Well, the Believers are in their 4'th year since their conception and things have not been too easy so far. Although the effort has been there, the team has only 2 wins in the first 9 games. Five of the 6 losses have been by 1-2 goals. Their are 16 more games this season, so there is lots of time to put more W's on the board.
Some of the bright spots have been the stellar play from some of the key players on the team.
Jacob Doiron and Darren Isaacson have skated miles going end to end with dazzling determination and responsibility. Greg Hess has shown great wheels and puck control as a centerman or on defence.
Of course Scott Hess never gives up, has a wicked poke check and is a great assistant captain on and off the ice. Derek Brenton has missed 4 recent games, and his speed, vision and anticipation is sorely missed. His absence is definitely noticed.
The young guns, Wes Fenner, Ed Busch and Mitchell Clark have great chemistry and although they haven't scored as much as they'd like, their time is coming, as they'll be lighting it up soon. Mitchell has showed great improvement and he's turned a few heads with his dipsy-doodling
in the deep slot. Ed has the best shot on the team as it is always low and on target. Wes exhibits energy every shift and his self-discipline and patience will pay off big time in the long run.
Darrin Rae is the epitome of a Believer. He's first to arrive at the rink, fills the water bottles,
never stays on the ice too long, is positionally very sound, knows where to be and has had a few
2 goal games.
Rick Hornett's presence is always noticed by the other team. He can be seen streaking down the right wing when there's an opening, and has a very powerful wrist shot.
As far as moving Rick out of the net front- good luck.
John Close is a great energy player. He digs and causes chaos for the opponents defencemen.
A strong positional player, John will start bulging the twine very soon.
Matt Foster, an early season acquisition is an extremely skilled, smart energy machine.
He has scored some goals that would be candidates for Sportsnet's Plays of the Week.
He is a game changer, and as he gels with the team he will be game breaker the rest of the season.
Paul Brown. What a guy. Great work ethic, very disciplined, never points a finger and an extremely mature individual. Paul always makes the first save. He is cat like, and positionally very sound. As this is only his second season as a starting goaltender, he has the disposition of a seasoned pro.
The writer of this blog shows up to every game, really enjoys the heat of competition and loves to stand in front of or on top of the opponent's goalie. His goal is to up his skating speed from
6 miles per hour to 7 or 8. it is a pleasure to captain the team, and if we can have the same roster each game, play short high energy shifts and work as a team with strong positional play, I think we can get a winning streak going, and get back to a winning record.
The Believers next game is tomorrow night, Sat, Dec 5 at 10:10 at Fuller lake against Crofton Fire. There is always potential for fireworks when these two teams meet, but if we keep our cool
we will prevail.
This Blog is back, so any input, remarks, ideas are muchly appreciated. The more we play and act as a team ,the more we will gel, mature, build friendships and enjoy this whole Believers experience.
Peace Out,
Your Cap't
Marty Olsen
