I few weeks ago, I wrote that some wins just seem sweeter than others. The same is also true for losses. Some sting a little more than others and this one stung.
The Shallow Lake Lakers were in T-Town to kick off the 3 game series of the WOAA Atom Rep playoffs. The Atom Rep IceDogs were coming off a hard-fought 3 game sweep by West-Grey and were ready to get back in the win column against an arch-rival.
Somehow, the IceDogs forgot the game started at 6:15 and came out flat. A couple of dis-allowed goals was all that kept this one from getting away early. Still, the Lakers went out to a 5-0 lead mid way through the 2nd. Lost checks, poor passing, watching instead of checking allowed the Lakers to pretty much dictate play for the first half of the game. Pleading for his team to get engaged, Coach Chad got a goal from the blue line when Logan H. ripped a wrister through traffic to beat the Shallow Lake goalie. The 2nd period would end with the IceDogs discovering their legs and they slowly began to turn the tide.
The third period had the IceDogs engine revving and making smarter decisions and applying a little pressure of their own. Ethan S. and Brayden P would break in on a 2 on 1 with Ethan burying a backhander to get the IceDogs to within 3. The 'Dogs would allow the back breaking 6th goal which pretty much sealed the deal in this one. Anderson G. would get the IceDogs back to within 3 with a ricochet shot from the point but the IceDogs ran out to time in the one.
The third period was more like the IceDog team we expect but you can't play one and 1/2 periods of hockey and win hockey games. Another frustrating loss but the IceDogs are back in action Thursday with a chance for redemption against the Lakers.
It is not all about talent. It’s about dependability, consistency, being coachable, and understanding what you need to do to improve. – Bill Belichick