Dec 22, 2014 | Craig McLaren | 771 views
Tough Loss to Second Place Wolves
If someone had of walked in to the Albert McCormack arena last night in Waterloo and only watched the first 5 minutes of the Hawks and Wolves game there is no doubt they would have left the arena thinking the Hawks would have been thumped badly... little did they know they missed a very entertaining hockey game.
After the first 5 minutes and some key saves by netminder Danny Rose the Hawks found their wings and were in flight. The Hawks met the Wolves stride for stride and competed against a strong second place club for the rest of the night.
"Overall I was pleased with our efforts tonight" was the word coming out of the Hawks room by Coach Craig. "Our first 5 or 6 shifts were a little scary to say the least but that's why we just kept turning over the lines as quick as we could. We knew one of those lines would take charge and get us on our way. We had 3 good practices this week and even though we couldn't pull out a victory I was much happier with the effort level in today's game when comparing it to last week's effort."
"I thought all 3 lines battled pretty hard and there were no passengers tonight" indicated Coach Neil. "We obviously have some things to work on and we need to continue to push all of the players to come ready to play the game. If we were to battle like that every game we certainly wouldn't be in the bottom half of the standings."
"Hard work and focus are the things we keep challenging the boys with" commented newly appointed door man Trainer John. "The coaching staff has asked the boys to work hard and do what they ask every game and every practice. They both have played some good hockey themselves so I am sure they know what they are talking about. Our boys just need to listen and need to show up to play a game, a game they love, every time they touch the ice. The biggest challenge our Staff is facing is to have ALL 17 players focussed and ready to play a game at their best every time they put on that Hawks' crest. Hopefully they saw tonight that they can compete with the top teams in this league. Hopefully they realize that not only when they compete as a team that they will move up in the standings but they will also improve their own individual skills that much more at the same time."
Definitely a pretty strong statement from Trainer John but judging how the players practiced all week and played their last game of 2014 it seemed like the message was received.
"As I mentioned, I was happy with the compete level tonight" reiterated Coach Craig. "We saw some players take their strong work in practices and bring it into tonight's game. I keep telling the boys, you can't come to practice and give half your effort and expect to play a strong game...you practice hard and you play hard. I thought Aidan Desousa had one of his best games of the year tonight for sure AND he worked hard in practice all week. Another player who worked real hard in practice all week was James Kowalewski...WOW! We have a number of players that play their hearts out each and every shift and each and every practice. Our challenge in the new year is for every player to follow that example. We realize that players will have bad games and that's OK but all we ask is that the effort level be no different then in games where they are seeing results from their efforts. WHEN these boys start to realize what they can accomplish when they all play together they will see the rewards that go along with 17 players working hard. Half of the season is over now so hopefully they begin to realize it as we don't want to be sitting here in March saying 'if only.'"
As a reporter from the outside looking in, it seems as though the Hawks have just been challenged by their coach to bring an honest effort and focus to the arena for all games and practices in the new year. Great challenge to hear because as a fan of the Hawks I know that if they ALL put it together for every game and practice only good things will happen!!! Here's looking to the new year Hawks fans!!
At this point I would like to take an opportunity to thank all of our readers and wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!!
(HSN from the Hawks' Nest)
HAWKS CHIRPS
- So if one mentions that they didn't mention that their favourite hockey team beat your favourite hockey team did one still mention something??? Hmmmmm
- Karaoke anyone?
- Pretty easy to see why James Morris' feet smell so bad - word to the wise, if you invite him to your house make sure to let him know to keep his shoes/ boots on! It would be easier to replace the hardwood then to remove the smell!
- BIG hockey game tomorrow night. Annual parent/son game takes place at Homuth from 5-6 with the game being open to the public. Sounds like it could be quite a crew taking part in the game. Trainer Rudy may have to stock his medical supplies prior to this one!!! Coach Craig...please no pre and post game speeches on Tuesday!
- Have a great day!