A Weekend of Good Hockey

The caliber of hockey was top-notch this weekend in New Hartford. There were few hooks, trips, slashes and plenty of stiff competition to test the Bantam Travel team's mettle. The team had some setbacks; an illness, an injury, a broken stick and even a broken blade in a game against their toughest opponent. But, with good guidance from good coaches, they had great run at the 2010 Central Section Pre-Sectionals this weekend. They also enjoyed a defining moment with a Valentine's Day victory against the talented Grizzlies. Lysander Lightning players proved they are a good high energy team and when they're playing well, they are truly impressive. They conquered Rome and racked up four solid victories Unfortunately, it was not enough to advance. In a three way tie for first place, it comes down to goal differentials and Lysander came up a goal short. Heartbreaking, but it's all part of the youth hockey experience. Not every game goes the way you want it to, so you learn how to positively accept adversity. Learn and grow. The season is far from over and no need to feel disappointed. Time now to look ahead to lighting the lamp in Lake Placid!

Action-filled games. An opportunity to win with humility and deal with adversity.

Battle of the Bantams

I don't think you could have played any more hockey than these boys did this weekend, or asked any more from them. They fought hard every game, never giving up and never giving in, despite their exhausting schedule. They played their regular "Q" game on Saturday, with the added challenge of an intense tournament. Six games in three days. Whew! Congrats to the Lysander Bantam boys for their second place win in the Skaneateles Battle of the Bantams tournament. Congrats also to Rome, the first place trophy winners. "You can DOOO it Grizzlies!" And they did.

When in Rome....

Our Bantam boys team had yet another good hockey weekend. Now with six wins in a row, they also had an interesting Sunday afternoon playing a very talented girl's team. Going into today's scrimmage with the Lysander U-16 girls team, the boys mistakenly thought the game would be a cakewalk. But the girls proved them wrong and both teams worked hard the whole game. While there wasn't supposed to be any checking, I'm told the girls found a way to "bump into" a few boys. Good for them!

The morning matchup with Rome was a real nail biter. At least for me it was. (I'll book an appointment with my salon first thing in the morning). The teams were very evenly matched and both goalies were outstanding. After trailing much of the game, our boys battled back for an exciting 3-2 victory that had everyone in the stands buzzing and remarking on that's how hockey at this age ought to be played. Very few penalites. Good clean hockey.
Good memories.