Where are all the hats?
The term Hat Trick was first originally used in the game of cricket in 1858 to describe a feat of taking three wickets in three balls. (whatever wickets are) The Hat Trick did not become popular in hockey until the 1940’s.
Today’s game against Wingham treated us to many exciting events. Who was that number 11 out there flying around wreaking havoc on the Wingham forwards? That was the rep team’s A.P. player Justin Hamilton. There is no question Justin was going to fit in with his determination and skill on the ice, but his mom Tracey looked a little sceptical in the dressing room before the game as she witnessed many half-dressed 7 and 8 year-olds gyrating their hips to the song Party Rock playing on Colin’s Boom Box.
At the end of the first period, Listowel was ahead 3-2. The puck was in Wingham’s end for the first 2 periods, but Wingham did a great job holding the score to 4-2 in favour of Listowel. Listowel’s defence consisting of Drew, Tayttum, Carter Coates, Cole and Colin cycled well throughout the game and made it more than difficult for Wingham to create any great offensive charge.
The final buzzer sounded, and the scoreboard showed a score of 9-4 in favour of Listowel. Lone goals by Carter Coombs (Pavel Datsyuk), Nikolas Paroski (Mikhail Grabovski), and Mika Bolognone (Sidney Crosby) did more than just help the cause against a tough Wingham team. The two other Crosby’s put on a goal-scoring clinic. Both Chet Hudson and Carter Servais netted a hat trick each. The hat trick leader in the NHL is the Chicago Blackhawks with 241. Bobby Hull has 28, but to bring this story back to today, Sidney Crosby has accumulated only 3 in his career. Without the constant effort from Bret, Ben, and Brayden, the hat tricks wouldn’t have been possible. The cool, confident demeanour from Josh (Kiprosoff) between the pipes was nothing more than spectacular.
So, as fans we are a bit perplexed by the hat trick ritual. I am pretty sure Chad, Todd, and Jeremy should have been looking for new hats on the way home.