The Minor PeeWee A Clippers just completed a hectic weekend with three games in three days.
We kicked off the weekend with a road trip to Orillia on Friday night.
Despite a sluggish start, the Clippers found their legs in the second period and were able to impose their overload forecheck against the Terriers.
Special teams played a significant role in the outcome as the team was able to score a power play and short handed goal en route to a 3-2 win. Some key saves down the stretch and smart decisions with the puck in the neutral zone allowed the Clippers to take the two points on the road.
Saturday night, the Clippers were home to host a feisty Innisfil Winterhawks team. Despite some solid puck movement and sustained forecheck, the Clippers found themselves down by one early in the second period. However, persistence combined with puck dumps and retrievals paid off, and Stouffville was able to tie the game 1-1 heading into the third period. The final period was filled with rough play and many penalties, however, the kids kept to the plan and were able to score two unanswered third period goals en route to a tough 3-1 home ice victory.
Despite being short handed due to suspensions and injuries, the Clippers may have saved their best total team effort for last. On the road again for their third game in three days, the Clippers were in Markham to face a well-balanced Waxer opponent. The kids game out with vigor and played their puck possession game plan very well.
Solid defensive zone coverage, smart quick ups in the neutral zone and the aggressive forecheck served the Clippers well en route to an impressive 6-2 victory.
A special thank you to Joe Sutherland (coach at large), Rhys and Josh for making outstanding contributions to the team when called upon.
It was a satisfying finish to an interesting weekend. I hope everyone can reflect on these recent games and take enjoyment and pride in how the kids are playing hard for one another. They are an unselfish, hard working group of young hockey players who are providing us with a great deal of entertainment.
Let's have a solid week of practice as we gear up for our next game on Saturday night.