Rangers take 3 of 4 points.
In a weekend that saw the boys get 3 of a possible 4 points, it was more the character on and off the ice that has us reaching our full potential soon. Throughout the course of a hockey year there are steps taken by each team to show progress. whether they be team systems clicking or line chemistry. Defensive pairings in sync or terrific communication on the ice. When you see it you know. This weekend we saw a bit of what our full potential can be in terms of character. In most cases when a team goes down a goal you can either crumble and lose momentum or take the punch and get up off the matt. In yesterdays game our Rangers took a couple good shots in the game. Early we gave up a break away goal and went down 1-0. But the next shifts after, we came down took control and had the puck in the Huskie zone for prolonged offensive zone time cycling the puck and getting a couple great scoring chances that nearly missed. The hustle and heart continued into the 2nd and we broke through with hard work effort from #66 and a great finish from #23 the emotion from Connor and the bench spoke volumes about there desire to preform in big games. After some back and forth action, big saves from #31 and some great scoring chances from us. Hamilton got a break mid third scoring to make it 2-1. Again its in these moments that can send us into one of two scenarios. Hang our heads or grip your sticks and get your skate on.
The boys chose the latter. It was apparent in all three lines of 5, Chase & Jared who cheered the boys on with encouragement. Late third we got it back after a great regroup by the D and a fantastic dangle by #55 who went wide then cut in fired a low shot, #91 trailed in found the rebound and fired it 10-12 inches off the ice (Darren pre game note to the boys) and buried the goal to tie. 2-2. Each player had terrific moments in this game and it was a hard fought tie. #10 Blocking a shot on the PK and great offensive shots from the point. #4 making great decisions looking up ice and getting pucks out. #16 skating hard to pick up pucks deep and taking it around our net to set up break outs. #6 last minute in the game stopping the Hamilton player on a break away. #88 playing tough and stepping up on Huskie players to keep pucks in. #9 grinding out shifts in tough areas #77 using his quick hands and seeing the open ice to get the puck to his wingers. #7 who was a huge scoring threat all game and had his feet moving. #22 whose great work on the PK, driving hard to the far post on entering the zone drove Huskie defenders low. #14 whose unselfish play set up his line mates in great scoring areas.
Were coming together boys and its the hard work and pushing your selves beyond your current mental blocks that will have you reach new goals as a hockey player.
Never say "I can't"
say "I will" (look up "Under armour I will Hockey" u-tube clip)
Much better pre game focus and in game effort.
Keep it up boys.
The coaching staff.