Willy's Saugeen Shores Novice Tm#2 capped off their undefeated season winning their second game in less than 24 hours in Shallow Lake Saturday morning. Even though the Lakers lost the previous night, they scored nine goals in that game and were motivated to extend the series on Home ice. However, Coach Chris used that defensive lapse as a positive teaching aid and explained to his players why the other team were able to score that many goals and how to rectify it. The mindset was ready and the game was on!
The battles were won, the puck was on the Storm sticks more than that of the Lakers which resulted in a strong win. Krackel Vance was focused and provided his team with playoff shut-out goaltending. Kaya Hall opened the game with a natural hattrick to set the tone and scored the team’s only goal in the third period. Spencer Sutter-Lammie had a great five goal performance. Cali Drope and Braydyn Root helped our Tyke aged Tanner McGrory score his first Novice goal. Zachary Leaver and Emily Russett garnered two assists each and Camden Ritchie coming out of sick bay also chipped in with one. Forwards Dylan Poulsen, Quinn Fowler, and Olivia Hall were relentless on the puck and only good goaltending kept them off the scoresheet. Ritchie Carter and Braydyn Root have developed into confident rushing defencemen and consistently carried the puck out of their zone. They also ensured their “House” was kept clean all game.
This was a very successful season for these players. The goal was never about winning but to go into every game and play the best they could. Practices centred on individual skills and game situations and they were always well attended. Our practices were augmented by our six affiliated players when they had no scheduling conflict with their regular teams and the coaching staff feel this had a positive affect on everyone’s development. At this point in their young lives the only people who can appreciate the significance of a perfect season is the parents. In their future will they be able to handle a defeat? Without a doubt they will because of what their focus was about all year. But for the present every player, parent, and the coaching staff should bask in this once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment.