Stayner – Wednesday, November 19, 2014
7-1, ORO
A snowy Wednesday evening brought Stayner to face the
Thunder in downtown Thornton.
From the coaching perspective our game is not where it needs to be. We’re hopeful the boys can re-focus and use these next few games and practices to prepare for the upcoming Silver Stick. Boys – if you’re reading this, we need to UP our complete level and get back to being a tough team to play against!
The game started off a little slow and sluggish which has been a trade mark over the past few weeks. The first 7 minutes of the game went back and forth with both teams trading chances. Our team seemed to be a little passive tonight and were letting Stayner dictate the pace. With time ticking away, Devin fed Logan a nice pass who sent a vintage wrist shot past the Cyclone tender. The Thunder found themselves up 1.
Moments later, the same sniper bulged the twine again on a beautiful pass from Taylor! The first period ended on a wicked rush by Wesley – after some great puck movement by Caden and Charlie, Wesley took the rest into his hands. With some slick moves that left Cyclone players wondering where he went, he was able to deposit a hard wrister behind the Cyclone goalie!
The second period saw both teams put up a goose egg on the score sheet. The pace grinded to a halt. However, as the period winded down, Taylor was able to generate an awesome scoring chance...only to be foiled by the Stayner goalie. Keep at it, Taylor!
As time was expiring in the period, the coaches huddled the players and asked them to forget the first two periods and concentrate on the final 15 minutes. The boys were asked to play with more passion and drive. The kids took our chat to heart and played a better third period. Owen was stopping pucks at the blue line, making passes and chasing down the puck all period. Jack was backchecking, chasing the puck and working hard on the offense. Caden took control early in the third and stretched the Thunder lead to 5. He unleashed one wrist shot and one lethal backhander. Caden – you may have the best backhander in the league! Sammy and Charlie dropped dimes on the goals. Excellent puck movement and assists, guys! The scoring was rounded out by Logan and Devin on great shots, both of which were assisted by amazing puck play by Nicky. Great reads, Nick!
Throughout the game, Jensen was amazing between the pipes, stopping many pucks and preventing Cyclone scoring. He can always be counted on, especially when the going gets tough!
As the final buzzer sounded the Thunder found themselves on the right side of the score sheet. I think we would all agree that tonight was not our best effort. Please remember! Even with great talent like yours, it must be matched by hard work and desire. I know it is in each and every one of you. Let’s have a great practice Friday and play THUNDER HOCKEY on Saturday against Elmvale!