Oct 31, 2010 | dslipacoff | 956 views
Minor Midget Season Shifts into High Gear
View from the Bench
By: Doug Slipacoff
The Lambton Jr. Sting Minor Midget AAA team travelled to Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green Ohio last weekend to tour the campus of BGSU and take in a Division One NCAA game featuring the Bowling Green State University Falcons (CCHA) and the University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers (Independent). After touring the hockey facilities and a walk through and preview of the campus, players and parents had the opportunity to enjoy a convincing Falcon win vs. Alabama.
The following day the team travelled to suburban Cleveland to play an exhibition game vs. The Gilmour Academy varsity hockey team. Despite facing a primarily older and more seasoned team, the boys battled hard, played to the best of their ability, and never let up. The coaching staff is hopeful this experience served as an excellent eye-opener as the players move forward in their progression as young hockey players. It was the intent of the coaching staff to expose the players to the level of dedication and work ethic involved to reach the "next level" both on and off the ice. It is our hope that all involved had a positive experience and enjoyed the exposure to new and different hockey opportunities.
Sincere thanks from the coaching staff, players and parents to Assistant Coach Barry Shutte (BGSU) and Head Coach Scott Stirling (The Gilmour Academy) for taking the time to meet and speak with our team and field questions from players and parents.
In league play the Minor Midgets continue to enjoy positive team success dating back the the Alliance Showcase weekend. During this time team success remains positive including a 1-0 victory over last year's Alliance Champions Sun County Panthers in a very exciting game, and a convincing 7-1 win over the London Jr. Knights Green squad. The Minor Midgets have dropped only one game in the past 8 and currently sit at 8-3-2 in overall league standings.
We look forward to our upcoming trip to Chicago to compete in the Bauer International Invite (Nov 4-7) and the opportunity to compete against some established North American hockey programs and some International competition from Russia. It is our hope that this opportunity allows our players and their families to enjoy even more exposure to new hockey avenues.
The coaching staff continues to see improvement on the ice each week and continuing progression as a team. We continue to prove ourselves capable of playing with any team when we commit to disciplined physical and mental hockey. It is vital we continue to hold ourselves accountable for our actions on and off the ice as we continue to build upon and expand our work ethic. Every player needs to remain focused on getting better each time they touch the ice.
Stay focused, stay dedicated, stay committed.
Keep up the great work!
Coach Slip
P.S. Lambton Minor Midget AAA team to participate in "MO'vember"..... more details to follow!