Four practices in and the Elmvale
Bantam Rep team, sponsored by Hapamp, is starting to gel. Coaching
staff Paul Bouzis, Kevin Fay, Dan O'Neill, and James Fleming have
been pushing the boys hard with skating and passing drills. They
have been focussing on utilizing the defensive players on the point
when trying build a scoring opportunity.
On Sunday, September 21, the Elmvale Coyotes put their game plan to the test in an exhibition game against the temporarily homeless Oro Thunder. Oro's home rink is being renovated and will not be ready until December. In the meantime, the Thunder is practicing out of Notawasaga.
Xander Baatje opened the scoring for the Coyotes 90 seconds into the first period. Harrison Sibbald made it 2-0 three minutes later. Both teams started to take interference penalties in the second period, and with the Coyotes down to three skaters, the Thunder scored their only goal of the game.
The third period started like the second ended - with a mess of penalties. In a 4 on 4 situation, the Coyote defense passed the puck to an open Derek O'Neill, who waited patiently for the Oro goalie to drop. When he did, Derek tucked the puck in, making it a 3-1 game.
The rest of the game was spent with multiple Oro players in and out of the penalty box for interference and too many men penalties. The referees called it close, but this early in the season, when players are rusty and unfamiliar with their line mates, it is wise to set a high bar of discipline for them to meet.
Coach Paul addressed the team, and then the parents briefly before the game to share his expectations for the team. He expects hard work and team work. He, in conjunction with the team, is setting standards of behaviour, covering everything from the penalty for late arrival at practice to leaving dressing rooms spotless after games – at home and especially on the road. Respect for the people who make hockey possible, respect for the game, and respect for the team is the code Coach Paul wants to instill. He stated that, “The best team wins.” He's confident that this team has all the makings of a “best team”. So far so good.
The season begins for the Coyotes with a Thanksgiving road trip. Currently five away games are scheduled for the first week of October. If you see one of the boys, wish them luck.