Under 13 (U13) - U13-C
Storm Watch: 16th Edition
Storm Watch: 16th Edition
It's been a strange few weeks for the Carleton Place U13C Cyclones. Three games had been rescheduled, leaving the team out of action for a good stretch of time. Combine that with the February lull that can hit hockey teams during the season and the Cyclones seemed to have odds stacked against them. Their time away from gameplay was not wasted, however. The team worked through an on-ice shooting development clinic with Next Generation Hockey. No doubt the pucks will be rocketing off their sticks in no time. This was followed by a 2-hour season with Sami from Endeavour Sports. The girls worked on battling, passing, shooting, and their edgework. To tip the scales in their favour, they also partook in a dryland session at Anytime fitness mid-week. There was no rest for this playoff-bound team.
January 31st
The Cyclones rolled into Kemptville for a make-up game on January 31st. The memory of their 1-0 defeat in the Belleville tournament was front and centre on everyone's minds. The girls found success midway through the first period when Shae Chalmers roofed the puck to give the Cyclones a 1-0 lead. Josie "The Wall" Halayko would put in a solid game that kept that lead until a strange bounce shot found the back of the net and Kemptville evened the game at one goal each. Less than a minute later Shae Chalmers would find the back of the net for her second of the game and restore the lead. Excellent offensive pressure would keep the play in Kemptville's end for much of the game and the defense were there to support Halayko when the puck did make it back to the Cyclones' end.
The Cyclones would not need any more to take the game. Halayko shut the door and the Kemtpville Storm had no answers for the tilt in the ice that kept the puck in their end. The offense worked well breaking off the wall with Clara Salter finding the net and Sophia Brown and Katie Chase jumping on rebounds. Julia Olmsted continued to play her aggressive style and Katie Soper had the shift of the year with on the penalty kill. Tessa Creamer was working hard to get her shot off from the point as well. The Cyclones announced their return to the ice with a strong outing that left the fans wanting more.
Player of the Game
Tessa Creamer
February 2nd
Being in second place can be precarious as the season progresses. The team is always looking forward to that coveted first spot, but everyone is after them to steal a win. The messaging was clear to the Cyclones as the Smiths Falls Cubs entered the rink on Thursday night: "There will be no more easy games." Playoffs, Playdowns, Provincials- all this scheduling is in the works and teams are out to make their mark. The Cyclones came into the game betting favourites, but the Cubs had only victory on their mind. Despite a tremendous effort that kept the Cubs on their heels for much of the game, the Cyclones could not buy a goal. Smiths Falls' tender stood on her head, even stealing a sure thing in the top corner with a tremendous glove save.
The Cyclones were down early after giving up a breakaway. It was one small mistake, but at this point in the season- one small mistake is all it takes. The game would remain 1-0 until late in the third period when Smiths Falls got another breakaway and sealed the deal with a 2-0 victory. The Cyclones clearly outshot their opponent but could not find the back of the net. These games happen. A hot goalie can turn the tides no matter how many shots. And so, the Smiths Falls Cubs left the ice with a victory bringing the season series to 1-1-1. Let's see what the Cyclones can muster for their final regular season meeting later this month.
Player of the Game
Mila Straznicky
February 4th
Competing for a full three periods has been a bit of an Achilles heel for the Cyclones this year. Fans have seen it, and it is glorious. But there have been times where the Cyclones have started strong, only to fade as the game went on. We saw this last time the Cyclones played the Kanata Rangers. The girls came out on fire, keeping the Rangers in their end for the majority of the first period. Slowly, however, the Rangers were allowed to get back into the game and gain momentum. Would it be any different on home ice? The Cyclones have not found the answer to the powerful Kanata Rangers yet this season.
The first period started with a good deal of back and forth. The two teams are obviously well matched. When the buzzer went to end the first, nothing had been decided. Both teams remained at 0. The Cyclones would find the back of the net midway through the second period when Shae Chalmers took a short side shot that found the top corner against the Kanata tender. Having the lead against Kanata was new territory for the girls. Sophia Brown and Tessa Creamer had the helpers on that one. The second period would close with the Cyclones still on top 1-0.
The third period did not find the Cyclones in the same state as the previous two. Fatigue was setting in. Passes were not as sharp. The Kanata Rangers managed to score three unanswered goals to secure the win and leave the Cyclones scratching their heads once again. From a spectator's point of view the potential is there- but the girls need to find a way to play a full 32-minutes of hockey if they hope to beat the Rangers in their last meeting of the regular season later this month.
Player of the Game
Shaelin Chalmers
There are still a lot of questions with this young Cyclones team. There are still two very distinct identities. With Playdowns and Playoffs on the horizon, one hopes that the girls can find the will to dig deep and focus. The Cyclones will need everyone on board if they hope to stay ahead of the pack. As the season carries on, it becomes as much a mental game as a physical game. Pre-game readiness will be huge. Reflection will be huge. The talent and skills are there. The remaining games will come down to one thing: who wants it more? This spectator is optimistic that the girls can move past this small rough patch. Afterall, this is the first time the team has lost back-to-back games all year. I look forward to their response. Let's get the storm brewing again!
