Interesting Day So Far

Where do we start? How about the team record: the Ohio '96s are 0-2-1 after three games. I guess they end you in a tie in the tournament, which is not a loss! The team is definitely picking up confidence with each game they play, and they almost had game 3 put away, but turnovers killed the momentum.

Game 2: 7:30AM

This game was against New York. The early start left the boys feeling a bit to sleepy, or so it seemed. NY got out to an early lead that saw them close out the first period 4-1. It must have been the cow bells that their fans brought, because they kept the momentum going into the second period. The Ohio goalie was awake now, and stopped shot after shot that was thrown his way. An early breakaway, eased the situation when Ohio tallied there second mark making it 4-2. Soon after, Ohio took a penalty (only one of the game) and gave up the last point they would concede to NY making it 5-3.

Ohio's defense was strong in this second, and their offense felt better as well. They edged out another goal midway through the second making it 5-3, which was the score at the close of the game.

Outscoring the opposition 2-1 in the final period gave them a spark to carry into the next game of the morning. They would have only an hour and a half to recover before taking to the rink again against Illinois.

While we were waiting and watching the other games, Virginia (who routed Ohio 6-1 the previous day) was playing a tough game themselves. It was halfway into the second period of their back to back morning games, and it was obvious they had no legs. The score was still 0-0. Talking with a Virginia parent, it seems that this same squad made the trip to State Wars last year as a Double A team. They made it all the way to the championship game last year, and led it 4-1 before eventually losing. They were surprised to learn they only got the Single A rating this year after doing so well. Hearing that, our boys felt a lot better about the game they played the day previous.

Game 3: 9:30AM

Here we are against the home state of Illinois, and it isn't 30 seconds in when Ohio strikes their mark. You can see the weight lifted off the shoulders of these boys when that puck goes in, and the pace of the game is fired up!

The first period closes at 1-0 and the battle is on. It is relentless good competition and both sides are skating their hearts out. However, it is Ohio that scores first in this period as wellm, making in 2-0.

Lots of smiles and a little too much excitement, because the boys got caught on their heels. Two really bad turnovers later and the game is tied. Illinois goes three goals unanswered before Ohio wakes up again. Three minutes to go, and Ohio pots one to even it up. Just not enough time on the clock to put a notch in the win column. But hey, a tie is not loss, and they are improving each game.

Pennsylvania is next at 8PM, and they have yet to lose a game. These boys need to not be intimidated and go out there and give it their all. One solid win could certainly help their seeding in the tournament to not have to face PA or VA in the first round.

Overall

Overall, the defense has improved, especially the Goaltending. The offense has certainly been moving the puck well, getting past most defenders, but honestly, they have faced some really good net-minders!

Notes

This tournament has been an eye opener for Zac. There is some really good talent up here, and the games are fast paced. A lot of these teams come from areas where they all know each other, play together and travel together. The Ohio team has boys from the Columbus area, Cincinnati area, and of course Wapak. They had only 2 full practices with each other and are lucky to known each others names when the puck first dropped (let alone each others tendencies).

That said, they have really come together after three games. Our fingers are crossed, and we are hoping for the best this evening! Regardless of the outcome, Zac is having a blast and learning a lot. The team is gathering for dinner at BW3's at 5:30, and that should help the team bonding.

Until later...