We
entered into the playoff weekends probably as underdogs for a number
of reasons. First off, as I mentioned, it is unusual for us to be
competing at this level. Second, our organization is small, with
about 80 kids total. We were competing against organizations in much
bigger cities that have 250-300 kids. That's a huge difference. And
finally, we had played the four other teams in the playoffs and only
beaten one. The other two had beaten us, and the other we had tied.
Historically speaking, it wasn't looking good for us. However, it is
worth noting that when we lost to these teams, our team was in a bit
of disarray with injuries and illness, my son included.
Okay,
there is one more reason that the odds were against us, and that's
the makeup of the team. We have 16 skaters, which is a lot, and there
are several of these kids who would probably benefit from playing on
a house team. One or two is playing hockey for the first time. Now
keep in mind, we are playing teams from big programs that have
tryouts and then create 2-3 teams. Their AA teams are made up of AA
players, and A or B players play on their respective teams. When you
play them they are throwing 2-3 lines of AA players at you. We, on
the other hand, do not have tryouts and all players, from AA to B,
play on the team. Throw in the fact that the coach wants to make sure
that everyone gets some ice time, and you have a pretty interesting
dynamic out there. There are times you have a AA line going against
our 4th line, and believe me, all hell breaks loose. Personally, I
think our defense plays a role in keeping it all together, but more
on that later..
Anyway,
this weekend we were not the favorites, but we like being the
underdogs. We beat a strong Burlington team in our first game,
believe me when I tell you they were pissed off. They clobbered us in
our first meeting, and I would say that we controlled the game.
Afterward we went back to the hotel for a nice lunch and some
relaxation before our next game. For the second game we played St.
Albans, who had lost both of their games by large margins. We clearly
took the for granted because they took it to us and beat us handily.
The score was only 2-1, but we were never in control. It was,
however, a good wakeup call.
We
were in a must win situation for the next two games. We didn't want
to end up the 4th seed and play the #1 seed in the semis. The goal
was to end up the 2nd or 3rd seed and get a rematch with Burlington,
who probably had the same thing in mind. Nobody wanted to face the #1
seed this weekend. That night the kids had a real blast swimming and
relaxing, and we made sure to eat a nice meal and get plenty of rest.
The next morning we went to the arena and beat Barre fairly soundly,
3-0. Back to the hotel for lunch/rest, and then to the arena for the
big rematch with Burlington. I have to confess, I was a little
nervous.
The
kids, however, played great. They had their destiny in their hands,
there wasn't any hoping this team lost or this team won, it all cut
and dry - win two games and they were in. And that's exactly what
they did. They had to beat Barre to get the 2nd or 3rd seed. Lost to
Barre and risk becoming the 4th seed and playing Essex, who is pretty
formidable. With the Barre win, it was Burlington standing in the way
of a game with Essex in the final, and the kids did a great job. I
don't know if I'd go as far as to say they controlled the game, but
it was close to that. Once they went up 2-0, they protected the lead
and won 4-1. It was a pretty exciting game and the kids, parents, and
coaches were stoked.
Now
we have two weeks off until the final. Whatever happens from here on
in is not as important as the fact that the kids made it this far and
have played amazing hockey. It's been a lot of fun and it's been nice
being a part of it, even though I'm still pretty clueless out there
on the ice. I compensate by yelling louder.
Until
the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Michael Beck for the pic.
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