Nov 25, 2014 | mbell | 816 views
Oil 1 - Flags 1
After coming off a couple losses the prior week to Ingersoll 4-2 and Lambton Shores 3-0, the Oil were back in action to face the much improved Flags.
Sometimes it is good to get away for a break and allow others to step in. PMHA was supportive getting coaching and supporting staff lined up for the games vs Ingersoll and Lambton Shores. The feedback has been consistent with the views of the coaching staff all season, that talent on this team is not the issue, but more the lack of consistent effort by the entire group. Some of these kids are learning new positions or have not played at this level before. The team as a whole is improving each week when they want to put out the effort required to be successful at this level. The Shamrock League is one of the toughest in Southwestern Ontario and this year the Midget AE division is exceptionally close in the overall standings.
This is midget hockey and many of these kids have other parts of life to deal with outside the rink (jobs, school, other school sports, girls, etc.). It is good that at this point they still want to play hockey and the parents are willing to allow them to do so.
Petrolia had a decent practice Saturday night prior to the Sunday night matchup.
The Oil came out and played an excellent game with a 1-1 final result. Cody Ewing was fantastic in goal.
Before molehills are made into mountains I am going to add that the expected protocol if a parent wants to forward an issue is the 24 hour rule is used prior to bringing the issue to the team Manager who is Stephanie Friesen for those who might not know yet. Stephanie can relay the issue to myself and get back to the concerned party within 48 hours a reply. To not complete this process and go directly to the PMHA executive does not work as the executive cannot direct an issue if the item has not been 1st discussed with the coaching staff.
Again the team is improving, the guys are getting along very well as a team, they are showing better effort and starting to realize they can play with any team in the league if they all show up. There is still half a regular season to play, OMHA playdowns/Shamrock league play-offs and couple tournaments. The boys are quite excited to be going to The Firebolt in Michigan, and being part of the Silver Stick in Petrolia. I suggest we try to let the boys enjoy the season. Go Oil Go!!!