The Mitchell Local League had a busy week of hockey as parents and fans became acquainted and made new friendships and rekindled old ones. The fans were gifted the familiar sounds of the arena with the swoosh of the skate against the ice and the bang of the bodies against the boards.
Our first game of the season was held at the Milverton arena on Friday the 13th of October with our boys starting the game with fast momentum and excitement. The second period was slower followed by a much quicker third. Goals were worked for and deserved by both teams. Sin bin visits were also prevalent as one would expect at a hockey game for this age group. Great start to the season with a win! 7-2 Mitchell.
The second game was held at the Listowel barn on October 16. The slice of the ice by the skates of both teams was again noted. The Mitchell players had energy and a desire to play hockey with great team work and skill in order to secure another win. Once again the first period was met with speed and endurance while the second period slowed in pace a small bit. The third period was met with aggression and anger and as a result numerous penalties were "gifted" to the players of both teams. tempers began to flare and the referees were busy attempting to keep the peace between the teams. Goals scored by our Mitchell boys were made by Tristen Beehler assisted by Nate Baker, Cole Wilton as assisted by Connor Weir, Connor Louwagie with assistance from Damon Kay and Jackson McArthur, Jackson McArthur assisted Brent Smith, and Des Finlayson assisted by Jackson Thorpe. The penalties incurred by both teams were plenty resulting in 18 minutes of penalty minutes for Mitchell. The Listowel team had equally served in the box with 22 minutes in time spent not playing the game. Mitchell wins game two 5-1.
Lastly, the Mitchell Midget Local League boys completed game 3 also with a win in Goderich on October 20. This game had many similar moments to the Listowel game. Period one began with good clean hockey. Our boys passed the puck to work as a team. There was consistent energy at the opposing end for the majority of the first period however we could not get that puck in the Goderich net. Period two was met with the same fire for both teams. It would appear that Mitchell and Goderich are evenly matched which could yield a fabulous game of hockey to watch. Finally the first goal made its way to the back of the Goderich net. This goal was met with much frustration by the Goderich team and they fought back in the hopes of tying the game. The end of the second period resulted in a one goal lead by Mitchell. As the players left the ice between the periods one could almost feel the attitudes of the two teams change. The third period was met with retaliation. Mitchell would get pushed and they would push back. Similarly Goderich reacted to our pushes. Period three was full of penalty playing hockey, some of which was called and some was not as one would expect in a game. The best hockey to watch during this period was how the two opposing goalies continued to keep their team in the game. Had it not been for the Mitchell goaltender being able to anticipate plays and stop the puck from entering the net, we most certainly would not have kept our lead. Had the Goderich goalie not been focused, they too would not have had a one goal decision. The game did get more aggressive before it ended. The Mitchell boys were able to celebrate a third win of 1-0 now representing 3-0-0.
Practice this morning felt like it came early. Good job for your commitment in attending everyone!
Our home opener is this Tuesday on Mitchell ground at 8 pm against Goderich and practice next Saturday morning at 6:15.