Nov 22, 2016 | Tyard | 770 views
Winning Streak Finally Ends!
The Progressive Waste Solutions South Muskoka Major Midgets deserve a small summary of their last 17 incredibly successful days.
This stretch of games began November 4th. Based on their losing record up to that time, things may have appeared 'dark' but the coaches saw a great deal of 'light' ahead if players started to 'buy-in' to things they'd been working on in practice.
Throughout the year, they'd been easily outshooting opponents, balance of play and zone play had been consistently in their favour and the work ethic had been superb. What was lacking was that little bit of finish, costly mental mistakes, and some difficult bounces. The coaches were always confident that if the players did the right things they'd break through. Indeed they did!
Beginning November 4th and 5th we had two relatively easy opponents where the goals started to go in. This clearly created confidence to do those things that produce goals...drive to the net, stops and starts, less risky 'pinches' and also some timely saves. Two easy wins with lots of goals created confidence and momentum for a tough game on November 6th against Huntsville. This new confidence was put to the test and indeed, they convincingly handled Huntsville 6-2. That was followed by 8 more wins.
Finally, during the 12th game in 17 days, and don't forget there were 4 practices on top of that, the Bears streak ended during the final of their home tourney against a healthy and well rested Huntsville Otter team bent on avenging their earlier loss.
During this fantastic streak of 11 wins, the Bears suffered the physical wear-n-tear that is unavoidable when you play a contact sport. In the loss that ended the streak, the Bears started with two players not dressing due to injury, and 3 who played hurt and were not able to finish the game. They were playing their 3rd game in less than 24hrs against a well rested Otters squad. While the Otters did deserve the win, even in a losing cause, the Midgets put together an impressive effort.
During this fantastic 'streak' the goals were going in, goalies made timely saves, players were starting to understand their positions and roles, special teams were clicking and finally, players were beginning to look for each other and play a better 'team' game.
With a little rest, the expected return of all injured players and continued progress with the team trying improve their weaknesses instead of just relying on what is easy... this 'streak' has demonstrated we have the potential to go far.