Is it too early in the season to have déjà vu?
I mean it is game one of the seasons so how could it not be
too soon? But a loss to open the season against the Stratford Warriors was
exactly how the Waterloo Wolves started last season.
It even seemed like the same mistakes that caused the loss
last season happened again. A lack of effort and attention to detail. Poor
defensive play and a bunch of players being individuals and not trusting teammates.
Sure, there were bright spots like the play of the “kid line” of Jack Mayne,
Jack Thompson and Ben Morton. The trio showed they not only belong but can push
the play in games. But, overall, the Wolves did not show their best and the
result was a 6 to 4 loss in a game they should win.
Declan Uniac scored the first goal of the season for the Wolves
from Mayne and Matthew Ball. Cole Ledgister tied the game with a goal from Jake
Patterson and Evan Wallace. Thompson scored from Ledgister and Jack Smith had
his first goal as a Wolve.
Drew Cribbin was in net again for the Wolves. His 6th
start in 5 days and battled hard yet again for his team. Cribbin made some
clutch saves when needed but was too often left hung out to dry by the team’s
lack of effort in their own end. Sam Miller will be out for several weeks with
a broken collar bone and Jack Silver served in the backup role.
Despite the errors and sloppy play, there were still some glimpses
of solid play. Riley Webster made several nice reads and played the puck well.
Jackson McNichol played the body and pushed plays outside. Ethan Wasylyshyn
played as a forward and defender and showed off his ability to help the team in
any role needed. Evan Walsh made a nice rush into the offensive zone and
protected the net front well. Cole Hunsberger controlled play on the power play
and showed his cycling ability. Hunter McMurdo played the body and forechecked
well.
That said, these things didn’t happen on a consistent enough
basis or at the required level of intensity. The bright side is that it is
early and talking in the room after the game I believe the message was sent and
received. The team looks ahead with the promise of a better effort.
Friday is the home opener and will be an opportunity to show
what they are made of as a team. It gives the players a chance to show
character and the coaches expect to see them play much harder and earn a better
result.
Go Wolves!