Under 13 (U13) - U13-C

Storm Watch: 11th Edition 

The Carleton Place U13C Cyclones roared into Smiths Falls yesterday to take on the Smiths Falls Cubs.  Although the Cyclones have had success against the Cubs in the past, the girls are now aware that teams are getting stronger and hungrier.  Nothing can be scripted in a hockey game and surprises await every time players take the ice.  The Cyclones demonstrated tremendous strength in their previous game against the Nepean Wildcats.  Fans were clear that the girls would be unbeatable if they could capture that lightning in a bottle and take the ice in a similar manner. As it was, the team was riding a 9-game unbeaten streak coming into yesterday's game.

The Cyclones had a bit of a flat start but started finding their groove as the first period went on.  The effects of three games in four days were clearly visible.  Legs just seemed a little heavier, and the Cubs gave the Cyclones everything they could handle.  Goaltender, Piper Nicholson, would come up big a few times to keep the score 0-0. A first period battle in front of the net led to offsetting minor penalties and demonstrated that nothing would come easy this game from either side.  Mila Straznicky went to the penalty box but her D partner, Julia Olmsted, clearly approved of her aggressive play in front of the net.

Despite some good opportunities for the Cyclones, it would be the Cubs who got on the board first.  Midway through the second period, a rush up the ice led to a short side shot beating Nicholson glove side.  The Cyclones had been on their heels for much of the second period in a lull that saw them significantly outshot by their opponent.

The message at the bench during the second intermission was clear: "You have to want it.  Right now, Smiths Falls wants it more."  Talking points were similar to what has come up all season: first to the puck, back check, win those puck battles, clear the puck, etc.  The messaging must have struck a chord as the Cyclones tied the game within the first minute of the third.  Shaelin Chalmers pushed a face-off win forward in the offensive zone and beat the Cubs' tender, who had been absolutely perfect until that point.

Alas, the game would end in a draw.  Chances were there but the goaltenders at both ends shut the door.  The Cyclones extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games, though they were no doubt searching for a win to climb closer to the first place Glengarry Highlanders.  Still, in their three-game run, they outscored their opponents 5-1, coming away with 2 wins and a tie.  Not a bad week.

Ten games into the regular season, and with two tournaments behind them, it seems like a good time to reflect on what the Cyclones have accomplished.  In a total of 20 games this season, the Cyclones have won 15, lost 3, and tied 2.  Not a bad run.  They've won a tournament and placed second in another.  At the moment they are sitting in 2nd place in league play. For all the speculation that existed in pre-season, this team has shown tremendous growth and put on some great performances.  I know this reporter can't wait to see what's next for the girls.  As they roll into Glengarry to settle a score this Saturday, I will be there.  Hopefully we see the Cyclones team that can topple Nepean 3-0.  Keep building Cyclones.  Every team in the division now knows who you are!

 *No player of the game was awarded as the Cyclones are transitioning to a new award.