Minor Atoms Are Getting Back Their Game Mode.
A week ago the Minor Atoms Traveled to Detroit to play an exhibition game against Little Caesars and enjoy an NHL hockey game the following night. This was a treat from the coaching staff for all the hard work the boys have done this year so far.
The Lakers played an excellent game but came up short of a win.
Thibeault got the Lakers first goal assisted by
Stapleton and
Cody Treble.
Treble picked up his second point of the game scoring by scoring the next goal, assisted by
Kraemer.
Kuno scored the third goal unassisted and
Kraemer went coast to coast Bobby Orr style for the fourth goal. The Lakers lost 7-4, out shot and played very well but came up short.
The Lakers headed out for dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Detroit and then proceeded to the Wings game. They had a blast. Some had never gone to an NHL game and will always remember that Saturday in early November.
The next day London came to Goderich to play the Lakers. Getting home at two and four in the morning, surprisingly the Lakers didn't show any tired legs until the third period. The Lakers had a 3-2 lead after 2 fifteen minute periods. The Knights notched 6 more goals in the third as the Lakers ran out of steam. This has been our problem in the last three weeks.
Kuno got the first goal assisted by
Newson.
Stapleton got the second goal assisted by
Thibeault with
Beuermann getting the third goal assisted by
Thibeault and
Kraemer.
On Saturday, November 15th, the Lakers played Kitchener who they beat early in the year. Going into the game the expectation was that it would be a cat walk but it was a cat walk for the Rangers. The Minor Atoms know now if they don't show up to compete and be focused, ready to play every game that they are in trouble. The Rangers walked over the Lakers 3-0.
On Sunday the Minor Atoms got the taste back they had a month a go when they had the second place spot in the East Division standings. Playing against Hamilton, the first place team by a long shot, the Lakers knew they had a tough match ahead. After a week of condtioning and a different approach the Lakers brought Hamilton's game down to a team that can be beat.
The boys are finally understanding how to listen, communicate with each other and what it takes to compete at this level of hockey. Every player on this team will learn how to play different positions, understand the role of playing different positions and to develop skills. We have players from D, C, B, and A centers that are learning to play this quick, fast, skilled hockey in a short time after having never played different positions or simple systems and a focus on basic skills. It has been a really good challenge and they're getting a 100% effort. These boys are being trained to be fast, quick, skilled, young players in very short time - the best feeling a coach could ask for.
Great job Defence, Forwards and our Goaltender
Paquette - stay focused and be ready to play every game!!!!!!!!!!!