Today's game was typical of the entire season. A young Storm team valiantly fighting on despite overwhelming odds. Aurora beat the Storm 3-0 in an excellent fast-paced game that saw great scoring chances at both ends of the ice. The Panthers were able to capitalize on their chances which was the deciding factor in the game and series. Despite some deficiencies, the team was always competitive. Opposing coaches always commented positively regarding the Storm players skating ability, sportsmanship and work effort. Their own teams were always found it a challenge to play against us.
Looking back on the season it can only be described as a success for a number of reasons. The team performed well on the ice and within the dressing room. Despite early struggles, players maintained their focus, never criticized teammates, stayed positive and never quit on the team. This is not an easy thing to do when the team is losing.
Some players really came into their own as the season progressed. Mari, Jackie, Sheri, Amanda and Lauren N provided enough offensive for the team to win during the late stages of the season. Rebecca, Lauren F, Sarah-Kate, and Jessica R were asked to play positions that they were not necessarily comfortable with but never objected. We saw tremendous improvement as the season progressed from first time Midget players like Marley, Maryssa, Genevieve, Kailee, Jessica B, and Paitra which was key to turning the season around. Our defense and goaltending was very inexperienced but turned out to be one of our strengths.
There is considerable optimism regarding next season. Fourteen players are eligible to return and although some may choose to play elsewhere or be a casualty of the tryout process, this team is expected to remain largely intact with some significant improvements. Tryouts will likely be very competitive.
However, although league play is over, our season is not done yet. We still have the Brampton Tournament later this month and the Provincial Championships in April. We always consider the Provincial Championships to be the major goal of the season. In the Toronto area it is a challenge to get through because only one team can represent the region. I can tell you that Etobicoke, Leaside and Scarborough haven't been there for quite a while because our team is going for the 7th straight season. It is the NHL playoffs squeezed into 3 days. Since only 16 teams out of 51 MidgetB team qualify, you know the competition will be fierce. We will be put into one of four Pools for a round robin preliminary round. The top 2 in each pool play a quarter final game. The winners go to the semi finals with the winners of the semi finals playing for gold and silver and the losers playing for bronze. It takes not only great talent to win but stamina as well.
12 years ago
