Double Trouble

The Oilers continue to come together as a team and in spite of a 4 game losing streak, there is signs of hope. The Twins took turns in net as Lucas played goalie in a 10-2 loss last week and Andrew played Goalie this past weekend.

Against the Chiefs, the Oilers lacked discipline and fell apart defensively and created very few chances offensively. The Chiefs were relentless in their attack and Lucas made some great saves and was one of our best players. Our top scorer Drew scored two more goals and kept his streak alive. He was rightfully awarded the Heart and Soul Reward as he had a ton of great scoring chances but was robbed by a hot goalie on a few occasions.

"The loss was the worst of the season" said a parent. "We need to get back to basics and come together as a unit."
The coaching staff must of felt the concern and managed to secure extra ice time for practice. The team focused on clearing the zone, playing positions and working as a team to move the puck up ice. It paid off as we faced off against the Predators on Sunday. In spite of the score, the Oilers played the best hockey of the season and the fans were treated to a glimpse of what is too come.

In net, we found a solid goal-tender in Andrew. He faced down some crazy barrages and made a ton of incredible saves. His hard work and sharp net minding won him the Source for Sports Player of the Game award.
On defense, we found a solid stay at home defenseman in Owen who stood his ground and broke up some scoring chances. Levi also proved to be a great D man and looked like a little Bobby Orr. He pinched in a lot and the Predators had trouble clearing their zone with him on the blue line.

Lucas was like a Tasmanian devil out there and played his heart out every shift. Both him and his brother are sure-fire winners for the Rookie of the Years awards and they both get stronger and stronger every game.
On offense, Kaden dazzled the crowd with two brilliant goals and is destined to be one of the leagues top scorers.
Matthew D was awarded with a goal and continues to play like a moose on skates.
Jesse racked up a couple of points and is leading the team in assists.
Ryan G played like a bee buzzing around honey and did everything but score.

"Although the scored showed otherwise" said Coach Bruce Gnenz in a post game interview. " I felt it was our best outing as far as positional play, passing and general effort. If we continue to play in the same disciplined fashion over the next few months we will be experiencing alot more succes in the win column. I felt our best players were the un noticed ones. Owen Bonner was stellar on defence and really cut down on the amount of breakaways this game. Defence is in his blood. Also, Ryan Gnenz made some great passes and really played his postion well. Its only a matter of time before he gets not only one goal, but a whole pile. Our goalie, Andrew Palladino was second to none in net. The season is just starting and as our players progress we will continue to be stronger and more successful."

All in all, the team was a team for the first time this season. With three players out of the line up, fatigue took it's toll and we lost the game in the third period.
For the first two periods, it was anybody’s game and the boys all played smart hockey with a lot of passion.

On a personal note, the team’s prayers go out to the Morison Family in their time of grief.