Dec 20, 2012 | tonyh | 302 views
Big Test for Rocks as Playoffs Approach!
The Major Atom A Shamrocks managed to secure 1 point in their last two games following a hard fought 3-3 tie with the Georgetown Raiders and a 4-2 loss to the Burlington Eagles.
Up next for the Shamrocks are three pivotal games against the New Hamburg Huskies as they continue to chase the second seed in the upcoming playdowns.
In the Saturday evening Georgetown game, the Rocks faced an inspired Raider team in a tremendously cold arena that drew as many comments from parents as the game itself.
The cold arena may have affected the Shamrocks as they rarely lead in the game but Hespeler did show their customary fortitude in fighting back with a late goal to secure the draw.
The Rocks followed up the tie with a Monday evening game in Burlington that saw many Rock chances fail to find the back of the net. Burlington scored a late insurance goal to make the final 4-2.
A strong game in both contests was played by first-year goalie Owen Clark. Clark who started back-to-back games for the first time all year was particularly sharp in the Burlington contest. After allowing two early goals, Clark settled down and began to find his MOJO and made several outstanding saves to allow the Rocks a chance to come back.
Speaking with Clark's biggest fan, Darlene Clark, at the team's practice on Wednesday, the Clark matriarch let it be known that a call from Coach Terry Ahmet before the game to build-up Owen's confidence helped significantly.
After allowing the two early goals, Owen was able to draw on the words of encouragment and also pretend that Burlington was Guelph.....hey, if it works, it works!!!!
Great job Owen!!!
The Rocks next game is tonight against New Hamburg.....it's GO TIME ROCKS!!!!