Well, an extremely busy week 5 is now in the books. The Saputo Atom Rep Titans had two league games early on in the week, followed by a tournament in Thorold Ontario during the weekend.....
Continuing with their solid league play this season, the boys headed to Burford Monday November 4th, and left with a 4-0 blanking of the Coyotes. The teams second shutout in three games, started in the crease with Spencer Otto's brilliant play and was assisted by a solid and alert D corps, doing all they can to make life easy for their goaltender. The forwards played their role too potting four markers while making sure Burford left goalless.
Tuesday the Titans played host to the Norwich Knighthawks, and walked out of the Tavistock & District Recreation Centre 5-3 victors. The teams chemistry is really making noticeable strides with passing and playmaking becoming a concerted focus. Going 3-0-1 in their last four contests, the young Titans have climbed into a tie for 5th in the Southern Counties Minor Hockey League, only four point out of first place.
The weekend was spent in Thorold, for Tavistock's third tournament of this young season. The pace of the games were quick, and the boys were certainly up to the task. They were all over the puck and had a tenacity I've rarely seen from them this year. From the door to the coffee table, between the beds to the air conditioner, and even under the desk, the boys never gave up. Alas, this tournament will be best known for the mini sticks in room 3120, the Comfort Inn pool/hot tub and outlet mall shopping. The Titans went 0-3-1 during Friday and Saturday play, and their game was unfortunately as cold as that old Thorold barn. They had difficulty generating anything and seemingly had zero bounces go their way. I do like to think I witnessed them growing as a team. As did the parents, and coaches with the assistance of red wine and Bud Light. Although winless on the trip, the boys had plenty of smiles on their faces getting to bond with each other over the course of the weekend, which hopefully will become an asset later on this season.
The team looks to bounce back from the tournament, and keep up the successful league play when they host the Langton Leafs Tuesday November 12th.
See you at the rink.
By:Skip Calhoun