Games 2 and 3, Kings and Bears defeated by Defense

Games 2 and 3 were the games where the defense came to play, and play they did.  We often write glowingly about pretty goals and great passes.  Not today.  Today we celebrate defense.  The blue collar guys in the back who get mentioned far less.  These were their 2 games. 

Frank at Center

First, the Kings gave us a little scare.  Their keeper was spot on, stopping all shots, despite being outshot by a 2-1 margin.  We knew we would eventually score, but would our defense hold up?  After a 1-0 Kings lead, the defense shut them down for the rest of Saturday and then the Bears on Sunday.  5 guys play defense, so the forwards can count themselves as part of the party because they back checked to the house, and pounded in the corners.  But it was obvious that Ryan, Nick W., Nick K., Tyler, and Timmy delivered when you see 5 consecutive shutout periods in 2 games. 

Timmy stares down the Kings goalie after a stop

They had help when one of their own. Frank, who had missed the Saturday matinee with a fever, played center in the nightcap, and for the rest of the tournament.  Frank’s play at center included some good defensive work (along with 2 goals).  Jared and Billy as centers also contributed to the defensive efforts (along with each scoring).  Neil and Richie played ‘big’ as wings, giving both the Bears and the Kings something to think about before meeting our defensemen who took no prisoners (oh, yeah they also scored and assisted). 

 

Coach inspires during the period break

The goalies were brilliant in the two games with AJ keeping it close long enough for us maintain our confidence before we pounded in 5 goals.  He made some Bantam calibre saves.  Chris was perfect in the Sunday afternoon contest, stood on his head once, but danced a jig without a stick in the second period, stopping 4 in a row, and totally taking the hometown Bears out of the contest.

Chris working the shutout vs. Bears

So, yes we scored 8 goals in the two games.  But since Timmy was the leading scorer, and we are celebrating defense, lets just say the offense was a team effort.

Nick W. plays the body