Under 13 (U13) - U13-C
Storm Watch: 2nd Edition
Storm Watch: 2nd Edition
It was a sight to see the newly formed Cyclones U13 C team take the ice donning their new pant shells. There was definitely an air of confidence amongst the skaters. A sense of unity. Having recently tied the Smiths Falls Cubs 3-3, a lot of fans felt that there were still questions left unanswered. Do they have what it takes to go up against a team that has seen them before, and may now be onto their tricks and strategies? Could they clean up a few of the areas that led to goals against in the previous game? Ultimately, could they get the W?
It was a bit of a flat-footed start with the Cubs registering their first shot on goal 9 seconds into the game. Josie Halayko was there to shut the door as she would be all morning. The game then shifted into a tug of war. Neutral zone battles were hard fought, and the corners were not for the faint of heart. The girls had to battle for every inch of ice, and the battles soon paid off. After a very even first period the Cyclones were able to get on the board in the second with a second effort wraparound by Shaelin Chalmers. Daria Sullivan and Chloee Carmody were there for the helpers on that one, providing strong offensive pressure.
As the game went on, the team was plagued by injuries. Already down Ava McGarry and Piper Nicholson, the team would then lose center Sophia Brown to a nagging leg injury. Defense Katie Soper and Julia Olmsted were also roughed up a bit as the bench began to shrink. But the girls dug deep and filled in the roles that were left vacant. They played for their team. Coach Jordan Salter was impressed with the commitment demonstrated and the strong fight in each of the players.
Though there were tense moments throughout the second and third periods, Josie Halayko stood rock solid, ensuring that one goal was enough to take the victory. Ella Anderson put an end to the tension with a late empty netter, helped by Clara Salter and Lila Faris. And with that, the Cyclones secured their first win against an already strong and road-tested rival.
Coach Chalmers stated that he was impressed with the girls' back-checking and felt they really started looking for the outlet pass as the game went on. "The defense was key," said a relieved Chalmers post-game. "They did very well at keeping the puck in the offensive end, as well as ensuring they pushed Smiths Falls to the outside in our end. There were no easy chances for Smiths Falls."
Once again, the Carleton Place Cyclones have stepped up. This most recent performance only adds to the anticipation for the regular season. Have they done enough to silence the critics? That part remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure- the storm is here, take cover.
