The Atom Jr. Stars faced the Waterloo Wolves last Sunday at home. The Stars played perhaps their strongest game this season and although they came up short on the scoreboard, the 6-3 loss is not a true indicator of the game.
With the discouraging results of the last couple of games still lingering, the Stars opened the games against Waterloo strong. From the game’s opening face off, it was apparent the Stars were not prepared to fall behind again. Fast skating and some excellent teamwork seem to have caught the Waterloo team off guard. The Stars’ hustle was rewarded less then 3:00 into the contest when from on the slot, Harrison Bell settled a bouncing puck and swept it past their unsuspecting goalie. Although our opponents evened the score just 2:00 later with a shot from the side of the net that just squeaked through Brett Chapman’s 5-hole, the Stars were unrattled. Our team continued to move the puck well through the middle of the ice an in the offensive zone. This much improved effort, coupled with noticeable defensive support from our forward meant we are finally able to apply some sustained pressure to our opponents. Again, the Stars hard work paid off as Tyler MacMillan banged home his first of the game from the side of the net, give the Stars the lead again. Waterloo added their second, tying the game again with less then a 1:00 remaining.
The 2nd period saw Waterloo on the attack early, tallying twice in the first 3:00, just 0:44 apart. Each goal was the result of a very strong shot finding its way through traffic and into the back of our net. Now down by two, the Stars didn’t give up. They continued to move both their feet and the puck well. Also, Chapman rebounded making several timely saves, keeping it close. After the Waterloo goalie misplayed a rolling puck at the top of the slot, MacMillan added another by sending the puck into an empty net. Back to within one, the Stars still refused to give up.
Now into the 3rd, the teams continued to battle back and forth. With numerous chances for both teams and both goalies equal to the test, it was with just 5:10 remaining that Waterloo was able to strike again. Still, our team refused to give up and although we were unable to answer back, the whole team finished strong. Each player competing just as hard as they did at the beginning of the game. Waterloo added their final goal with just 0:22 remaining to cap off the 6-3 victory.
In what turned out to be a closer game then the scored indicated, the Stars played with passion and determination. Continue to play with that level of intensity and good things will follow. The entire team should be congratulated on an excellent effort against a skilled team from Waterloo. Well done!!
Assist to MacMillan