The Bantam Rep Rams played first game of the 2017/18 hockey season on Sunday evening, getting rid of some noticeable nerves in the process. Their is work to be done but, a lot of positives were seen through out the game.
With only 1 player having body checking experience and majority 1st year Bantam players on Rep team this year the mood in the room before the game was a lot quieter than normal. Some were excited while others were noticeably nervous.
In the first period and after the first goal by Goderich we seemed to settle in a bit and had some good play from everyone in the line up. When the hitting picked up in the Second, the game changed a bit for us. As the boys adjusted to the hitting they battled hard and only allowed 1 goal near the end of the period. Going into the break and down 3-0 the boys were tired but not defeated. Heads were up and players were eager to get back out on the ice.. Third period seen the boys not just battling Goderich but, battling through how tiring hockey can be when playing body contact. This is where we seen how resilient this group can be, with the effort they gave right to the end of the game. Throughout the game we generated some chances, gave and took some good hits and had a strong back checking game.. It was a tough loss for the first game but a very great learning experience for coaches an players.
The coaching staff was very happy with how the boys came out and played hard, never gave up in a game which was a first for many and having positive constructive things to say after game. Moving forward we are excited with this group of great kids and what we can accomplish.