Mar 11, 2019 | Derek Cherrey | 1273 views
Vipers Bite and Flu Bug too Much to Handle
We tried our hardest to stay healthy heading into our last round robin semi final mini series against the Arthur Vipers, but couldn't manage. Two regular players missed the series all together and 4 others played with cold and flu symptoms. No excuses but we needed to be perfecto beat the Vipers. And that, we were not.
Game one was a very frustrating affair for the players, coaches, and fans as the home town referees did everything in their power to hamper the high powered offense of the BBMHA Crusaders. Playing shorthanded much of the game because of some absolute garbage calls against the boys, and blatant disregard of the infractions committed by the Vipers was a recipe for disaster. On three separate occasions, the Crusader's offensive weapon Hot Rod Ansley was slew footed and dumped on his head, by Arthurs big gun, right directly in front of the referee in mid ice away from the play.....guess what? NO CALL ON EITHER OF THEM!!!!! The message was sent loud and clear by the officials. We were in for a long night. Strong play by all and discipline showed by the coaching staff got us out of town unscathed. The Vipers won the horribly officiated game 6-4. Three of the 6 goals were scored on the power play and a fourth was 3 feet off side. I am not one to complain about officials but this was your classic road game screw job by the referees. Everett The Blyth Brawler stood tall as the Vipers were starting to take liberties on him. running, crashing the net to shake him up. Yes people, even in Novice Hockey!!!
No time to complain. Game 2 was the next night in Brussels. The hectic schedule of back to back games in back to back series took its toll. The Flu Bug hit hard over night. The kids were the furthest thing from 100% and that showed early in game 2. The Vipers came out flying against our tired sick kids. They jumped out to a 3-1 lead by the end of the first as the youngsters looked gassed and out of it. The second started the same way as the first as the flood gates opened up with the Vipers finding the net 5 more times before the 4:27 mark of the second frame. Everett The Brawler took one where no goalie ever wants to take one and was down. That shot was a rocket as the fans gasped as he went down in obvious pain. Trainer Ms Erin was on her way, but wait, the players from The Crusaders, every single one of the beat her there. They all took a knee around their goalie, their teammate, their friend. Parting the way, as Ms Erin was brought up to The Brawler by the referee. He was down for quite a bit. He eventually got up to a thunderous ovation from the crowd of both teams. I don't know what Ms Erin said to all of them down there, but something changed. And it changed immediately. 3 goals scored by the Crusaders in 28 seconds. 8-4 by the end of the second. WE HAD LIFE!!!
Myself and Ms Sarah were running the clock and overheard the pep talk by Coach Mike between periods. It was positive, telling the youngsters he, we had faith in them. Don't give up. And that they didn't. Goal. 8-5. The come back was on. Goal 8-6. The Crusaders were flying. Everyone of them busting their butts for their coach, their fans, their team mates, and most importantly, for themselves.
The hill was a little to big to climb as the Vipers ended up winning 9-6. A valiant effort made by each and everyone of them. So proud.
Unfortunately those two heartbreaking losses ended our season. It was a season full of fun, friendship and team work.
The following is the final Stats put forth by these hard working Crusaders!!!!!
NAME GAMES G A PTS PIMS
WILLY NESBIT 43 0 17 17 22
COLE GREDANIUS 41 1 17 18 2
RODNEY ANSLEY 41 148 34 182 4
ADRIAN EGLI 41 10 23 33 6
LUCAS WHITE 42 2 13 15 0
DAMON SHANNON 43 22 22 44 18
EVERETT CHERREY 13 13 13 26 6
TY SOMERS 43 0 9 9 2
EMMITT SHORTREED 41 5 17 22 6
JUSTIN FLEET 43 75 22 127 36
CONNOR KELLINGTON 38 0 13 13 2
AIDEN HICKEY 27 1 13 14 2
GOALIES
EVERETT CHERREY 30 18 - 12 - 0 - 1 (SO)
AIDEN HICKEY 15 9 - 4- 2 -1(SO)