This was a good game all around for our team, and a valuable win to counteract the effects of the two previous defeats. We had twelve skaters, 4 on D, plus Tommy. I'm not sure how many they had, roughly the same. We got the first couple goals, answered their first within a minute, followed by another in the second period. They scored off a powerplay to have it 4-2 going into the last, where we denied them any further score and skated it out comfortable winners. Nice way to return the favour they handed us last year in the elimination final.
Our team play was a big improvement from previous games, lots of support and a general focus on positioning. This lead to amongst other things, better protection of the blue lines, fewer off-sides and more breakouts. There were plenty of second and third efforts from our guys, quicker and more organised changes and a greater commitment from the first. If we can repeat this and grow comfortable doing it we will become a tough team to beat.
I thought that I played perhaps my best game of ice hockey yet. I gave a clear assist that wasn't recognised on the score sheet (although it was amongst my fellow players) so I'm not too worried about the boxcars. I am contributing to our offence and that is enough to know. The goal came off a direct pass from me, tape to tape to a moving centre. I was 'in camera shot' for another breakaway goal (I think the scorer skated end to end after collecting a random 'bank pass' from myself) and set up several offensive forays with some good passes.
It was probably the most 'passing game' I've ever played, even having a choice of targets on several occasions. This last, choice, arose directly from the more positionally aware play of the team generally and, when combined with my own heads-up play, allowed us to take advantage of the opposition to create dangerous situations.
There was some brutal play along the boards, including a full speed frontal collision with an opposing kamikaze winger. There was a moment of eye contact just beforehand, both of us were resolved. I spun off him and continued to chase the ricocheting puck, he went down in front of his own bench. No harm done and we did it again in the third period, and laughed about it in the car park afterwards. Sadly, I think he managed to trip me behind our net and then hook me on the box (!) as he tried to get his stick out from between my legs. That hurt, but only enough to motivate me - especially as the referees didn't call it. That's hockey!
I put quite a bit of effort into controlling our net front, and am beginning to function quite well with Bacon. I'm working out what degree of force is required. When defending the house I noticed that my head was on a swivel. I don't think anyone got by me all night. Holding the lane inside the dots against an outer skating forward and then transitioning to be able to race him and drive him into the corner certainly helps. Speaking of racing, my heart rate peaked on a race from far blue line to the boards to ensure an icing call, collapsing in exhaustion upon hearing the whistle and then racing for a change.
Plenty more highlights, such as successful pinches later in the game (and failed versions early), holding the blue lines, not passing off-side, several successful stick checks at speed (recall noticing that I had soft hands when doing so), using our net and the backboards to buy time, short shifting. Also, playing on the PK and having the puck deflect off my boot and over Tommy's glove. A great and fun game.
My fitness stats are starting to show an improvement from last year, my peak HR being 10 less than it has been previously for the same degree of oxygen consumption. A consequence of my pre-season running? Very heartening!
Next up, top of the table Generals, followed by two games against the sharks and their league leading scorer. We will need to bring our 'A' game with us!
Season: 0-0-0 -2 PIMS 0
Fridge
Saturday 5 November 2016
Thursday 3 November 2016
G2 Predators (6) d Knights (1)
We went down in an otherwise enjoyable game on Tuesday night. We had thirteen skaters and Tommy in goal. This is as big a roster as the Knights have had since I started playing. The Pred's had a similar number. We ran 4D and three forward lines. My D partner was Bacon. It was our second game, the Predators' fourth. It showed.
Despite the score I was fairly pleased with my efforts. Two goals against while I was on the ice. Both times I am satisfied that I was fulfilling my assignment (tracking back the passing option on the first, boxing a big winger out of the crease in the second) and the goal was not down to my error (my D partner fell over at the worst time thus allowing the puck carrier a slot shot on the first and, on the second, our defence got overloaded on the other side and they piled it in).
Highlights in my game were a rush/backcheck combination where I covered the rink to set up a chance and then chase down a breakaway to rob the puck back and send it forward, several board battles where I just tied it up against bigger opponents until help arrived, a perfect stick lift that prevented a high danger shot from a power forward who had knocked me down three times previously during the same play, recovery of the puck in the corner followed by a deft backwards pass to my open winger on the half board (who'd called for it), several times in the slot where I managed to tip or deflect the puck or stick and take the power out of shots. Got hooked in the final minutes but it wasn't called (hand is still sore).
I wasn't warned by the reff's for anything, didn't pass offside, no giveaways, and managed to see off several 3 on 1 rushes (and a 4 on 1!) just keeping a cool head, spot the worst danger, active stick. Also played on a couple PK's, the second goal of which was scored while I was on the ice was very late in the second of these. Played on the PP once also, but we were too chaotic to be threatening.
Not our best game, but could feel the elements coming together as the game went on.
For the night - 0-0-0, -2, 0 PIMS.
Next game, tonight against the Storm.
Despite the score I was fairly pleased with my efforts. Two goals against while I was on the ice. Both times I am satisfied that I was fulfilling my assignment (tracking back the passing option on the first, boxing a big winger out of the crease in the second) and the goal was not down to my error (my D partner fell over at the worst time thus allowing the puck carrier a slot shot on the first and, on the second, our defence got overloaded on the other side and they piled it in).
