Mar 09, 2013 | Rod Lichti | 719 views
Still Undefeated in the Playoffs
LL1 entered play today with a very 'thin' roster. With one player gone on vacation, another ready to leave as soon as the final buzzer sounded, and still another home sick with a fever, the team only had 8 skaters for game two of the playoffs.
Their opponent, LL3, was experiencing similar symptons as they only had 8 skaters as well....lots of ice-time for everyone today!!
LL3 came out flying right off the opening face-off and they were able to dominate the play for most of the game. Had it not been for LL1 goalie Deklan "the wall" Jermol, the game would have had a much differnt outcome. The game officials eventually lost track of how many saves Deklan made...but lets just say it was ALOT! He continually thwarted the constant attack from LL3 until late in the 2nd when their scoring sensation Cole snuck a crafty shot just under Deklan`s pad. But that was it....after that the door was slammed shut and Deklan left the rink wearing the Hard Hat.
Deklan had a lot of help from the "3 Amigos" playing defence today. Shaun, Jesse and Carson were all over their own end and keeping the puck to the outside. Shaun blocked a bucket full of shots in front of his goaltender. On numerous occasions, Carson was stripping the puck from the LL3 forwards who were trying the old "dipsy-do". And Jesse, who had his bags packed ready to head to Florida after the game, was instrumental in starting the rush for the tying goal.
With is monster shot, Jesse hammered the puck off the boards and out of his zone where Ethan picked it up and headed towards the LL3 end. It looked like speedy defenceman Kaden would catch the LL1 forward, but Ethan put his head down and found another gear to pull away from his attacker before making a crazy deke and leaving the goalie looking for his jock strap!
The rest of the LL1 forwards provided much needed support all game too. Casey continues to gain confidence with the puck as he made a few more rushes today and forced the LL1 goalie to make a spectacular kick save on a breakaway. Logan worked strong at the defensive blue line all game long to help relieve the offensive pressure from LL3. Kohen just missed a goal on a partial breakaway he created with some hard pressure on the puck. And Sam, fresh off his 10 day golfing trip in Florida, showed some spark as he chased down loose pucks on his way to the offensive end.
Everybody was pretty tired after the game and will no doubt sleep well. But they all loved the opportunity for extra icetime, and will be ready for early practice on Monday and the Little Brave's Tournament on Tuesday.