Jan 12, 2014 | atomrep | 904 views
Let's Get Physical
but not in an Olivia Newton-John kind of way.
As the Atom Reps began their playoff push in the Southern Counties 'A' group, it became apparent very quickly that play was going to be more physical than during the regular season and the team was going to have to battle for every inch of ice.
The team kicked off the playoff round with a strong 4-1 victory against a big Six Nations squad. Every skater was working hard and doing the little things that, even though they don't register on the game sheet, are essential to win. Goals were scored by Noah, Zach, Sam and Eric with Tyler, Ben, Alex, Kyle and Noah picking up assists. Jonathan made a number of good glove saves to secure the victory.
The second game against Aylmer was more of the same from the Atom Reps. The team played another game where they were strong on the puck and had their feet moving. This resulted in a number of excellent scoring chances that were turned away by stick shafts, toe saves, goal posts or quirky bounces. After a number of close calls, Kyle put one past the Aylmer goalie with assists from Alex and Tyler. From there, the team held on to secure a 1-0 win. Colsyn made a big glove save in the final minute and the team held on for the win.
In the third playoff game, the Atom Reps faced the Ingersoll Express in Wellesley. The team matched Ingersoll's effort for the first two periods and carried a 1-0 lead into the third with Michael scoring on assists from Sam and Evie. Unfortunately the team was unable to sustain that effort in the third period and that lull in effort allowed Ingersoll to pot 3 goals and leave with a 3-1 win. Colsyn played well in the Stars net despite the loss.
Game four saw the team travel to Tillsonburg looking to make up for their poor showing there earlier in the season. The team started slowly, falling behind 2-0 in the first. In the second period the team found their legs and started getting pucks at the Tillsonburg net. The team roared back to take a 3-2 lead in the third but were unable to hang on to it. Two unanswered goals by Tillsonburg left the Stars on the losing end of the 4-3 final in a game that could have gone either way. Goals were scored by Tyler (x2) and Eric with Noah recording an assist. Jonathan battled hard in the goal for the Stars.
In the coming weeks the team will have a busy schedule with the league playoffs continuing and the OMHA play downs against Waterford starting as well. With a bit more focus and sustained effort the team can turn games like the losses to Ingersoll and Tillsonburg into wins going forward. Even with the 2-2 split, there are a number of encouraging signs for the team as they continue their playoff push.
Go Stars Go!