Nov 14, 2017 | Greg Judge | 253 views
Character Building
It was a busy week for the McLaughlin's Auto Wholesaling Novice Rep team as they played a total of six games. There were plenty of highs and lows within these games which is sure to help develop the character of these young hockey players.
On Wednesday the Meteors headed to Mount Forest to face off against the Rams. The boys had a slow start as they battled their way past the strong defensive-playing Rams. The first goal of the game occurred during last two minutes of the second period. Austin Judge took a great pass from Carson Lubbers and took a quick one-timer that rebound back to the Austin's stick where he was able to send it back right through the legs of the Ram's goalie. It didn't take long to add another goal as Landon Van Bakel lofted the puck over the Ram's defensman and brazed the top of the goalie's helmet before it settled into the back of the net. During the first minute of the third period Carson Brown demonstrated his agility as he outmaneuvered his opponents giving himself a successful scoring opportunity and elevating the score to 3-0. The Rams were able to join the scoreboard at the seven minute mark but that was all they would get. The Meteors continued to put pressure on the Rams as they raised the score to 4-1 when Carson Lubbers set up another great scoring opportunity with a hard shot at the goalie which left a trickling puck in the open for Austin Judge to tap in. Carson Lubbers should be commended for playing his centerman position with skill and determination. He is often seen evading his opponents and creating effective plays which often result in a goal. Way to go Carson and Way to go Meteors for an excellent mid-week game.
During the weekend the Meteors played three games in the SMHA Novice Rep tournament in Seaforth. The first game was tight as the scoring went back and forth between the Meteors and the West Lorne Comets. This game was very well played and it demonstrated the depth of talent on the Meteor's bench. Everyone on this team is very capable of contributing to goal-scoring opportunities. With the tension of an early 1-0 lead for the Comets, Carson Brown broke the ice with a fast wrist shot past the glove of the comet's goalie making the score 1-1. Owen Beuermann showed off his moves with a backhander over the goalie's stick evening the score to 2-2. The next goal came from behind the net after a timely wrist shot by Jake Richardson to the back of the goalie's shoulder and into the net bringing the score to 3-2 in favour of the Meteors. The Rams quickly responded with another goal to tie the game as the third period was coming to a close. Thankfully however, the game-winning goal came at the 1:25 minute mark when Nate Uniac found the occasion to step in from his post at the blue line and fire a bullet straight into the net. Many might say that this was the Meteor's best game thus far and is a sign of good things to come.
Heading into the winning side of the tournament ladder, the Meteors found themselves up against some very tough opponents. They took a 4-0 loss to the Aylmer Flames and a difficult 5-4 loss in overtime to the Port Stanley Jr. Sailors. The Meteors placed 4th in the tournament.
On Sunday the Meteors traveled north to Southampton to take on the Saugeen Shores Storm. Despite a great effort, the Meteors were not able to take a win and the scored ended 5-1 for the Storm.
Special mention goes to the coaches and training staff who spend so much valuable time teaching and encouraging the boys on and off the ice. Thank you Randy Van Bakel, Mike Jarmuth, Jason Richardson and Tyler Pauli for your expertise and commitment.