Dec 10, 2013 | dstasso | 622 views
Holding Pattern
This past weekend we had a tough test. We played the second place team, Hamilton Spitfires and ended the weekend with a Sunday game in Hamilton against the Cyclones. Our team goal was to take 4 of a possible 4 points.
Saturday's game was much hyped and something we were looking forward too. We finally had a chance to see how we matched up against another top team in the second place, Hamilton Spitfires. The game was a battle from the first whistle to the last. I think this was the most physical game we have played all year. Hamilton was very physical and challenged us all game at times even taunting us. The boys held their ground and for the most part kept their composure only taking 1 bad retaliation penalty. We were down 2-1 going into the final period but I thought we held the play for the second period and carried that into the third. We eventually tied the game with 1:30 left to play. I quickly called the boys to the bench to settle them down and make sure they understood how to conserve the tie by getting pucks deep and taking their man defensively. This was a very heated point in the game as Hamilton's coaching staff lost their cool and screamed at the refs that I was taking a time out and that there was no time outs allowed. The game continued and we skated to a 2-2 tie. The coach from Hamilton was not happy and continued yelling at the ref after the game was over and it cost him by being ejected and suspended their next game. We were happy with the boys compete level and we stressed that these physical games will start to become the norm as we get older and its better they deal with this style of play now.
On Sunday in Hamilton against the Cyclones we talked with the boys about getting more shots on net and more shots of quality not always from the outside. We explained that we were averaging almost 4 goals a game and that of late we have slipped a little. We also went over some positional play on the whiteboard so we can continue to be strong positionally. The boys seemed to be fired up and it showed. We dominated the Cyclones from the opening whistle blasting good quality shots from all over the ice and also getting a couple breakaways (which we never scored on I might add). We had some really good puck movement although we stressed to a few that it could have been better if they looked as their teammates were wide open. We were not going to leave Hamilton without our win and 2 more points. We won the game 5-1.
We were very happy taking 3 out of a possible 4 points on the weekend remaining in first place and keeping our undefeated streak alive. We are currently undefeated in 14 games and ranked 10th in Ontario with a 19-5-2 overall record. We have a great thing going but we can be even better. We will continue to work with the kids on improving in certain areas we have identified.
MD Blue Coaching Staff