I great win. Last night we played the style of game this team was built for. Coventry, like all of the big four, are individually far better than us. They have a lot of skill and their PP outshines ours. However, when we choose to, our work rate counts for far more than skill and talent and last night was a great example of that.
The more I see our defence play the better they get. No we’re not going to win the league this year and with our budget we had to be realistic about that but Gerad has, IMO, filled a big void at the back and has brought in a tough solid defence, starting in net. We were outshot tonight by 10 but Aubry was a wall and if it wasn’t for Ben playing another stormer he should have been MoM. If there were any rebounds our D was first to it.
The one thing that thrilled me last night the most was the work rate of our forwards. I don’t think I have seen our team back check as much as they did last night. The amount of times we forced the Blaze to turn over the puck in centre ice as awesome. Towards the end, the Blaze, with all the experience, were forced to ice the puck. We were more physical and first to the loose pucks. We outworked the Blaze tonight and that is why we deserved the win. We won the little battles last night and that is the way this team can beat opposition.
I was thrilled for Ben Davies. The kid is playing his socks off. You will struggle to find a player putting more into a shift than he does. He has so much energy and hitting the points tally last night rewarded for his MoM. I must add that Phil Hill is getting better and better. What a season he is having. The confidence is pouring out of him and he is definitely now one of our go to guys.
I must give a final thought about Jay Loonball. If I was coach, I would be negotiating a contract for him next season already. In this injury crisis we find ourselves in once again, he has led the way in the forward line. This guy’s head up play, skill and vision is second to none. The surprise signing of the season for me and he can continue in this vain I would hope he is a must for next year.
We’ve adopted this ‘never say die attitude’. We have some massive players out with injury yet we’re playing some of our best hockey. We’re not more skilled than we were. Our PP still isn’t great but we are out working teams. We’re fitter and its plain to see our mental game is spot on. We’re not having as many fall asleep periods. The guys are playing for each other and its paying off. We need to continue this attitude into the New Year.
Finally, I invited a few new faces to last night’s game. It’s so enjoyable to invite newbies to an exciting game. They loved it and will be returning.
Roll on tonight!
