The Gary Edgecombe CA Peewee Rep Coyotes have three Alternate
Captains: Jake Bouzis, Ben Dietrich, and Jeremy Robertson. They
share the task of leading a young team to build a winning frame of
mind. They are not satisfied with their team's five wins, three
losses, and six ties. Having acquired the taste for a long playoff
run last year, they are trying to show their teammates what it takes
to turn ties into wins, and how to prepare mentally for the playoffs.
On Sunday, December 8, the Coyotes faced the Parry Sound Shamrocks for the third time this year. The first meeting ended in a 6-6 tie. The second encounter, a semi-final game at the Huntsville Tournament, ended in a 5-1 victory for the Coyotes. This game would make it clear which team was stronger. At the end of the first period, the Coyotes led 3-0. By the end of two, the Coyotes led 6-3. When the final buzzer sounded, the Coyotes celebrated a 8-4 win. It is important to note that Alternate Captain Jake Bouzis scored four goals and earned a total of seven points in the game. He also sacrificed his body, once into the net to score and once on the side of the net to freeze the puck. His efforts and bruises don't always end in goals, but serve to inspire teammates to push beyond usual efforts.
The team went on to play three games in four days, a 1-4 loss to Midland, a 1-1 tie with Penetang, and a disappointing 2-2 tie with Stayner. Alternate Captains Ben Dietrich and Jeremy Robertson give the team confidence on the blue line, share in building offensive chances, and in the change room, they do their best to focus their teammates before games. They believe every game is important and no opponent can be taken lightly. They think a team needs to focus before a game on the task and team at hand. They would like all players to share a common goal – to give 100% each game for the sake of the team, and to be hungry for the win. It's always feels better after a game when, win or lose, they know they worked hard to achieve a common goal.
The Peewee Rep Coyotes have six more regular season games to find their common hunger. Their next home game will be on Friday, December 20, when the Shelburne Wolves come to town. The Coyotes then hit the road, playing in Collingwood and Shelburne on Saturday and Sunday. Come on out and watch this team build momentum for the playoffs.