UCC Defeats St. Michael's B

The U16 Blues hockey team used the big ice surface at UCC to their advantage, decisively defeating neighbourhood rival St. Michael's "B" by a score of 5-3. Despite being outshot 33-27, the Blues enjoyed more high quality score chances and seemingly higher offensive zone time and puck possession.

 

UCC started the first strong, with smooth skating Kyan Haldenby converting an exquisite pass from Edward Moscowitz on only the Blues 3rd shot. Kyan quietly put up a 4-point game and is making a big impact in this league as a Y9. He is a silent assassin out there and his teammates are on the edge of their seats every shift Kyan hits the ice. His chemistry with team captain Eddie Moskowitz is reacting positively at all times. The Blues narrowly missed scoring on a few other chances as well; none better than a breakaway by silky winger Luke Pitblado. "Pitter" snuck behind the defence and received a hail mary stretch pass from the big dog Cam Scott and was in alone with time to spare. Unfortunately, it was not to be this time but Luke was to have many more great plays up his sleeve in this game. 

 

Not to be outdone, SMCS pounced on a opportunity when three UCC players decided to change en masse as the play was going towards the UCC end. Not a hot look with this fundamental error. This miscue ended up in a 4 on 2 and a goal for St. Mike's. The Blues bench was noticeably quiet for a bit, but not despondent for long. As luck would have it, UCC was the beneficiary of a power play and the first power play unit engineered a nice tap in goal by Benny "bingo" Atkinson. The Blues led 2-1 after 15 minutes.

 

The second period was much the same as the first, with SMCS enjoying a slight advantage in shots but UCC garnering the better chances. Eventually the zone pressure was too great for St. Mike's to handle and they succumbed to an inspired move to the net and 5 hole shot by Ben Atkinson, his second of the afternoon. Again, St. Mike's teams are well coached and proud and do not give up easily. They poured it on in the late going of the period scoring a goal from the slot and forcing Dylan Meanchos to make a number of game-breaking saves in the last minute to preserve a one-goal lead heading into the intermission.

 

After the intermission, both teams came back determined to win the 2 points. The coaches were pleased that the team had the lead and was heading into the third period with a challenge at their feet to hold on. Coach Chops put the question to the team: "What kind of team do you want to become this season? Is this game about to be tied 3-3? Or will you take control and put it out of reach?" There was a stalemate for a short while to begin the third but eventually UCC broke through on a hard working goal by Matt Grudzinski, followed by Ben Atkinson notching a hat trick with a nice snapper in tight over the pad. It was a clinical finish by Ben on a one-timer from the slot. UCC now had breathing space with the end in sight but could not take the game for granted. SMCS then turned up the physicality hoping to turn the tide. Unfortunately, UCC's push back was deemed illegal by the referees costing them 2 penalties back to back. On top of this, SMCS pulled their goalie to ice 6 attackers versus 3 defenders with 2 minutes remaining. Focused netminder Meanchos and the defence stood strong, but eventually allowed one goal while 3 players short; 5-3... but this was all that St. Mike's could muster. 

 

The Blues missed their injured compatriots Zain Assaf and David Wood this game, but welcomed back tough and skilled winger Rex McArthur, who played exceedingly well considering he is still feeling the effects of the flu bug. A special shout out is warranted to the defence today. All 5 members were calm on the back end when needed and demonstrated great individual skills throughout the game.

 

The coaches would like to thank the boys for their effort and look forward to our rematch with St. Mike's "A" on Monday February 4th at the Wilder Arena at 4pm.

 

Man of the Match: Ben Atkinson, first hat trick!