The
Bantam LL 1 Paris Wolfpack definitely know how to make an entrance to 2016 with
a spectacular first home game of the new year.
From the moment of the first puck drop until the last seconds of the
game, our players made a valiant effort, collectively as a team, to push for a
win.
Coaches
and fans, alike, witnessed a new team intensity, better strategy and
aggressiveness to the puck, it was as if we were watching a brand new team. I am not sure if this new found success is on
account of a new year’s resolution, new hockey gear from the holidays, whatever
the trick is, we’ll run with it.
Although, our team had not been on the ice over the holidays and were outnumbered by 4 additional players, by our rival New Hamburg Huskies 2, it didn’t detract from how well our players performed, in fact, they played their strongest part of the game in the 3rd period, scoring 3 of our 4 goals in the last period. We almost scored a fifth, potentially, tying goal in the final seconds of the game with a little help from our goalie who drove to our bench twice, to offer us a sixth skater; unfortunately, this strategy didn’t live up to our plans. If it is any consolation, pulling Ethan from the net delivered some great hockey excitement for the fans, while it gave our players much needed confidence and lots of fun with the game.
Before the game, I shared with the team some stats of our earlier part of the season, in particular, I noted that out of 13 games we had only scored 17 goals, making it clear that in order for us to win more games, we needed to improve our offensive game. Our players definitely took heed of this information as they changed their 1.38% goals they averaged per games before the holiday break and grew their goal ratio to 4 goals in tonight’s game.
The best part about our goals tonight is that both forward lines earned two goals each. Our second line had a repeat scoring performance with the first assists set up from Austin followed by second assists by Spencer and the goals secured by Evan Shipp, on both of their lines goals.
Our first line also had some great passing plays that included assists from our defenceman Eli and Jack with Jack earning two assists tonight, on each of Braden’s goals. Gavin was also awarded an assist on Braden’s first goal.
Both Braden and Evan Shipp were on their game tonight and were one goal shy of a hat trick; however, the goals they each scored tonight were very much deserving of a courtesy tipping of our hats in applaud to their success on the ice tonight.
Evan’s second goal of the night was reminiscence of Wayne Gretzky’s trademark behind the net style goal, it was executed so well done that Evan has earned Wayne’s old office. Incidentally, enough Walter Gretzky happened to show up last night to collect broken hockey sticks for the benches that students make and sell to support local charities. When he saw how intense our game was he sat and watched a good portion of the game with Shelley Csordas, Austin Koehler's mom, as Shelley works with Walter's daughter.
Overall, our team played a great, smart hockey game, they were extremely focused and avoided any penalty calls for the full duration of the game, this definitely served our purpose, helped our game plan and kept us competitive.
Congratulations to all of our players for their tireless efforts, willingness to try out new tactics, practicing and listening to what our coaching staff are sharing with them. Each player is developing speed, improving on reading plays, positioning themselves better on the ice and gaining more accuracy in their passes and shots, this all makes for better players and a better team, as a whole.