Atom Rep, U11, 2015-2016 (Hagersville Minor Hockey)

This game proved to be exactly what I expected....plus a few bonus goals.  An inspirational speech from the coach about our players, team preparation, determination and what each kid has to offer came just a little too soon if you came into town from Aylmer.  But if you're a Hawks fan then too soon???? Not likely! The strong defensive play was certainly a highlight as we kept the opposition to just 10 shots on goal and Aylmer is not by any means a pushover of a team.  They are fast, tough and move the puck well through the neutral zone but with our defense blocking shots and the forwards ...

On Monday night we rolled into Waterford and there is something..... different.... oh ya, winter finally arrived. I think it is the first time this hockey season that it has been colder outside the rink than inside.  Just like the weather has changed our kids have done the same, the last time we played Waterford they out worked us, muscled and intimidated our Hawks all over the ice but like I said, this season is changing.  

On Wednesday night the Pirates sailed into to town as we try to sort out which team has the edge as we approach OMHA's, we could very likely face off against them in the second round so any advantage we can find is going to be a game changer.  Early in the first period it looked as if the Pirates had found that edge as they netted the first 3 goals on only 4 shots but by the end of first period we were only down by a goal.  Tyler Matthews scored 2 goals assisted by Chase Bacher, Hunter Gallagher an Reilly Binek.

What a great start to our Southern Counties playoff!  One goal was apparently all these kids needed to believe that they could skate with the rockets.  Delhi put the first marker on the board early in the first period and it was all to familiar, I don't know how many of you have noticed but Delhi scores most of their goals on the same play.  Our coach noticed and after a quick talk and a couple of adjustments the score was tied and the Hawks got some wind under their wings to keep them soaring.