Lucan AE was excited for the opportunity to participate in the Silver Stick Hockey Regional Qualifier Tournament this weekend.
As the puck dropped early Friday morning, Lucan AE knew that they were in for a fight and the fans knew that they were about to witness some great hockey this weekend! Back and forth they went encouraging each other to give it their all. Mooretown was a tough competitor pushing their way into our zone landing a beautiful shot into our net early into the 3rd. Lucan AE had no problems silencing the crowd as they evened the score with only 16 seconds left on the tally board.
That same afternoon, Lucan AE fought a hard battle against Kincardine but were just not able to slip one past their goalie. Their size, although intimidating, did not shake the confidence of Lucan AE who put forth a solid effort and dominated throughout the game. Despite giving everything they had, they were just not able to clench the win. Off to play Ilderton on Saturday...
The stage was set in what some would say was the greatest crop of talent to ever enter the Lucan Atom AE division! Our Lucan Irish squad...cool, calm and collected just itching to take to the ice...their opponents getting ready for what they think will be an easy battle...the fans sitting on the edge of their seats filled to the brim with nervous energy. And then it happened...
The stars were aligned this Saturday afternoon for what proved to be the defining moment for Lucan AE. What the fans saw today when the Irish battled Ilderton was pure and simple...TOTAL DOMINATION. A shut out...sweat...and some happy tears...need I say more?
After the second game, Lucan AE knew that they had to win to make it to the quarter finals. They did everything right and finally tasted victory but no one could predict the results of the other games....Lucan AE would not be moving on...heartbreaking.
A chance to challenge their opponent in the quarterfinals or the confidence to carry themselves successfully through the rest of their season...regardless, and though the players may not yet see, it is evident to their dedicated fans that the efforts that they have been putting forth on and off the ice have brought them to the point they are today.
A weekend MVP...who could ever choose? If it were my choice...every one of these players has earned this title in one way or another. Let me tell you how...
In true Carey Price-like fashion, Jared C. demonstrated his strengths as a goalie. With a well-deserved shut-out, it won’t be long before the Habs come looking for this kid! Sam R. took his turn guarding the Lucan AE net. While playing great positionally, Sammy made some huge saves whether it be 2 on 1 attacks, one-time passes across or his notorious “head-shot” saves. Jake P. continues to skate hard hunting down his opponents. His back-checking and stick handling allowed for some solid shots on net. Shayne D. continues to prove that he is a solid defenseman. Standing his ground on the point while stopping his opponents dead at the line allowed him to fire the puck back into the offensive zone making some solid shots on net...sooo close! Strong on the draws with a patented one hand hook would be how I would describe Ryan D. Ryan`s ability to peel the puck off of many unsuspecting players and his quick hands resulted in some momentum changes in our favour. Jayden H. showed some true aggression this weekend attacking the puck and dumping it out in front of the net. His successful back-checking ensured that the high man had next to no chance of making a shot on net. Brenden D. proved to be an all-round player assuming the role of defense and wing man. Brenden made it look easy as he visualized his open ice and rushed the offensive zone leaving his opponents in his dust! If you are looking for a solid stay at home defensemen...then Nathan R. is your guy! Nathan demonstrated that he has a consistent ability to keep the puck on the line and forcefully clear it from our zone. Adam R. proved that he is a strong skater who is not afraid to go after the puck. His ability to strategically position himself resulted in some solid shots on net. Just like a chameleon, Graeme I. also proved that he can play well no matter the position. Graeme`s ability to defend the zone saved some close calls from entering our net and his solid shots from the point made the fans cheer from the stands! Mathew S. proved that he can play good solid physical hockey. Matthew used his size and speed to intimate his opponents and his confidence allowed him to push through the offensive zone forcing the turn over. Garren W. a.k.a. the "digger" gave 120% ALL of the time. Giving up is not in Garren`s vocabulary and he ensured that he was continually putting on the offensive pressure, forcing the turnover resulting in solid shots on net.
I told you this day would come and it is a direct result of the committed efforts of the Lucan AE squad!
Congratulation boys...you continue to make us proud!