Jan 23, 2017 | Tyard | 653 views
Playdowns Begin!
The South Muskoka Progressive Waste Solution Midget Bears began their 1st round play off series with the Huntsville Otters.
Home advantage was earned by Huntsville over the course of the season so the series began on the big ice surface at the Don Lough on Saturday. The Otters went ahead with the 1st goal but the balance of play was slanted in the Bears favour. The Bears continued with a great skating effort, capitalized on a few chances and pulled ahead in the game 3-2 by the flood between the 2nd and 3rd periods.
Unfortunately, that skating effort, energy and willingness to sacrifice was lost in the 3rd resulting in the Otters clawing their way back, scoring 2 times in the 3rd. The Bears came close to evening the score several times and pulled their goalie in the last minute but the game was eventually lost 4-3. The summary of this game was obvious. The Bears clearly dominated 2-3's of the game with a display of great energy, but the final period effort was far from their best. If they want to beat this very good Huntsville team, they will have to play 3 full periods of energetic and disciplined hockey.
Sunday saw the series come to the Bracebridge Memorial Arena. A very good crowd came out to support the Bears and they were treated to one of the best efforts the team has displayed all season. Once again the Bears dominated zone play, had a solid fore-check, back-check and a willingness to sacrifice to make unselfish plays. This type of effort is the only way this team will prevail and on this night, a complete 3 period effort indeed provided a very solid 2-0 win!
For the most part, the players were not drawn into unnecessary penalties which is clearly something Huntsville would like us to do, even after the game was finished! That discipline will be a key to any winning effort. The players can now see and have belief that a full 3 period of 'will' and effort will bring the success they want.
Following a rough stretch of games after the holidays, several injured players have returned from long layoffs and are just now rounding into game-shape. If every player continues the same effort, discipline and dedication to the 'team' shown in game #2, they'll know they can beat this very good Huntsville team.
January 29th CHARITY NIGHT FOR JAKE THOMAS
The series continues Saturday the 28th in Huntsville and will now certainly return to the Bracebridge Memorial Arena for game a #4, JANUARY 29TH AT 3:45 PM. Everyone is invited to bring their family and friends to support the Bears hockey teams playing that night and the CHARITY EFFORT ON BEHALF OF JAKE THOMAS who recently suffered a life-altering injury. Proceeds from the night will go to Jake and his family. This is a great chance for the community to come together! We hope everyone... friends, family and neighbours will be there!