Black Knights v.s. Pelham #2
Game 9 Recap
Team Player Star Michael Snyder (Middle)
Smooth Moves Star Eric Edwards (Left)
Game Grinder Star Desmond Leavens (Right)
Today was the Black Knights first matchup with Pelham #2 and saw us host the Panthers in the first of a home and away series this weekend. Where is Eric?.....Oh there he is... in the slot in front of the opposition net. Eric Edwards has shown a desire to join the rush as of late and is lugging the puck into the opposition zone and joining the breakout with increasing regularity...and this Coach likes it...as long as its not every time. Eric took home the Smooth Moves Star for his work today. In fact all or D have been seen in or around the opposition net lately with Grant Sinclair capping a nice end to end rush with a beauty deke for a tally. Connor Wright looked around saw he had some space, decided why not and took the puck deep on a couple of occassions... as well as some sweet cross ice passes to switch the breakout. Landon Gibbs decided if his fellow defenders can do it... I can too, and proceeded to break the puck through the neutral zone into Panther territory as well. While rushing defence are nice we need to remember our primary responsibility is keeping the puck out of our end not rushing it into theirs. The line of Spencer Main, Mackenzie Covey and Desmond Leavens was firing on all cylinders and the relentless forechecking from these three kept the Panthers scrambling down low in their end of the rink whenever this trio hit the ice. Spencer kept control down low looking for open team mates in front and had a some nice chances to score in front. Desmond had several good chances at the net, badgered the Pelham D till they gave up the puck and was given the Game Grinder Star for his contribution. Mac has revealed the edge that this Coach has been looking for as she showed the Panthers 'No, No that's my puck' tenacity and dominated along the boards and down low. The trio of Dylan Elsie, Trent Brogan and Collin VanDongen were matched today and the combination of Collin's speed and forechecking, Dylan's stick handling and control down low and Trent's power and puck control in the offensive zone proved to be more than the Pelham squad could handle when this line was on. Blake Silenzi, Kaden Falardeau and Samuel Desormiers' contribution wasn't small either. Kaden skated the legs off of our opponents and pursued them relentlessly anywhere they went on the rink. Samuel kept the wheels rolling and was close a couple of times in the slot and is getting to more pucks along the boards. Blake has found another gear lately and his forechecking is just what the doctor ordered and has resulted in several quality chances for him. Michael Snyder has back stopped us quietly this year and does most of his talking with his glove hand. Mike has proven his value to this team repeatedly this year and today was no different as he controlled rebounds and kept the Panthers from even getting a hint of a comeback. Mike took home the Team Player Star for another solid performance. Todays game showed that when you guys put your minds to it and play like a TEAM you are definitely a force not to be taken lightly. The passing and unselfish play was nice to see and hopefully it continues. You all worked on small aspects of your game and they all add up to a big difference in the end. Great effort today from everyone.