Dec 10, 2012 | JColyn | 1315 views
Back on Track!!!
There’s no denying this hockey season has been a whirlwind thus far for the boys of the Elmvale ‘Hapamp’ Bantam Rep Coyotes. An emotional rollercoaster filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. Since winning their opening tournament in Port Dover, and improving to a record of 8-2-0 while doing so, the team had hit a bit of a midseason slump consisting of a slew of ties and tough losses! Things seemed to be on the upswing once again when the boys battled to a semi-final shootout loss in the Brian English Memorial tournament in our hometown of Elmvale. It was a very well-run tournament, filled with great hockey and tough battles.
Getting back to the regular season schedule however, the Coyotes woes continued as the team just couldn’t get over the hump and back to their winning ways. Mixed in with some more lost games, were hard fought close battles that would end in a tie game. Entering this past week the team hadn’t won in the regular season for 8 straight games. Things weren't looking very positive as Elmvale was due to face the top 2 teams in the league in Midland and Collingwood. Both of whom were unbeaten in the regular season.
Wednesday night had us in Midland to face the power house Centennials in their home rink and fresh off of a Silver Stick tournament victory. It’s no secret Elmvale was the underdogs and Midland would come out with a 6-1 victory. However, I am pleased to say that the outcome was far from indicative of the effort put forth by the Coyotes. Tired of being knocked around and outplayed, the boys came out with a fire under them and at many points during the game looked like the better team, dominating physically. Although we were able to tie 2 of the 3 periods, it wasn’t meant to be as Midland capitalized on some unfortunate ‘home ice’ bounces that made all the difference. In a back and forth game, pucks that were bouncing in off posts for Midland were doing the opposite for Elmvale. AP goaltender Tristen Chaisson made many stellar saves in the game and gave us a chance to stay in the game as much as possible! Another tough loss for sure, but one filled with many positives.
Up next was the also undefeated Collingwood Blackhawks. This time the boys were at home and had a new found confidence in their game that they were ready to show their fans! The atmosphere and attitude in the dressing room was up tempo with high emotions. The Coyotes were ready to start winning again! The 1st period was again back and forth and ended with a score of 0-0. Just 4 minutes into the 2nd frame the hard work would pay off as the Coyotes would strike first on a highlight reel goal by AP player Thomas Maw, roofing a shot over the Collingwood goaltender. Assist going to Nevin King. The score remained 1-0 at the end of the period. The boys continued to get pumped up between the periods and took the lead into 3rd. It only took 2 minutes, however, for the Blackhawks to tie the game on a breakaway goal that took a lucky bounce off the post and past Coyote goaltender Kaiden Maw who had seemed unbeatable to that point! The Coyotes didn’t quit and continued their hard work and effort and were rewarded with just over 3 minutes left as another AP player Jason Flury finished off a beautiful passing play from Evan Marlowe and Owen King to give us a 2-1 lead! From then on it was the Kaiden Maw show yet again as he made many game saving stops in the last few minutes to seal the victory! The passion and intensity finally paid off as the boys came away with a hard fought battle and a much needed and deserved win! The rest of the league should be on high alert for incoming Coyotes in their area as it seems this team has found its identity and begun the hunt for a championship!
We have 2 games on the schedule for this upcoming weekend, Friday in Oro @ 7:30pm and Sunday in Elmvale @ 6:55pm vs. Wasaga Beach. The boys look to continue their fresh win streak and carry some momentum into the regional Silver Stick tournament the weekend after. So come on out and cheer on the Elmvale ‘Hapamp’ Bantam Rep Coyotes!