Saturday November 22, 2014
Game Reporter: Jay Nijhuis
It's hard to know the exact moment when a team gels and comes together, but after watching these last two games, I think it's safe to say the process has begun with Skills Plus.
The coaching staff was a little anxious before the game. Which team would we see on the ice this morning? Would it be the one that looked incredible in a 4-3 win last week, or would it be the hard luck team that lost 7-1 a few weeks ago. Coach Joe and Jay reminded the boys pre-game about their assignments in both the offensive and defensive zones of the ice and also to try and remember how good that first win felt and how much work it will take to have that feeling of victory again.
The boys looked good right off the first face-off with the forwards back checking hard and the defence being very solid and smart. Goaltender
David B. was outstanding in the first period making at least 3 five alarm saves to keep
Pioneer Transmission off of the scoreboard. It was a very evenly played first period and a lot of fun to watch from the bench and I'm sure from the stands as well.
It's funny, hockey players all have a story about their first goal. Usually, it bounces in off of their pant leg or skate, but by the time the story is told to family and friends, it was an end to end rush with a rocket shot off the crossbar and in. However, for some players, that after story is actually the truth.
Simon H. scored a beautiful first goal coming down the right wing and roofing a wrist shot top shelf
"where Momma Hides the cookies" to give Skills Plus a 1-0 lead early in the second period.
Connor M. made it 2-0 shortly after that and we were off to the races.
Pioneer Transmission scored early in the third period to make it a 2-1 game and the coaches on the bench kept reminding the boys to keep playing the way they were, not to panic, and to be smart defensively. Then, it was another Magic moment as
Liam M. drove hard to the net with his stick on the ice and banged in a sweet pass to make it
3-1 which ended up being the final score as the game was stopped due to curfew with 1:38 remaining in the 3rd period.
One injury note to pass along, forward
Derek R. has been placed on long term IR because of a broken wrist. Rumour has it he heroically blocked a shot late in the game in our 7-1 loss. Even down by 6 goals he showed guts, determination and desire getting down to sacrifice his body for the team (
or he hurt it at school...you decide what story is better lol).
Derek R. will be out of the lineup for at least a few more weeks and we wish him a speedy recovery.
See game photos
here!
Please remember to bring you $55 CASH to the practice today and give it to Coach Joe or Jay to pay for the Tournament we are signed up for January 9-11, 2015.
Keep your stick on the ice!!