Things are looking up for the Elmvale
Bantam Rep team, sponsored by Hapamp, who won two out of three games
in the past two weeks. The new line arrangements are gelling and the
team seems to have found inspiration in the patron saint of 14 year
old hockey players, Shania Twain, whose song Up
is frequently repeated in the dressing room these days.
On December 5, the Shelburne Wolves came to town for the second meeting of the season. They arrived without two suspended coaches and four suspended players. They left with another suspended coach and player. There aren't many regulars at the rink who don't complain about officiating once and a while, but Elmvale's line-up of officials has been very consistent this season, especially when it comes to calling head contact. In this game, Elmvale took a total of nine penalties and Shelburne took ten. One visiting mother in particular, was downright abusive to the officials in her shouts over the glass. What was more disturbing was that the Shelburne suspended players were gathered around, just soaking up the hostility. This year, the OMHA mandated that all hockey parents complete a one hour online Respect in Sport programme with the intent to reduce these kinds of outbursts. It is a great start, but without an official in the stands to police behaviour, sadly, I don't think it will go away. Elmvale went on to win this never-ending game 6-1.
The South Muskoka Bears, from Gravenhurst, came to town on December 12. Elmvale won their previous match and the Bears were looking to even the score. After a strong Coyote start, the Bears took over. Elmvale penalties ensued and South Muskoka ended the first period up 2-1. Elmvale regained some discipline and potted two goals thanks to the defensemen Collin Kitching and Braeden Allen. The Coyotes held the lead through the third and won 3-2. Shania Twain's Up played especially loud in the dressing room after the game.
On December 14, the Coyotes travelled to Midland to meet the Centennials, another team looking to even the score. Unfortunately, Coyote net minder William McDowell missed the game due to the flu, and the rest of the team lacked the confidence and energy needed to play without him. The Coyotes handed the Centennials a 6-0 victory.
Get your Pre-World Juniors hockey fix this Friday Night in Elmvale. Atom Rep hits the ice at 7 pm to play Oro. Peewee Rep plays Oro at 8:10 pm, and Bantam Rep takes on the Penetang Flames at 9:20 pm. Come on out and support local hockey.
Photo Caption: 20141205 6074: Coyote Defensemen Braeden Allen (15) helping a Shelburne Wolves forward find a good seat in front of William McDowell's net in a 6-1 victory.