The trials and tribulations of a junior hockey team in Chase are sometimes ok dependent on which Heat team shows up. Let’s be honest early in this article a great deal of the time to date they are difficult to watch. It shows in the size of the crowds attracted.
This past weekend the North Okanagan Knights from Armstrong were the opposition in a home and away pair of games. Friday night the 14th at the Art Holding Memorial Arena the Heat hit paydirt first, Maddex Bignell from Braeden Huth and Garrett Martin. After 20 it is 1-0 locals. In the 2nd the Knights pop in three on 16 shots for a 3-1 lead. After napping for two periods the fans are awakened by some actual action, effort and enthusiasm. Captain Trevor Kennedy scores aided by Bryan Fraser and Mason Lilly. Two minutes later Martin ties the game on a shorthanded effort with help from Parker Garries and Malachi Franklin. Kennedy then places the winning bisquit in the basket from Kieran Armitage and Garries. An insurance goal quickly follows from Huth with aide from Martin and Bignell. Between the posts Roderic May denies 31 of 34 to backstop the win. The star of the night Garrett Martin with the shorthanded tie goal along with a pair of assists. Honourable mentions go to Kennedy and May.
The rematch takes place the following night, the 15th in Armstrong. The 1st period highlight is the three Loops lads on the team, Martin, Fraser and Owen Dean who each found their way to the sin bin as they displayed a want to win through aggressive play. That was the end of the highlights on this night as the Heat got walked on, out hit, out worked and out played, in a bad edition of Survivor. The end result a 6-0 loss.
Two home games are featured next weekend at our local shinny facility. The Grand Forks Border Bruins arrive at 7:00 pm Friday the 21st for the only match between the two teams. Saturday Night at 7:00 pm the always feisty 100 Mile House Wranglers gallop into Chase with something to prove.
Idle Minded thoughts: The team is currently playing not to lose, rather then playing to win…every night. While injuries aren’t helping, urgency and a bit of nasty are missing. When team’s visit they have to expect life is going to be difficult at the very least. At the conclusion of next weekend, they will be 10 games into the regular season and potentially digging up more excuses. The Trade Train should be busy moving in heart and soul and taking out those excuses. Till next week, keep your head up and a smile on your face.
(Note: The author is normally a half witted positive story teller. In the early years of the Heat he held many a role. The only one left is writing about his favourite hockey team and the community he loves. Cut him some slack if you don’t enjoy this bafflegab.)
