Needless to say the first 2 games didn't go quite the way we had hoped. Despite the early losses, by looking at the standings, we've played the top 2 teams thus far. Nothing to hang our heads in shame about. So lets put these games behind us and move forward. Rome was not built in a day and our team has been broken down and rebuilt a couple of times with players moving on, adding new players, and others playing new positions. The Indians and Stingers, to their credit, have a consist core of players that have been playing together for literally years, this team was formed just over 6 months ago.
There are several things we need to continue to work on during games. One, keep talking to each other on and off the ice. Forward lines should be talking to each other as much as possible. We will try and keep the lines together as much as possible so that players can gel and learn what each other does. But make sure we are talking on the bench too when you see something that will help each other. Defense needs to talk as well, especially on the ice. Letting someone know that there is someone coming up behind them, telling them to throw the puck around the boards, etc, etc. We've done a pretty good job of yelling or warning teammates of things from the bench, just need to do it on the ice as well.
Our best games are still in front of us. Even if we get down early don't get discouraged. Buckle down, talk to each other, and keep plugging away. We might just surprise ourselves and come back to win a game. Although we lost the game against the Stingers we kept peppering their goalie, and played much better, and outshot them for the game. I know that might seem petty but at least we were still pushing forward.
Brian, unless he's changed his mind, is inviting the team to his place for "The Big Game" this Sunday. More info will be available this Wednesday at our next game.
Congrats to Bruce and Paul for "winning" the Puck Of The Game Award for the first 2 games. The current holder of the puck is more than welcome to decorate it or whatever they wish, but they will pick the next "winner" and we will continue to do this.
