Under 13 (U13) - U13-C
Storm Watch: 4th Edition
Storm Watch: 4th Edition
The Cyclones U13 C team came into Saturday night's game against the Nepean Wildcats as betting underdogs. Not only had they lost to the Wildcats 3-0 less than a week ago, but they also entered the game missing seven players from their roster. The line-up of eight was evened out by the additions of two affiliate players from the U13 House League Team: Chloe Kennedy and Hailey Kovacs. The stage was set for a battle unlike anything the team had yet seen, adversity being the word of the day.
However, the mood seemed different on Saturday than it did the Sunday before. There was a sense of wounded pride. The girls had faced defeat and they wanted revenge. Cheers were a little louder, skates dug into the ice a little deeper, and the intensity was brought up to 110%! This was a dig deep game. Players were taken out of their comfort zones, but they owned their time on the ice. Chloee Carmody stepped up on defense and partnered with Hailey Kovacs to put together a dominant force. Line-ups were shuffled and players quickly found their rhythm. Chloe Kennedy found her inner beast and made a difference on the ice right from puck drop. Ava McGarry was on a mission to be first to the puck all game!
Scoring started halfway through the first period with a shot from Katie Soper. The goal, we're told, secured her a promised family meal at the Mandarin. The helpers were Ella Anderson and Lila Faris. Five-minutes later Ella Anderson found the back of the net with a beautiful top shelf shot, assisted by Meredith Clarke and call-up Chloe Kennedy.
The second period found Nepean beating Piper Nicholson with a quick deflected shot from inside the blueline. It was the only time the Wildcats would find the back of the net, as Piper stood rock-solid all night, assisted by strong defense out front. Merideth Clarke was a pain all night for anyone who attempted to stake claim in front of the Cyclones net.
Ella Anderson would put the puck in again in the third period, securing herself a three-point night and the win for the Cyclones. Chloee Carmody picked up the assist along with Lila Faris; Faris having two apples on the night. Backup goalie, Josie Halayko, kept the mood light on the bench and even provided a quick pep talk when the team found themselves in penalty trouble.
The Cyclones kept the Wildcats on their heels for most of the game. The intensity that was missing on Sunday was there in abundance Saturday night. Centers Clara Salter and Shaelin Chalmers took care of the draws with great efficiency and battled hard along the boards to keep control of the zone. The control time allowed the team to work on positioning and connecting with some terrific passing.
Last Sunday we reported a loss, a lack of intensity, a need for soul searching. The Cyclones seem to have gone back to the drawing board and put together the perfect response to take their season opener in epic fashion. The players all felt the shift. The storm has resurged. All is right in CP tonight. Cyclones on three- 1,2,3.......
Cyclones Player of the Game: #4 Chloe Kennedy
