By Graham Perkins /
A series of untimely injuries has meant the Midget A1 team is tinkering with its game plan.
“We’ve really had to tighten things up and focus on defence,” said head coach Mischa Polzin.
“We’ve lost some of our top players to injuries like concussions, so it means we’re not going to go out and score 10 goals a game.”
Without a lot of its firepower in the offensive zone, the team has struggled to put wins on the board, but still sits in seventh place in the 10-team Tier 1. Still, it has been a humbling experience for a team that won provincials last year.
“It’s good for the organization, but it’s been tough for us. We lost 12 guys to Junior A and Junior B,” Polzin said.
But the improved focus on defence might have a silver lining for the bevy of first-year players in terms of development. Instead of making risky plays on quick breakouts, Polzin and his staff have preached composure in the defensive zone and are teaching the boys smarter systems play.
“Our first year players have been called upon and had a trial-by-fire, but I’ve been really happy with the outcome. I’ve had some discussions with Junior coaches and they’re excited, they’re going to bring some of these kids to the rookie camps.”
The team has three games left in its season and will wait for the playoff schedule in the New Year. |