Dec 20, 2018 | Theresa Kolkman | 301 views
The Suit, The Saves and The Sure Thing....
PeeWee Rep Crusaders met in Blyth on December 19th for their last regular season game against the Goderich Sailors. The past has proven to be a tough match for the Crusaders. Tonight was nothing like that.
Coach Trevor was wearing his Christmas Snowman suit as it has proven to be one of good luck, all the players were rested and ready for this big game while the remainder of the coaching staff, Scott and Matt Bromley came prepared to guide each skater.
The first period started out as the rest of the game would play out. The Crusaders came out ready to play a talented game of hockey. Passing was consistent among forwards for both lines. Our defensive professionals were a huge support for their forward mates. Hayden Lee our goalie was alone for the game as his mate in net, TJ Groves was ill. A little more stress against an already tough team didn't phase Hayden. A majority of the first period seen a great amount of hockey in the opposition's end. All shots on net proved to keep the Sailor's goalie busy. With repeated rebounds, our Crusaders tried hard to sneak one past the goal line but just couldn't make them count.
Second period was one of great power play work by the Crusaders. It involved mixing up the players a bit, yet it didn't seem to be a problem. Every player change was smooth and efficient. Carson Bromley, Shea Cox, Bryce Shortreed and Thymen VanderPloeg are the athletes that make up our key defensive crew. If it hadn't been for these pros, Hayden Lee our goalie would have a lot more action. Each one knew to pick up the open opposition player, push the skater to the outside or lift a stick to prevent a shot on net. Passing between these boys worked well thus allowing the forwards to get themselves set up for open movement back to the offensive zone. Our lone goal would come with only a couple minutes left in the second period. Brett McCutcheon took a pass from Carson, skated up the greatest portion of the ice alone, keeping the puck in his possession and found the back of the Sailor's net. A great moral boost for the entire team.
In the last portion of the game, the Crusaders didn't show any sign of giving up. Kurtis Mark's had a couple great attempts on net only to have them shut down. Brett worked his way back to the Goderich end with a great shot on net. Unfortunately it was shut out by the goal post. Our ears are still ringing! With many shots on our net, the Sailors just couldn't get it past our wall...Hayden. He made many great glove saves, pad rebounds and stick aided cover ups. It was all Hayden all the time!!!
In my opinion I have never seen a team work so hard and consistent all game. We all knew it was going to be a tough match yet it seemed to prove likewise for the competitors. The Crusaders kept the game clean, worked hard with each other and never stopped skating. The score may not have worked in our favour but the class of hockey was above all. A special thanks to our AP players Luke Fisher and Caleb Koch, we couldn't have done it without them. Both competitors worked equally as hard for the PeeWee Reps.
We have practise on Saturday in Brussels than a short trip to Mt Forest for our last regular season game on Sunday. Christmas will be a great time of rest and relaxation for this team of hockey players and friends.
Coach Trevor sported the suit, Hayden provided the saves and the rest of the team mastered a sure thing of great hockey skills!!