Highlights in my game were a rush/backcheck combination where I covered the rink to set up a chance and then chase down a breakaway to rob the puck back and send it forward, several board battles where I just tied it up against bigger opponents until help arrived, a perfect stick lift that prevented a high danger shot from a power forward who had knocked me down three times previously during the same play, recovery of the puck in the corner followed by a deft backwards pass to my open winger on the half board (who'd called for it), several times in the slot where I managed to tip or deflect the puck or stick and take the power out of shots. Got hooked in the final minutes but it wasn't called (hand is still sore).
I wasn't warned by the reff's for anything, didn't pass offside, no giveaways, and managed to see off several 3 on 1 rushes (and a 4 on 1!) just keeping a cool head, spot the worst danger, active stick. Also played on a couple PK's, the second goal of which was scored while I was on the ice was very late in the second of these. Played on the PP once also, but we were too chaotic to be threatening.
Not our best game, but could feel the elements coming together as the game went on.
For the night - 0-0-0, -2, 0 PIMS.
Next game, tonight against the Storm.
Tuesday 1 November 2016
G1 - Kings (6) d Knights (3)
Last Thursday was our season opener in a late game against the Kings. We had ten skaters and Tommy in Goals. Five of our players were rookies. We played 4D and two lines. First period was tight, 2-1. Second Period we started to get the upper hand, 4-3. They skated it out and we had no answer in the last.
As a team we gelled fairly well. The new guys all pushed themselves hard and they can all play. We killed off seven minutes of penalties in the second period, including a shorthanded goal to counter their power play goal. That took a bit of effort and shows what we are capable of (albeit I didn't play much on the PK due Bacon staying out there almost the whole time.
My stats were 0-0-0, no penalty minutes, Minus 3. Didn't close the gap enough, which cost that first goal as my opponent shot from the middle of the circle. Tommy wasn't on his game, but no excuse on my part. Otherwise, was fairly happy with my game. I joined the rush once in the third, and even carried the puck into the Offensive zone a couple times.
Christian is now our coach. He seemed to pull the team along with him and spoke common sense. I like his style, especially the time he takes out to give a quick 'lesson' when a player comes back to the bench (if they need it). He didn't get too upset during the game and was smiling afterwards.
Not too bad an effort, but we will need to improve (especially positional play) if we want to get value for our efforts in future.
On Sunday I went to my first training for this season. A fairly basic repertoire, with stopping and stride technique, followed by a simple offensive system practice. Ended with 3 on 3 shinny - where I noticed that I certainly tie a man up and pressure the carrier BUT without other players doing that I take myself out of the play by doing so and they score a goal.
With schedule changes, we are playing 5 games in 10 nights, starting tonight. Will get pretty tiring.
On a final note, before our game against the Kings Christian 'awarded' the leadership group positions in the change room. No surprises that Jonesey was made Captain and Bacon an Alternate, but I WAS surprised when I was named the other Alternate! This is a bit of an honour, and almost a first for me (haven't had a formal leadership role on a team since an indoor cricket outfit when I was 20). I went and checked with the guy I thought would have got the gig as soon as possible, but he was keen for me to keep the role, so I have. I guess I'll have to learn the rules now!
As a team we gelled fairly well. The new guys all pushed themselves hard and they can all play. We killed off seven minutes of penalties in the second period, including a shorthanded goal to counter their power play goal. That took a bit of effort and shows what we are capable of (albeit I didn't play much on the PK due Bacon staying out there almost the whole time.
My stats were 0-0-0, no penalty minutes, Minus 3. Didn't close the gap enough, which cost that first goal as my opponent shot from the middle of the circle. Tommy wasn't on his game, but no excuse on my part. Otherwise, was fairly happy with my game. I joined the rush once in the third, and even carried the puck into the Offensive zone a couple times.
Christian is now our coach. He seemed to pull the team along with him and spoke common sense. I like his style, especially the time he takes out to give a quick 'lesson' when a player comes back to the bench (if they need it). He didn't get too upset during the game and was smiling afterwards.
Not too bad an effort, but we will need to improve (especially positional play) if we want to get value for our efforts in future.
On Sunday I went to my first training for this season. A fairly basic repertoire, with stopping and stride technique, followed by a simple offensive system practice. Ended with 3 on 3 shinny - where I noticed that I certainly tie a man up and pressure the carrier BUT without other players doing that I take myself out of the play by doing so and they score a goal.
With schedule changes, we are playing 5 games in 10 nights, starting tonight. Will get pretty tiring.
On a final note, before our game against the Kings Christian 'awarded' the leadership group positions in the change room. No surprises that Jonesey was made Captain and Bacon an Alternate, but I WAS surprised when I was named the other Alternate! This is a bit of an honour, and almost a first for me (haven't had a formal leadership role on a team since an indoor cricket outfit when I was 20). I went and checked with the guy I thought would have got the gig as soon as possible, but he was keen for me to keep the role, so I have. I guess I'll have to learn the rules now!
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