As I drive past the local gym this month, much to Kurzy’s
delight, the crowded parking lot tells us once again more and more folks are
showing up to restore their somewhat neglected fitness. The returnee is mixed with hope, relief and
urgency. Neglect has been contained and
hurry has become its substitute. Whose
need is deep enough? Who wants it badly
enough? Discipline, weak will,
persistence, procrastination, sacrifices, excuses, levels of commitment -- how
will the variables play out in the coming days and weeks to come?
Ok enough of the gym talk. Most of the above paragraph can also describe hockey playoffs.
The Listowel Peewee Reps have moved on in their playoff round having defeated the Walkerton Capitals 3 games to 1. Kincardine Kinucks have been patiently waiting, after defeating Saugeen Shores in 3 games.
The previous two meetings between Listowel and Kincardine have seen a difference of only 1 goal between them. But for a goalie and five skaters on the ice at a time, the teams are nothing alike. However, what they want, where they’re going, and how they get there are not very different.
Is it about winning the race to the puck, fewer neutral ice turnovers, better back checking, clearing the zone the first attempt, staying out of the penalty box, or exploiting the other team’s weaknesses? How should I know? I just get asked before a game why the heaters in the stands aren’t working.
Stellar goaltending from Josh has helped to get the team this far. The defence pairings of Nic and Nic, Jordan and Jordan, and Cullen and Colin each bring a different look and set of skills that compliment their partners in their own unique way.
Chet, Carter, and Taytt bring first-year energy that helps open the ice for the veteran forwards. Conner, Dustin, Daniel, and Ethan keep flying down the ice and continue to find new ways to score. When Sam and Keegan are on the ice, well, you know there are endless possibilities to what may transpire to give their team the upper hand. Giving up is not something they buy into.
The Kincardine series promises to be an exciting one.
Going to look for my muscle shirt and protein powder.
Team Reporter - Dean Williams