On paper, it was another loss. But on the
ice, where it matters, the Bandits played one of their best games of the season
today, despite coming out on the short end of a 3-1 game. Skating hard from the
opening face-off to the final horn, the Bandits pressed North all game, and had
numerous excellent chances to score just bounce over sticks or catch the final
inch of the North goalie’s pad. At times
even cycling the puck in the North end, the Bandits controlled play for
extended stretches of the game. This time, it was not enough to garner a win;
but it certainly gives hope for the next time these two teams meet.
The three stars are especially difficult to pick out, given how well the entire team played. First star must go to Ben in net, who again was brilliant in stopping 39 of 42 North shots. Second star goes to Josh, for skating hard all game, getting and creating numerous excellent scoring chances, and making a beautiful pass to set up Benoit on the Bandit’s only goal. Third star goes to everyone else for an excellent all-round effort.
If the boys bring this level of intensity into Thursday’s game against Oakridge, a convincing win is definitely within reach.