Congratulations to the GLADIATORS for their success in making it to Semi-Finals in the Jayden Elmore London tournament over the weekend. The team headed into the SF's in second place (out of 8 teams participating in round robin), with a T-W-T record. ZERO losses. In addition to the team's strong backchecking and passing, Alex's sharp goaltending was evident throughout the entire tournament. The GLADIATORS were in first place with lowest GA (2).
The players fiercely held on until the end with a score of 2-2 heading into OT, then a loss.
Sure it was disappointing leaving early. Head's hung, and that's OK. The GLADIATORS worked so hard to stay undefeated. Watching the team come to the boards with red faces and sweat dripping mouths open only proves one thing. The GLADIATORS have HEART.
People are noticing. The team is playing with PASSION, and now success is coming their way. The endurance, passing and aggression improvement is significant.
The GLADIATORS started showing signs of change 3 weeks ago, when they played the top team Inferno. In that game, the GLADIATORS enjoyed a lead of 1-0 throughout 3 periods until the last couple minutes when we tied it up. This was Sign no. 1. Sign no. 2 was then the team's win against Inferno in the Jason Cripps tourney. Sign no. 3 is now of course the team's success in the London tournament.
What do the GLADIATORS bring back from this tournament experience? Better Team, check. Stronger friendships, check. DRIVE, to be better, CHECK.
It's a work in progress. It's always ideal to be part of a team that improves, than to be a good team and go the other way. No one will disagree it's simply more fun and exciting when the cards change for the better. Game on!!!
PS - thanks to ROY, IAN and DAN on doors. You guys did an excellent job. And for organizing our hotel and events, special thanks to ROY, PAULINA and LEAH! It was a fun weekend ... for parents too ;)
Coach Tracy