After a bit of a slow start, the Listowel Atom Rep Cyclones have started to roll. While still learning and adapting to the team-first systems, the Cycs entered into the Schomberg tournament in late October. As defending champs, the Listowel team knew this tournament would provide a good gauge of the 2014/15 competition. By Sunday morning, strong team defense and outstanding goal tending meant the Cyc team had only allowed 4 goals in 3 contests and were yet to lose a game.
Unfortunately, scoring was also difficult in the offensive end and the team had only 1 win and 2 ties to show for their efforts. Game 4 came Sunday morning in the B final match-up vs a Brighton squad who happened to share the same hotel floor as the Cyc team. While many of the parents from both teams stayed up late sharing stories in the hotel lounge, all of the kids still went to battle that morning. Another defensive clash produced a 1-0 game and sent the Cycs home pondering where they needed to improve. Just 5 goals allowed in 4 games and outshooting each of their opponents by a 2-1 margin or more indicated team defense was clicking. On the other hand, 7 goals-for in 4 games including 0 in the semi showed the kids from the Cyc locker room that better puck movement and a team game were absolutely necessary if they were to score more, and ultimately, record more wins.
Before heading on to our second tournament of the season in South Huron, the Cycs would play 3 regular season games, 2 of which were against the league leading Kincardine Kinucks. Once again, the Cyc team learned quickly that individual play would not be enough to carry them to victory. Repeated turnovers in a weeknight matchup in Kincardine put the team on the wrong side of a 7-2 score and sent the players back to practice searching for intensity and a better team game. The Cycs briefly regained their mojo in Goderich, potting 11 goals and recording another shutout before regrouping for their second matchup against the Kinucks. This regular Sunday afternoon home game saw the Atom team produce more of a solid group effort. Despite outplaying and outshooting the Kincardine group, inconsistent positioning and inability to track their lone sniper resulted in his 6-point night and our 6-4 loss. The outcome of this game showed the young Cyc team that executing the lessons from practice could make a difference. If we commit to the plan, we play as a team. If we play as team, we give ourselves a chance to win!
The concept was beginning to sink in. The Cyc team entered the South Huron tournament working hard at maintaining their positioning, following the team system, and moving the puck. Although the team put in a much better effort, the learning curve was steep and implementation would take time. The Atom Cycs were eliminated from the tournament in a chippy, spirited, battle – losing to a very strong Ingersoll squad by a tight 2-1 margin. Although the results weren't there just yet, the coaches and parents could see the team starting to come together. The Atom Rep Cycs were slowly forming into a solid team unit.
With Regional Silver Stick on the horizon, the Atom Cycs rolled through November with 4 more league games. Totaling 21 goals-for and only 5 against, the team cruised through consecutive victories over BCH, Walkerton, Goderich and Saugeen Shores. In rattling off their 4-game win streak, the team played excellent defensive hockey, regularly limiting their opponents to single-digit shots on goal. In addition, much better puck movement and a commitment to the team system were starting to produce offense!
During this stretch, the coaches introduced a player of the game helmet to the team. The helmet would be awarded to the Cyc teammate who worked the hardest in each game. The decision wouldn’t necessarily be made from the scoresheet, but more from the sweat on the player’s brows. As we entered Silver Stick, the helmet was officially christened ‘The Hustle Bucket’ – representing the team’s commitment to the complete meaning of the word ‘hustle’.
Armed with momentum from their win streak, and motivated to earn the Hustle Bucket, the team began their regional Silver Stick tournament in Wingham in Game 1 versus the Tavistock Titans. The Cyc team came prepared and powered through to a solid 2-0 victory – controlling much of the game and limiting the Titans to few quality chances. Game 2 paired us against a Mount Forest team with a strong league record. Again, the Cyc team came to play. Their strong team hustle and commitment to team defense resulted in a 4-2 victory and reinforced the effectiveness of team play to each of the players. After a 7-0 Game 3 victory over Walkerton the Atom Cyc team were headed into the Semi Finals; evenly matched against a 3-0 South Huron group. The team knew this would be a tough game and a win would likely send them into the finals against Kincardine. For the 4th time in the tournament, every Cyclone came to play, demonstrating excellent hustle, back-checking, puck-movement, and positioning. Their hard work and efforts paid off with a solid 6-3 victory and a trip to the Silver Stick final.
Now riding an 8 game winning streak, the championship game pitted the Cyc team against the league leading Kincardine Kinucks. The players arrived with something to prove. They knew Kincardine had not yet faced the big red Cyclone machine we had become in dawning our red jerseys all week long.. The game was complete with heart-pounding, end-to-end action, and spectators from both sides could be heard noting how the Listowel team was controlling the play, deserving of the win. The Cycs poured it on, playing their best game of the season to date, but as the third period ended there remained a 0-0 knot still on the scoreboard. Overtime raised the pulses of everyone in the crowded arena. End to end action and glorious chances had the crowd roaring with excitement. Finally, with only minutes to play, the puck found a narrow path to slide just over our goal line. The Atom Rep Cyc team was emotional in defeat – giving everything they had, hustling to their limits, committing to the team. Although they would not take home the title, the Cyc team had grown once again. Proving to themselves that, as a team, the group has what it takes to compete at a high level. The beast has awoken.
The Atom Rep Cyc team will peel off another 6 games in 9 days before heading into a much deserved Christmas break. Entering the New Year the team looks forward to the Peterborough tournament before unleashing the beast in the OMHA playoffs!
There are no individual names in this story. But the word ‘team’ is mentioned 44 times… cause that’s how the Atom Rep Cyclones roll!