Well, that's it. Atom hockey for 2007-08 came to an abrupt end last night. Our boys, the Snipers, were up 4-0 (my boy managed to score one) only to have the other team come back to tie the game up at 4-4. Then, with only 2 minutes left to go in the game, they took the lead. It was madness, the parents all had this collective look of shock on their faces, mine too.
Then, we did something we have never done. We pulled our goalie. With the face-off deep in their zone, and with 40 seconds left, the Snipers stormed the net. If you have ever seen Atom hockey, "storm" is unquestionably the right word. The first shot hit their goalie in the pad and came right out to greet one of our guys who flipped the puck over the goalie and into the net. The Snipers went nuts. Pandemonium in on the players' bench. Pandemonium in the stands, the place was loud. But, this just meant it was tied, and overtime loomed.
Overtime started with 2 minutes of 4 on 4. We buzzed the net, had a couple chances, but nothing managed to squeak in. The second overtime is another 2 minutes, but its 3 on 3. This time the play went both ways with our goalie coming up big, the game was still deadlocked. The final overtime is 6 minutes of 2 on 2. Our guys had two partial breakaways and a quality screenshot. None managed to find the back of the net. But one of our chances left our 2 players in close to the net, one of their guys scooped up the puck and sped away on an uncontested breakaway. Our goalie was thinking "poke check", but that idea went horribly awry when he lost his balance and fell over. The other team scored.
That's it. Season over.
Needless to say, the kids were crushed. There were some tears in the dressing room, but the kids were generally composed, just sombre. You hate to see them go through this, but then again, its something you know they have to learn. It's not just hockey that will kick them in the teeth, its school, girls, or anything else that commands their efforts. You'll win some, but you'll lose more. It’s a sad statistical fact. Poor kid.
For now, I'll let him be bummed. I'll buy him a slurpee tonight.
2 comments:
The agony of defeat!!
Our midget player had a buy then won his first game. Game ON!! And yes he has paid his dues losing many playoffs and Minor Hockey week in OT. You're right, good life lessons.
Well, its been a few days now, and his pain has subsided somewhat. This is where good coaching comes in. Rather than have a normal practice, or coach had the kids to a "super skills" competition. Just because we lost, doesn't mean the fun has to stop.
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