If you've been following the Ventura Mariners Bantam Killers Bees, you may have noticed that they seem to phone in the
first two periods, then crank it up in the third. So far, they gotten away with it, but it's just a matter of time before
this pattern is going to bite them right on the butt. In an effort to get the boys to play a full three period game I switched
up my motivational tactics. #1: I offered a bribe. I told the boys I would make them a locker room CD, with each player getting
to pick a song of their liking. If they played great, I would buy the songs off of iTunes with money out of my own pocket.
#2: I threatened them. Okay, maybe it was more like giving them a dose of reality. I assured the team that if they got off
to a slow start, the coming week's practices and drylands would not be pleasant.
I must be one heck of
a motivational speaker, because the Mariners looked like they got shot out of a cannon. Playing the Jr. Reign in the second
half of a home-and-home, the boys hit the ice with an inspired determination. AJ Zavitz kicked off the festivities with a
great steal and even greater shorthanded goal. Shift after shift the kids exerted pressure in the offensive zone and generated
tons of scoring chances. Though they finished the first frame with only a 1-0 lead, they were in complete control of the game.
In
the second, Brian Zacchia scored a beauty to increase the lead. Conrado Gesauldi netted a pair to help put this thing away
early. It wasn't just that the Mariners were scoring and winning. They were dominating every aspect of the game. The forwards
had the Jr. Reign pinned in their zone the entire time. EJ Frank was getting some great looks out front. The physical play
was there as well, led by Shawn Wentzel's punishing hits. On the defensive side, the team excelled. Blueline stalwarts Tom
Dobrokhot and Blake Burlew got some much needed help. Brad Kriegel continued his quick development with a sold effort and
Patrick Gibson basically had his coming out party. #7 did us proud with big stops, smart passes, and two well-deserved assists.
Unlike
the previous three games, we didn't have tell the team to pick up their effort. Instead, heading into the third, we challenged
the boys to keep it going. We told them not to take their foot off of the gas pedal. Message received. They continued their
assault in the final frame, never letting up for a second. Tyler Serianne worked the triangle to perfection when he scored
early in. The only real hiccup in an otherwise flawless game was Blake's momentary lapse of reason which earned him a 10 minute
vacation. Down a D-man, Niko Utash dropped back and did an awesome job killing penalties. After a million glorious chances,
Killian Anderson finally scored when, from behind the goal line, he banked one off the goalie's backside. It was pretty cool,
but Josh Donovan got credited for it. That's okay, next week Josh will get one and give it to Killian. That's how this team
rolls.
With a superb performance and a 6-0 lead, there was only one thing left to prove. You know
what I'm talking about and I'm not going to say it. There is an unwritten law in hockey that you never speak the "S" word
until the game is final, otherwise you'll jinx it. Through my underground network I've learned that one of our own parents
dared speak the forbidden word and, wouldn't you know it, the Reign snuck one in with 52 seconds left in the game. Shame on
you unnamed parent. All kidding aside, though he didn't get the shutout, Brian Felt's 15 save effort was great and all that
his team needed to take a 6-1 win.
Okay, Saturday the boys played poorly for 2 periods and won 6-1.
Sunday they played great for all three periods and won 6-1. You are probably wondering: "what's the difference?" As coaches,
we want the boys to win the right way. We're looking for understanding of the game, effort, and execution. Sunday, the entire
team did it the right way. If they keep playing this way, there is no limit to what they can achieve this season. And hey,
let's give some credit to the Jr. Reign goaltender for withstanding a mighty Mariners barrage.
Looks
like I owe the boys a locker-room CD. I really hope they like good music because it's going to offend my headbanging sensibilities
if I have to buy a Jonas Brothers song.
