The hockey team is back on ice, but that doesn’t mean they are cooling down.
The Dragons are in a year of reconstruction – the young team graduated a number of seniors last year meaning the team needs time to find its stride, but Coach Nick Field said the improvements are showing.
‘It’s still early in the year and right now we’re just trying to progress week to week. Hopefully we’ll progress enough that we’re ready when playoffs come,? said Field. ‘So far I’m pleased with their effort level – these kids are working really hard. We have 15 new players so there is a learning curve, but we’re just going to keep working hard as a unit to improve and win games.?
Their current record is 2-3-2 after a tie against Howell on Dec. 6 and an overtime loss against Stoney Creek last Saturday. Their OAA record is 0-0-1.
The game against Howell, which ended tied at 3-3, was the sixth game, but the Dragons? first at home.
The green and white scored midway through the third period and early in the second. They looked poised to skate away with the win, but a strong showing from Howell kept the puck in Dragon territory for the majority of the second period and the Highlanders got three goals.
In the third period, sophomore forward Marc Kerchner, had a hat trick with this third goal to tie the game.
Junior goalie Logan Aldrich was efficient on saves during the second period, but had to leave the ice early in the third after a heavy collision.
‘The report I received is that it was nothing serious but they looked at him again to be sure,? said Field. ?(During Stoney Creek) he came up with some big saves and kept us in the game. He’s doing well and not showing any symptoms.?
In the game against Stoney Creek, which ended 2-1, the Dragons kept things close into overtime before a shot slipped by Aldrich’s pads.
‘I’m happy with how the guys worked and we got down in the first but held strong and tied in the third,? he said. ‘Overtime was good too and our goalie really came through.?
The team’s next game is against Eisenhower on Dec. 13 at home.