Oxford hockey coach Dave Hague knows his Wildcats will have to scratch and claw for victories in the highly competitive Flint Metro League this season.
So, it was no surprise that the Cats had to fight for a 3-2 overtime win on Monday against the Clio Mustangs in the opening game of the season.
Last season, in the six league losses suffered by Oxford, four were by one goal. So a few extra goals can mean the difference between a team at the top of the league or one in the middle.
‘It is a very competitive league,? Hague said. ‘A few goals can make a big difference in whether you are at the top or middle of the league.?
So how does Hague think his Wildcat’s will fare?
‘We have a lot of new faces this year and some good team speed. This may be the hardest working group of guys I’ve had in five years I’ve been here,? he said. ‘It’s difficult to predict but our team chemistry is outstanding. Things are really coming together and I think between work ethic and our team speed, we’ll have a good year.?
Hague said he was pleased with the victory against Clio, especially the way the Wildcats controlled play and out-shot the Mustangs.
‘We controlled the play in our offensive zone for most of the game,? Hague said.
The Wildcats out-shot Clio, 41-29.
Ben McLoskey netted the first goal of the game, midway through the second period. Clio tied the score late in the period.
Will Buday put the Cats on top in the third period before Clio again tied it late, forcing overtime.
Buday hit the overtime winner on a rush into the Clio zone, three minutes into the extra time.
Buday also added an assist on McLoskey’s goal for a three-point night.
McLoskey, Chad Wicker and Matt Zaun also had assists.
Hague said winning the first close game is a great beginning for his team.’It will be like this all year. There is a lot of parity in the league and these guys know they will have to work hard. We played very well tonight and this is a great start.?