, Midland brought a relentless forecheck that seemed to confuse and trip up our team. Most of the play in the first period centred around our crease. Without the stellar net minding of Jenson, Midland could have potted several goals.
After falling behind on a well-deserved goal by Midland, the coaches took advantage of a stop in play to try to settle the team down and get them to focus on the positive attributes of their game: their speed and determination. On one occasion, Samuel and Noal were able to move the puck quickly out of our end and get it to Devin, who streaked into the Midland zone and was able to put a rising back-hander over the Midland goalie's shoulder, tying the game at 1.
The coaching staff hoped that by tying the game up it would give them the confidence they needed to raise their "compete" level to match that of the Centennials. Even under continuing pressure by Midland, looking to gain the upper hand, our defensemen bent but never broke...continuing to clear pucks away from Jenson and our crease. Nicky caught a streaking Midland forward on a partial breakaway with great determination and speed, shutting down a great scoring opportunity. Wesley and Owen were solid with their play, stopping pucks at the blue line while continuously battling below the goal line to move pucks quickly to our wingers.
With three minutes remaining in the second, Midland dominated the puck down low, forcing our team into making mistakes and leaving our positions. With a wicked shot from the point, and a great save by Jenson, Midland forwards attacked the net looking for a rebound. Unfortunately, the team was unable to clear the rebound and Midland was able to trickle one into our net, making it 2-1 after the second.
Between the second and the third the coaches stressed to the boys that we hadn’t played our best yet...but we were only down by a goal, and challenged them to see who had that next shot to tie up the game. During the third, Logan took it upon himself to initiate several rushes from our end with great speed, deking out Midland defensemen, only to have his shot blocked or saved by a strong Midland goalie. Jack and Taylor, with some strong board work, were able to chip several pucks past Midland players to start offensive chances. Cado generated a high hard shot late in the third that was labeled for the top shelf, only to be foiled by a great blocker save.
As the final buzzer sounded, ending our winning streak, the team headed to the room for our normal post-game chat. Midland provided the team with a great lesson today: that to be successful, we are always going to have to bring our best game. The coaches have asked the boys to raise their compete level back to their normal levels...which are truly amazing...so that we can start a new winning streak on Sunday against the always-tough Elmvale Coyotes.