Oct 24, 2016 | scott parker | 443 views
Oh So Close
The girls played in their first tournament of the year this past weekend in Mitchell.
Our girls started out on Friday afternoon versus the Mt. Brydges Cougars and the girls came to play. By the end of the first we jumped to a 4-0 lead and the girls never looked back. The team would add another goal in the second and two more in the third, to cruise to a 7-0 win. A good number of players would get on the score sheet this game which also was their first win of the season. Game two was later Friday night against the hometown Mitchell Meteors.
The girls fell behind early and surrendered two goals in the first period to trail 2-0 after period one. A strong and determined group squared it up in the second and also dominated the third period just like the second but were not able to find the back of the net again. This game ended in a 2-2 tie for these two very evenly matched teams.
Our division only had three teams entered so the Rams found themselves losing out by one point(goals for - goals against) to miss out on the bye to the final. This meant we had to play in the semi-final early Sunday morning against Mt. Brydges. I'm not going to lie there was some weary eyed girls in the dressing room but it didn't take long for them to realize they had a job to get done. Our opponents probably had a very bitter taste in their mouths from Friday's game lost to us because they came out strong and hard to start the game. Mid way through the first the girls would knotch one to grab the lead and gain the much needed momentum which is always crucial in most hockey games. Our girls added another one in the second and two more in the third to skate away with a 4-0 win and a spot in the final.
The Rams would meet Mitchell for the much anticipated final which both sides knew was going to be highly contested. The Rams came out flat and caught on their heels and at the end of the first frame found themselves trailing 3-0. A couple of lucky goals, and I mean s...luck, and it was kind of like what just happened!!! After some pep talk and constant pressing forward the girls would dominate the second and close the gap to 3-2. The third period was much like the second for the Rams. The girls kept digging and fighting but just couldn't get enough pucks on the Mitchell goalie. The final buzzer sounded and we were just a bit short falling 3-2 to the host Mitchell.
These girls can hold their heads high for not just rolling over and giving it up, they fought back and made a game out of it. All in all some great things happened this weekend for this new young inexperienced team in competitive hockey. Only 5 goals allowed in 4 games is not only a testament to our 2nd year goalie Evalia but to our defenceman's play and forwards backchecking as well. We finally got a couple of much needed wins and also bulged the twine numerous times.
Congratulations girls on your well deserved silver medals. WELL DONE!!!!!!