In sharp contrast to the uglier side of AAA hockey that has been splashed all over the news this week, a random act of kindness was witnessed last night at our game. Our goalies alternate games and it was
Eric Ryan's game in Cambridge last night.
Cole Thomas is leaving for a week and will be missing a couple of games, no fault of Eric's. Eric showed up at the game in Cambridge last night and after discussion with his dad they asked if it would be okay if Cole played as he would be missing hockey for the week while he was gone. An act of kindness that exhibits what is at the core of this team's success this year.
The Laker MP's, prior to the first day of December, have just surpassed last year's 22 win total, beating Cambridge 6-2 last night and securing their 24th win, roughly half way through the year. The success of this team stems from the selfless attitude of the players that see each other as brothers (a comment overheard from one of the players). They are a team, not a group of individuals all trying to outscore each other. Like brothers, there is at times conflict as would be expected with highly competitive, athletic kids but there is a commitment to each other that finds a way to move past it. There is a team atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other. Different players are constantly rising to the challenges in support of each other which was exhibited last night with 6 different players scoring in a 6-2 win. It has been a great environment to coach in to date with a terrific support staff.
The Laker MP's traveled to Cambridge last night to play the Hawks. Cambridge came out of the gates flying, it appears teams are very motivated to beat us, and Cambridge managed to jump out to an early 1-0 first period lead. The goal against seemed to awaken the lion within as the Lakers exploded for a 5 goal second period. The third period the Lakers traded goals for a 6-2 win. Three powerplay goals were scored in the game on four opportunities, a testament to the kids working together and taking direction.
Derrick Elliott led the Lakers with a goal and three assists,
Brody Tenpas,
Nathan Templeman and
Garrett James each added a goal and an assist.
Ryan Stulp- Jacobsen and
Spencer Stevenson added goals.
Bayley Boyes had two assists and
Jared McCann added an assist,
Cole Thomas was in net for the win. The Lakers face the Waterloo Wolves on Sunday at the RIM center in Waterloo.