Minor Atom Blue, 2017-2018, MD (Kitchener Minor Hockey)

We started the playoffs in grand fashion with a  3-1 win vs the Waterloo Wolves. From the drop of the puck, the boys dominated the play with aggressive forechecking, lots of shots on net and stellar defence. Keegan was awarded the hard hat for game MVP, but others had their best games of the year making the decision difficult including Berchie and Big's. As a unit, the 6 defensemen played a remarkable game and Coop took care of just about everything else. Atta boy Coop! We ran into penalty trouble but our well rehearsed penalty kill got the job done.  Go Rangers! Go Blue!

Saturday at Albert McCormick was the first of a home and home series vs the Waterloo Wolves to close out the play downs. AP Jacob O (aka Big O)  answered the call (Oliver was on the DL) and got the start. 

The boys showed up ready to play today. It was the second of a home and home series vs Burlington White. With Carson Arges on the "DL" (listed day to day with a  fever), the lines were fluid with Reid Brabazon leaving his post as defensemen to play left wing. Midway through the game, Gabe "Biggs" Bignell, who was looking pale in the dressing room, was sick and couldn't play the rest of the game. Marcus Hohl moved up to fill the void. 

Nelson Arena in Burlington was the venue for our first play-down game in nearly two weeks and the first since the London Tournament. New forward lines were assigned, resulting in an offensive flurry. Miller, D'Aguilar and Berscht provided all the scoring with 3 goals - all resulting from hard-work and determination. Coop played another solid game between the pipes (didn't have any chance on the 2 goals) to collect the win. The final score was 3-2 and Marcus D'Aguilar, who was FLYING, was awarded the hard-hat for game MVP. Great game boys! Go Rangers! Go Blue!

After two postponed games, the boys were rested and itching to play. I think it's fair to say they especially look forward to playing our brother-team, Red who are always strong opponents. Past teammates, friends and cousins were on the ice together - a parent from the Red team reported to me they witnessed a mid-game high-five between a player from Red and a player from Blue! Love that! As coach Darren tells our boys, "our favourite team is Blue but our second favourite team is Red".