Pre-Season Game 5 vs Blackstars
Strong outing today. We are not sure if that big screen with the Sabercats logo will ever be used. Stay tuned sports fans.
A lopsided win vs. the San Mateo Blackstars, yet there was improvement by our opponent, and this is good for hockey and a lesson to be learned. One of the hardest things to do when playing any sport is not to take your opponent for granted. We made adjustments when we recognized that our level of play was simply way too sloppy—making for cringe-worthy moments that, at times, make you want to look the other way. Our goal is to play the game right, no matter the score, and to stick to the structure we practice. One area is being very intentional with passing, play setup, body checking, etc.
It has been mentioned before and is a cliché by now, but HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY. On this team, we call it “No Hope Hockey.” We want our passing, shooting, backchecking, body checking, and play off the puck to be intentional. Hoping that a pass gets to a player is a bad habit. Hoping I don’t get checked is dangerous. Hoping I get back on a turnover is lazy.
Which brings us to our first star of the game, as recognized by Genevieve, who was last week’s first star of the game—Logan Turko.
Logan was highly engaged in the game today, making very intentional plays that made a difference well beyond the scoreboard. His level of engagement and smart adjustment in the second period showed him looking for the right play, with excellent vision setting up Sasha from left to right. We have been practicing this particular setup for a couple of weeks now, and it was clear to the coaching staff that he has integrated our structure into his hockey DNA, earning him the CatHat. This particular play got our bench going, and that is what we want to see happen.
Second star went to Big Ben (hoping he looks this up, as we mentioned this is his hockey nickname now and the coaches are not sure he is aware of the reference). Setting the six points aside for a moment, it was his effort and lights-out smarts that earned him the honor, as selected by Coach Spencer.
Third star was Damian, as selected by Coach Allen. Second week in a row Damian has been recognized for his efforts. In this game, he showed up with a short-handed goal and a couple of apples, not to mention good physical play along the boards.
Ryan spent most of the second period visiting with the penalty box dad and scorekeeping staff. Cross-checking was the call, and this is something that is going to be called. I personally did not think it warranted a 2 and a 10, but let’s keep our sticks down regardless. That said, Ryan had a heck of a game, getting us off to a great start and finishing strong as well. Start Fast. End Fast is our favorite motto.
Notice the scoring is very well distributed, and this is welcomed, as one of our main objectives is for everyone to contribute and find the appropriate balance.
Overall, this team is showing up well for one another. I am pleased with everyone, and we will continue to work on showing up as a classy organization.
NOTE: A couple of points earned by the Black Cats—yes, the internal scoring system applies to many settings. The score going into the game was White Cats 10, Black Cats 5. But Coach Allen asked, “What does classy mean to you?” Eli had a great answer: “Showing up and recognizing one another and showing the other team we are honorable hockey players.” One point for knowing the Humility virtue.
When asked what our first virtue is, Genevieve was the first to say, “Humility.” One point.
So, that gets us to Black Cats 7. White Cats 10. Keep up the competition and the spirited journey.
NOTE 2: No doubt in my mind I am missing something. Someone else had a great answer to Coach Allen’s question, but I cannot remember. Does anyone else remember?
