Under 13 (U13) - U13-C
Storm Watch: 17th Edition
Storm Watch: 17th Edition
It would appear that the Kanata Rangers have had the U13C Cyclones' number all year. And that number is very specific: 3-1. That's right, every meeting since the beginning of the season has ended in a 3-1 loss for the Carleton Place Cyclones. The first meeting was chalked up to a bit of a flat outing. The second saw the team blast out of the gates but lose their momentum as the game went on. The third saw a good deal of pressure, but again saw things slip as the game entered the third period. The messaging for the fourth game this Saturday in CP was simple. The Cyclones would need to strike first and fast. They would need to play a hard three periods. They would need to be first to the puck. They would need to keep the Rangers in their own end.
The game started according to plan. Shaelin Chalmers scored 18 seconds into the first period to give the Cyclones a 1-0 lead. The Rangers were on their heels. Throughout the period the Cyclones would put together some strong shifts. A couple mistakes, however, ended up in the back of the net and the Cyclones were down 2-1 by the end of the first.
The second period was pretty even with the Cyclones getting their fair share of chances. Piper "the Pipes between the pipes" Nicholson made a few stellar saves to keep her team in the game. Sophia Brown would get an excellent opportunity that caught the Rangers' goalie in the mask. The chances were relatively even.
Pre-game the girls were told they needed to show up to win this game. They would need to be first to pucks and keep possession. At times, this was the difference in the game. Possession was easily given away more than once, and the Cyclones got caught slowing down as they approached the puck. The third period, however, was very strong for the girls. They had a lot of offensive zone time. The Rangers' goalie was left scrambling many times but puck luck seemed to be on her side. The Cyclones just couldn't buy a goal. The momentum was in their favor, however, and stayed that way until a late period penalty took the wind out of their sails. The Rangers capitalized with a powerplay goal and posted the all too familiar 3-1 score to finish the game.
Going forward, the Cyclones will need to find a way to generate scoring opportunities. A lot of this comes down to jumping on rebounds. The girls will need to recognize that each time the puck is on their stick, there is opportunity. Whether it be a pass, a shot, or a carry- puck confidence will need to be there for the Cyclones to compete in the upcoming playoffs and playdowns. Every team needs adversity. Every team goes through slides. Let's hope the girls can pick up the pieces and post the W's where it counts. Let's go Cyclones!
Player of the Game
Piper Nicholson
