Successful Mo'vember for '95 Jr. Sting
View From the Bench
by: Doug Slipacoff
The Lambton Jr. Sting Minor Midgets concluded a successful Mo'vember campaign by going 7-3-1 in combined Alliance and Tournament action.
The month began with a rocky start as the Jr. Sting dropped their opening November game to a very skilled Elgin Middlesex team, 7-2. Corey Pawley scored both goals for the team, with assists going to Kirk Dorman, Chad Beauchamp, PJ Vandervaart, and Troy Whitely. The boys were able to shake it off however and put together a strong showing at the Bauer International Invite in Chicago. The team competed very well against some of the best programs in North America, including a very exciting tie vs. the traditionally powerful Detroit Compuware team in their final game of the main round.
Jr. Sting 4 vs. Windsor Jr. Spits 2
Facing the traditionally tough Jr. Spits, the Jr. Sting were able to utilize hard work, good systematic play, and timely special teams to secure the victory. Cleo Gubbels recorded two goals, with Kirk Dorman and Corey Pawley chipping in with singles. Assists went to Kirk Dorman, Mathew Brandon, Cody Perriam, Corey Pawley, and Ryan Trottier. Braden Palocz was strong in net and made some very timely saves, stopping 26 of 28 shots faced.
Jr. Sting 3 vs. London Jr. Knights Gold 1
In this contest vs. a very determined London Gold squad, the boys seemed to struggle finding their characteristic discipline and energy. They were able to force their way through some adversity however and with timely scoring from defenseman Nick Zottl and great goaltending by Joel Sowinski, were able to get their game back on track.
Zottl recorded two goals, while Troy Whitley scored the third. Adding assists were Corey Pawley, Mathew Brandon, PJ Vandervaart, Kirk Dorman, and Ryan Frizzell. Sowinski stopped 23 of 24 shots on net, and the team travelled home having locked up another two points.
Jr. Sting 9 vs. Hamilton Reps 2
In their next away game, the boys came out flying vs. a very hard-working Reps team and skated to a commanding 4-0 first period lead en route to a very convincing win. A total team effort was turned in by the squad as seven different players chipped in with goals. Ryan Frizzell posted his first hat trick of the season, with singles added by Adam Lane, Joe De Sena, Ben Morrison, Troy Whitely, Cody Perriam, and Corey Pawley. Assists went to Alex Deluce, Connor McKinnon, Jeff Sit, Nick Zottl, Ben Morrison, Troy Whitely, and Corey Pawley. Braden Palocz manned the cage stopping 23 of 25 shots on net in a very solid effort.
Jr. Sting 5 vs. Chatham Cyclones 1
Despite giving up the first goal and trailing at the end of the first period, the team was able to use good systems play, a strong forecheck, and strong net-front presence to pace themselves to a convincing win. Corey Pawley netted two goals, Adam Lane added a short-handed single, and Kirk Dorman and Cody Perriam added one goal each. Assists went to Corey Pawley, Ryan Frizzell, Kirk Dorman, Ryan Trottier, and Cleo Gubbels. Braden Palocz was solid in net in his second consecutive start.
Jr. Sting 4 vs. Windsor Jr. Spits 5
Struggling against a slow start, the '95's trailed by two goals early in the period, ending the period behind 3-2. Faltering physical and mental discipline set the stage for a very tough game for the team, ultimately proving too much to overcome as the buzzer sounded at 5-4 in favour of a very determined Jr. Spits squad. Despite the game not meeting the usual Jr. Sting standards and the missed opportunity for two more points in the standings, the boys battled hard to the last buzzer, and managed to score a very exciting goal with an empty Sting net in the last minute of the third period. Scoring for the '95's were Kirk Dorman with two goals, Cleo Gubbles with a single, and Ryan Trottier with a rather spectacular single. Corey Pawley, Kirk Dorman, PJ Vandervaart, Joe De Sena, Ryan Trottier and Jeff Sit added assists.
Jr. Sting 4 vs. Hamilton Reps 3
Another slow start out of the gate, perhaps due to under-estimating their opponent following the previous weekend's game, proved precarious as the boys were set back on their heels by a fast and furious Reps team seeking retribution after their previous weekend's defeat. Despite being on the defensive, the 95's managed to score the single goal of the first period. Despite the team leading 4-1, the Reps were able to turn the third period into a very exciting contest as they managed to close the gap to 4-3. Despite some last-minute desperation attempts by the Reps, the Sting managed to hold tight to the lead and emerge with the win at the final buzzer. Joel Sowinski was solid in net, making some critical saves when his team needed him most. Scoring for the team were Troy Whitely, Ben Morrison, Cleo Gubbels, and Corey Pawley. Assists went to Corey Pawley, Ryan Trottier, Joe De Sena, Jeff Sit, PJ Vandervaart, Chad Beauchamp, and Cody Perriam.
Despite some battles maintaining consistency, the boys have worked hard and battled to overcome the ups and downs that occur in every hockey season. As we continue to work hard in practice and build our work ethic, it is now critical that we focus on improving the little details that add up to big wins in games. It is crucial for our overall team success that every player be focused and ready to practice and play, regardless of the opponent we face. We can never afford to take a night off, because on any given night, any team can win. It will be the team who works hardest and wants it the most who will emerge with the win at the final buzzer.
Keep building in a positive direction every time you touch the ice, want to be better, feel yourself getting better, and be excited for the opportunities at hand! We look forward to a big and exciting month of December league games, and to the Waterloo Gold Puck and Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic tournaments.
"Be Relentless"
Coach Slip
P.S. Thank you to those who participated in our team's Mo'vember challenge to raise awareness for men's prostate cancer and health! Some of our players grew some pretty hilarious and greasy mustaches - and all for a great cause! The coaching staff would like to thank everyone who took the time to visit our website
http://ca.movember./mospace/892980/ and made a donation. Every little bit counts - thank you very much!