After a dissapointing loss 5-0 to Niagara Falls which featured no hits no shots and no compete the team had a much better performance against Caledon. After falling behind 1-0 in the second period, despite some real good scoring chances of our own, the team didn't quit. Their hard work paid off with the tying goal with less than 2 minutes left. Unfortunately Caledon scored with 37 seconds left to spoil yet another good effort by the entire team.
This isn't an excuse. Anyone can make excuses. Good teams overcome them.
The day we played Niagara Falls half our team were in a school hockey tournament. It was quite evident by their performance. If our entire team doesn't come to play then not even strong goaltending,which continues to be a strong suit, can save us. The evidence is that dissapointing loss because they didn't push to overcome the excuse but rather used it as a crutch.
Fast forward to Caledon. Excuses were available. Long drive. Only 8 forwards and 4 D. But in spite of losing in the last minute our team overcame the excuses and played hard the entire game. Success is not always measured by just the scoreboard. Success will come to our team only if the boys continue to not only maintain,but improve the levels of effort and compete, shown in this game. Not just some-WE NEED ALL.
I hesitate to single out individuals in a game like that one. However I'd be remiss if I didn't.
Jack continues his strong play in the nets. He and Tomas continue to give us a chance to win in every game.
Zack added a dimension to his game that we're pushing all to do. Namely get the puck deep and get it to the net as other bodies arrive there. All the boys did a much better job of this. Zack also scored the tying goal with 1:37 to go on a nice 3 way pass play from Thomas and Gianluca. Nicky, who has been sick, looked like he had another gear in this game.Daniel and Riley both just missed golden opportunities to score thanks to the strong play of their linemates.
Patrick also went up a notch. He was very decisive and non hesitant. Again we are encouraging all to play this way. Lose going forward rather than retreating. I thought all 4 D continue to improve at this. I also thought they improved at clearing the zone when under pressure, using each other as outlets and were especially good playing 1 on 1 situations against some pretty shifty Caledon players.
Let's use this as a stepping stone and come out Wednesday with an even stronger effort against Milton. Although we continue to work on areas for improvement mentioned last time one area can get us improved results fast. That is QUICKER PUCK MOVEMENT. Do what you'r doing just do it quicker.