Short-Handed U16 Blues Lose a Close Tilt to SMCS "B"

Without their captain, leading scorer, and a number of other key pieces, the Blues knew it would be a challenge playing St. Mike's "B" with a shorter bench. SMCS is well-coached and stocked with players who are always pumped up for a chance to take down the Blues. The game promised to be an exciting tilt and it lived up to the billing.

 

The Blues came out flying and held the edge in play for the first 5 minutes or so. Unfortunfortunately, UCC did not capitalize on their early momentum and in hindsight we badly needed an early goal within that dominant stretch of play. After surviving the early onslaught, SMCS clawed their way into the contest and UCC descended into disorganization and confusion for the next stretch of the game. With some sloppy decision making and a penalty born out of fatigue, St. Mike's was able to pump 3 goals past goalie Oliver Rebanks in quick succession. We knew that the score was somewhat unjust, but the boys also recognized that a short window of undisciplined play can cost you in the this competitive league. It took good old fashioned hard work, but the Blues were able to stop the bleeding with 2:42 remaining in the first period. Power forward Matt Grudzinski scored off a goal mouth scramble on his third or fourth whack, giving the boys new life going into the 2nd.

 

The second period was all UCC. The Blues outshot their opponents 11 to 5 and even outhit the larger St. Mike's team. Energy shifts by Jack "nails" Kedwell, inspired play by a short-handed but uber-skilled d-corps, and finesse and grit from Ben Atkinson led the way for the Blues. UCC was able to pull within one on a goal from the slot by assistant-captain and offensive-minded defenceman Jack Hewitt. Jack had a great game full of great reads out there and it was nice to see him get rewarded with a goal. The score after 2 periods was 3-2 for SMCS.

 

After a rest the Blues continued to skate hard and drive the play in the 3rd period, almost scoring on numerous occasions. UCC outshot St. Mike's again by a fair margin. Big hits by versatile defenceman Jack Hewitt, Owen Eubanks and skilled agitator Zain Assaf added an edge to the proceedings. Unfortunately, time was the enemy. Coach Chops tried everything; taking a time out, trying multiple set plays to hopefully spring offensive chances, and pulling the goalie, but nothing worked. The Blues simply could not buy a goal coming down the stretch. St. Mike's was able to hold on and defeat UCC on home ice. It simply was not meant to be today but the silver lining is that all the signs of a winning team were there.

 

Overall, the coaches were pleased with the effort and potential from the team, and we look forward to our game against SAC tomorrow.