Sep 24, 2013 | dblack | 1693 views
Chapman's Ice Cream Minor PeeWees Start Season Strong
On Sunday, Sept. 22nd the Chapman's Ice Cream Highlander Minor PeeWees travelled to Port Colborne to get their season started with a pair of games against the Southern Tier Admirals from Welland. With the season opener scheduled for 12:00 noon, there was a quiet confidence building within the dressing room. The Highlanders were not defeated in three pre-season games and this team was anxious to get the season started. As 12:00 approached, the coaching staff was pumped and the players were jacked. This team was ready for hockey. Helmets were strapped and the team was going over a few last minute preparations. Then disaster struck.
Coach Goldie was given the news that game time was re-scheduled for 1:30. Anyone who has played competitive sport knows the preparation needed to be ready for a game and this news was like popping a balloon. The excitement and adrenaline vanished as the boys started to undress. It seems, somebody missed scheduling refs and due to travel, the game was delayed until 1:30. When the game finally started, both teams came out as flat as new pavement behind the roller. Everyone's head seemed to be somewhere other than on the game itself and after the 1st, the Highlanders found themselves down 3-1. The intermission allowed the boys to re-focus and start playing Highlander hockey. The Highlanders were very impressive as they took the game to Southern Tier and had the Admirals trapped deep in their own zone for long stretches. Out-shooting them 19-8 over the last two periods, they were finally rewarded at the midway point of the third as Krueger (Owen Sound) converted a beautiful pass from Naves (Bruce Peninsula). The Highlanders had several excellent scoring chances over the remainder of the game but couldn't squeeze one past the strong Admiral keeper. This one would finish 3-2 Southern Tier.
The second game was scheduled for 5:30 and with the long drive ahead, most parents were hoping it would start on time. This time the refs got it right and things proceeded as planned. The Highlanders were on fire right from the drop of the puck. The first period was played almost exclusively in the Admiral end as the boys swarmed the Admirals at every turn. When the buzzer sounded to end the first, a clearly frustrated Admiral team found themselves down 3-0 on the scoreboard, their goalie chased from the net and only one shot on Prues (Hanover) in the Highlander net. The teams traded goals in the second and the Admirals would add another in the third. However, this one was never in doubt as the boys played with great determination to seal the victory.
All in all, it was a great start to the season. With the Highlanders possessing two of the better goalies in the league, a solid defense unit that continues to do a great job in limiting any quality scoring chances and three strong, balanced forward lines this team will be expecting to win each time they take to the ice. For complete game summaries, visit the Highlander website.