Nov 08, 2013 | rswigger | 383 views
Lesson learned against South Bruce
The second period of Wednesday night's game in Paisley was a strong showing from the Ice Dogs, but it was the other two periods that hurt.
In a game that looked like it might be hard to watch, the South Bruce club jumped out to a two goal lead less than two minutes in. A little on the flat-footed side, the Ice Dogs began the run around process in their own end, confidence awash. By the end of the first it was already 5-0.
But in the second a few flashes of brilliance by some one-man rushes instilled in a little hope into our game and before long the Dogs were playing mostly in the offensive end with a few sustained plays and some badly needed shots on net. Brett got things rolling unassisted, and a few minutes later Will added another from Braydon. Tyson continued to shine but was overwhelmed when penalty troubles put us down two players at the end of the period. Even though we gave momentum back to South Bruce for the third, we actually won the second period 2-1.
In the third the momentum again shifted back to South Bruce who capped their win with a late goal. So, looking at the score board, one left the rink thinking it was blow out... But, what if?
What if our crew hit the ice with the focus of our opponents and started the game at the beginning of the game, not the second period?
What if our wingers held their positions in the defensive end, not allowing the extended pressure we saw in the first?
What if that Ice Dog momentum of the second started earlier...with confidence and aggressive play out of the gate, not when we were down 5-0?
What if penalty troubles didn't slow that momentum?
The what if's add up to "a complete game"--something the coaching staff keeps pushing to get from every player. The question is, can the players come focussed, start at the start, avoid undisciplined penalties, and play their position for three periods?
Their next chance is Saturday in Hanover. Go Ice Dogs!