Nov 18, 2012 | gbarker | 972 views
Bantam LL Red Working To Find Their Groove
A little over 1/3 of the way through the 2012-13 season, the Strathroy Bantam LL Red team, sponsored by Ricco Foods is still working to find it's groove and momentum.
As a whole, the bench is comprised of really strong players, with a dynamic forward line and solid defense. The team also has a spectacular goalie in Nick "the Brick" N. In spite of this, to date the boys have only managed to notch one win. The other 7 regular season games have resulted in 3 losses and 4 ties.
Each and every player on the Bantam LL Red team brings a valuable skill set to the ice. The biggest challenge for our boys seems to be in coming together as a team. When they play as individuals, they simply can't pull things together. When they play as a team, however, allowing their various skills to gel, their game play is beyond magnificent. This was exemplified this past weekend during their first tournament of the season, in Ingersoll.
In the first two games of this tournament, the boys struggled with "individual play", demonstrating an "every man for himself" attitude. The result? Two definitive losses with two players suspended for one game each. In the third game, however, there was definite magic happening against the St. Mary's Rock. With our team down by three men -- two having been suspended, and one away due to another commitment -- the remaining 9 players brought their A-game and then some. The game was fast-paced, filled with solid passes, definitive team play, and stellar saves by our goalie. Up until the last minute of play, our 9 boys were winning 2-1, despite playing against a bench that was 16-strong. In the last minute, St. Mary's managed to score a lucky goal, bringing the board to 2-2. Tensions ran high, and still the boys held it together.
In the overtime period, unfortunately, St. Mary's was able to put one past our boys resulting in a disappointing loss. However, if you're going to lose, this is the way to do it, playing as a solid team. If these boys can bring this level of team-play and sportsmanship to every game, this group will find their groove with ease.
Next weekend, November 24 -26, finds the boys in a hockey-filled weekend, with games on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Come watch the Bantam LL Red team get things started when they play their next game on home ice, at the Gemini Sportsplex against Point Edward at 2:10 p.m on November 24th. Let's get this party started. Go Rockets Go!