Nov 29, 2018 | Derek Cherrey | 210 views
Getting Caught Up!
The boys added two more wins and a tie to remain undefeated in regular season. The tie was against the hard working Central Perth Predators as the battle of County Road 25 is heating up. Up 5-2 heading into the third the Crusaders looked poised to claim victory. But spectacular goaltending displayed by the Predators Goalie, Boyne, and a constant push by the forwards squashed the win, tying the game at 5 with a minute and a half left in the game.
Next on the schedule after a Saturday morning practice was a road game in Ripley against the Blizzard. Again the boys were up against a hot goaltender who turned aside over 40 shots. But a late third period goal by newly transitioned player from Goalie to Defenseman, Everett "The Blyth Brawler" Cherrey, caught the Blizzard on the end of a long power play shift and went end to end, roofing a nifty write shot short side, short handed to lift the Crusaders to hard fought 4-3 victory.
After the game the boys headed home for a much deserved rest. Two practices through the week set the tone for a game we had circled on the calendar on Saturday the 24th, against the undefeated Arthur Vipers. The staff worked on positioning and passing in the two practices prior to the Arthur game. The kids obviously paid attention. The Vipers caught the kids sleeping jumping out to an early 1-0 lead. The lads settled down and slowly set there game plan into motion. 2-1 after the first period as the two undefeated teams were trying to figure each other out.
Then the two headed monster of the Crusaders, Hot Rod Rodney Ansley and Justin Case Fleet put on an offensive play for the ages. The two tallied 11 goals total, Hot Rod with 7 and Fleet with 4. Game, set match. Thank you very much. Crusaders win 12-3. Also continuing his strong play, and pushing for Rookie of the Year award, Adrian Bo Dangles Egli added another goal, to bring his year total up to 5. Not too shabby for a first year playing hockey kid. Keep up the hard work Big Guy.
Adding to the outburst was the smothering defensive play by the 4 HORSEMAN on the blue line and in our zone. Lead by the tenacious Will The Thrill Nesbit, the trio of Damon The Blonde Bomber, Everett The Blyth Brawler, and Emmitt Stretch Shortreed did not let the Vipers gain any constant pressure the entire game. That is what wins games, wins championships. Team defence and constant hard work....never letting up on the gas pedal.
This weekend on December 1 The Crusaders are off to a one day tournament in Harriston. First game is at 9 am against.....you guessed it, Arthur. They will not be happy and will be looking to even things up. Should be a beauty. Our second game is at 1230 pm against the Mount Forest Rams. Championship hockey to follow. We are hoping for a good day but know we have our work cut out for us. Everyone ramps it up for a tournament.
Once again we as a staff are proud of all the hard work that these little guys are putting forth. They are gamers. They make us proud. They make it fun.
See you Saturday in Harriston.
Kids....to bed at a decent time Friday night as we have a lot of hockey to play. Remember to wear your shirt and tie and dress pants. We are a guest at Minto's arena and tournament. Represent your Minor Hockey Association and your parents with respect.
Coach Derek