Oct 25, 2014 | goldfield | 258 views
Doogie Chase Cats From Division Perch
Oro was away in Coldwater for an important division battle Friday night where one team's early winning streak would come to an end
We warned the boys to expect a tough game from Coldwater as they won their match over a strong Midland squad and our "scouts' said they were a fast,skilled team.
Coldwater would not disappoint
They got the early lead by finding a loose puck and jamming it home for the 1-0 lead and we told the boys "game on"
There was some scrambly play as a result of two teams battling hard both ways, with good pressure and little time to make decisions.
Oro responded to knot the match on a nifty passing play from Aidan to Eric "Doogie" both of whom had stellar nights.
Chase's older bother Kyle was in town in attendance this evening and little bros. had his best two way performance of the season. Chase showed great determination on hard backchecks against fast forwards all game and made consistently smart decisions all over the ice..whether it was headmanning,covering for rushing D or knowing when to pressure.
He took a pass from Eddie and beat the quick Coldwater tender early second period to take a lead we would not relinquish. Fabulous effort game long Chaser
But he wasn't alone...Aidan was all over the ice as well working the wing and later center providing hustle and heads up plays.he took the coaches advice going to the net on a Jacob ripper from Colt banging home the rebound for the 3-1 lead.
Maguire had a solid game with sweet dangles and some nice chances from high slot and in close.
Big Ben was strong on the boards and battled for puck possession like a champ.
Shortly after Aidan's tally, on the penalty kill,we witnessed the nicest goal of the year to date. Owen and Doogie were dominant on the kill and somehow found themselves alone on a 2-0. After three bing-bang-boom passes Owen slid the puck into an empty cage. Gorgeous goal that had all the coaches shaking their heads smiling.. and an apple for Justin!!!
The penalty kill was a strength all night and our team controlled the tempo and iced the puck when needed..and once at even strength later in the match for a much needed line change on a smart slapper by Harry!
Doogie busted free on a breakaway showing superb speed and heads up finish to take us into the third up 5-1
Can't say enough good things about this young man's game...sharing the puck,backchecking,smarts,finish...it's all there. Co-player of the game with Chase tonight
The third saw us let down a touch as our legs appeared heavier..and perhaps we thought the game was in hand
Coldwater,to their credit,never gave up and brought the game to 5-2 with increasingly more chances on Justin
But our keeper was strong game long and while we gave up more zone time ,the match wasn't really in doubt
The D was led by Harry and Eric(Flash) this game with strong efforts at times by all. Connor was stepping up to close the gap and throwing himself in front of players/pucks without fear. Hayden is all speed and tracked down the fastest of Coldwater attackers and tried some creative long range passes to breaking forwards. Colt continued to show confidence in rushes /passes and battled and while Ty is learning how to work with the big guy as partner he showed poise inside the offensive blueline and strong engagement in front of the net.
But third period let downs aren't a habit to fall into...so we asked the team post if were prepared to work off ice on a three part program involving shooting/cardio/strength development
It was unanimous
So I will soon roll out a bi weekly season long program tailored to what we/the boys think they need to work on most
Those who complete their assignments will be put into a draw for a prize or two every two weeks
We told the team if we keep up the hard work then the sky is the limit this year...but to be aware other teams will be working hard as well.
Off ice training will not only give us an advantage in the hockey arena,but will assist and encourage the boys to become better all around athletes.
But for tonight,it was mission accomplished..and the lads should be proud of all efforts to date
Final; 5-2 Oro