The Minor Bantam Clippers played their York Simcoe league home opener Saturday, playing host to the defending OMHA champion Barrie Colts.
The game would have been a major challenge by itself, but with five players on the shelf and a number of others hobbled by various maladies, it became a matter of survival.
The Clippers offensive game was contained, although they managed to limit Barrie to 3-0 half through to the third, before the relentless Barrie attack combined with a string of penalties opened the floodgates in an 8-0 loss.
The Clippers were outshot 45-7 on the night with about half a dozen not from point blank. Barrie dominated taking advantage of even small lapses.
This sets the bar high for the standard of play, and gives the team incentive to tighten the gaps. Every shift counts and everyone`s contribution will the difference to remain competitive for 40 minutes.
It's the first against Barrie, with three more opportunities to close the gap in play, and show the former OMHA champions that the newest AA entrants may not threaten their dominant 90% winning position, but will make them work for it.
It`s only one game, albeit an eye opener - onward and upward.
Let`s GO CLIPPERS!
MBAA Clippers take it to Richmond Hill on September 20th.