Reflecting on last season’s record and accomplishments, this year’s Major Atom coaching staff feels that a better start will inevitably lead this team to a better finish. With the elimination of body checking, the Atoms will focus on puck control along with speed & great puck movement.
In team goal setting, this year’s players feel they can improve on last season’s sub-.500 record, and are anticipating/projecting a +.600 season. While they may need to “taste reality” with some of their projections, their enthusiasm and work ethic are sure to lead to good things.
The mini-camp held in Goderich from August-18-20th was deemed a success. Not only kicking off our on-ice practices and game plans, but also allowing for: goal setting, recreation & bonding, and hopefully improved fitness & cardio. The new and returning players have come together seamlessly, with new friendships and camaraderie.
In the Lakers first exhibition game on August 23rd, we traveled to Sarnia with a skeleton squad. A pre-game speech on “first period defensive-mindedness” did not register as the Lakers were down 3-0 midway through the period. However, the Lakers Major Atoms were merely getting acquainted with each other, as they controlled most of the second & third periods, to tie the Lambton team 3-3.
Scoring for the Lakers were:
Grant McPherson,
Jacob Hrudka &
Nick Jung. Assists went out to:
MacKinnon Hawkins,
Jon Baker,
Cole McKee,
Luka Maranic,
Justin McCarter,
Keenan Conlon,
Spencer Dowd and
Nicole Zabel. Solid goaltending efforts were put in by returning keeper
Wyatt Nicholson and first year player
Joab Egbers.
Next game for the Atom team is Monday, September 1st @ 1:00pm in Goderich, against the Lambton Jr. Sting.
Corey McKee