Early Sunday morning(late Saturday night?), the Ventura Mariners Bantam Killer Bees open their regular season with an
exhibition against the Lady Ducks 19U AAs. I know what you are thinking: How can we start the regular season with an exhibition?
That's just how things work in the bizzaro world of youth hockey. Continuing with my stunning psychic abilities I know that
you all are wondering why a 19U AA team would be playing in the bantam B division. Most of the girls on the Lady Ducks are
decidedly not 19 years-old and they carry the AA distinction to be eligible for district/state/national competition. These
girls are playing in the appropriate division.
On to the game. The boys came out a little flat
and the feisty Lady Ducks made them pay with an utterly preventable goal. The LD's built on their lead with another goal mid-period.
It looked like the Mariners were just going to roll over and take a butt-whooping. Then Conrado Gesualdi struck on the powerplay
with a nice feed from AJ Zavitz. The finished the period down 2-1.
In the second, Brian Zacchia pulled
his team even, then Conrado put 'em ahead. Josh Donovan increased the lead with a nifty skate deflection. The boys were finally
starting to play with confidence. The finished the middle frame up 4-3. I challenged the kids to elevate their game and finish
strong, and boy did they respond. The Mariners dominated the third period and blew the game wide open. Brian Z. and Josh each
tallied another goal and Tyler Serianne scored on a break-away. Brian Felt's 26 save effort in net sealed the deal.
The
Mariners earned a convincing 7-3 victory. Even though the game doesn't count, it was great practice for the team and a wonderful
confidence builder.
I want to give a big shout out to the Lady Ducks #71. I've coached her on many
occasions in the past and I was proud of how well she played on Sunday.
