Dec 03, 2016 | Tracy Dench | 667 views
Midget LL continues winning streak-Nov 29 & Dec 2
The Mitchell Midget Local League team continues to travel the road to the win, although sometimes it is a bumpy road to get there. This team has another two wins this week under its belt and continues to show its fans that the players work together rather than just work alone. It is rewarding as a parent to see how these young men have grown over the years and to see that they understand that this game is structured to promote working together, rather than alone. The players exude respect for each other and the game.
Game one this week was held at home ice on November 29, 2016 against Blyth. The Blyth boys were ready to go with a goal scored against us in the first 20 seconds. We were quick to get back on the board with a goal scored by Ezekiel Koert at 13:04 making this an even rink once again.
The second goal, scored by Curtis Eidt proved to be a challenging one as it hit the cross bar and was dubbed a good goal, despite the Blyth goalie's opinion. Goals 3 and 4 came quickly with a make up goal by Blyth and another cross bar goal to upset the Meteors. The Mitchell Meteros continued to stay positive with a fifth goal in the first. Goals were scored by Tristan Beehler, Jackson McArthur and Trevor DeJong.
Period two started with fire under the seats of both teams bearing fiery attitudes and puck flying. Two goals honoured by Mitchell players, Christian Simpson and Curtis Eidt with assists by Zeke Koert for each.
Tempers began to rise, as it does easily for teenage boys, and aggression became part of the game with Connor Louwagie taking a bullet to the forearm for the team and Curtis Forrest feeling the love with a hard check landing him flat on his back during a faceoff. As the third period wore on, a few trips to the penalty box by both teams and two goals scored against Mitchell by Blyth and two additional goals secured by Curtis Eidt and Clayton McCarthy, assisted by Brandan Boville and Tristan Beehler respectively, for the WIN 9-5 against Blyth.
The game on December 2, 2016 against Lucknow had similar traits. The game begins in Lucknow with speed and agility which quickly turned into turtle like movement on the ice by Mitchell. Many shots were made by each Mitchell and Lucknow but Mitchell showed more desire with achieving the first goal at 10:24 by Jackson McArthur assisted by Ezekiel Koert. The momentum for Mitchell begins to increase with puck control and the players looking for teammates to forward the puck to; pass; shot; pass; lost puck to Lucknow with a shot on Mitchell goalie, James Copeland who makes a beautiful save. The puck goes back to the Lucknow end with a shot on net and rebound however no goal and no whistle with the clock continuing to run. A small dance on the blue line forces Mitchell offside and the whistle is blown. Period one continues with puck control and stealing by both teams.
Period two begins as the puck battle for control is obvious with the teams trying to keep the puck. After continued attempts by both teams another Mitchell goal was made followed by a goal number four. Working quickly and effectively as a team Mitchell secures goal number five which was a beauty from just over the blue line.
Lucknow surely begins to tire as they are working hard with only two lines. They suffer a short handed two minutes for hooking. The puck screams down the ice together with the players. Fans can hear the "swosh" of the skates on the ice. Speed and momentum by the teams continue. Strategic puck placement by Mitchell makes the Lucknow boys chase the puck resulting in another goal for Mitchell.
Tempers flare on their home ice and a Lucknow player was ejected from the game. Mitchell continues to work as team and makes Lucknow well aware that they will not be messing with their goalie, James Copeland as the players ensure, following a rush to the Mitchell end with shots and pokes, that James is protected. Although a valid try by Lucknow, they could not get any more passed Mitchell defence and goalie, allowing Mitchell the win on the road 10-1.
Next game December 5, 2016 at 9:15 in Mitchell against Mt. Forest Rams. Come to support the Midget LL team and enjoy discussion on the bleachers.