There was a tumultuous start to the
week as the team learned that the head coach would be pursuing other
opportunities and that the remaining bench staff of Paul Brearley, Adam Walsh,
and Justin Smith would have to take the responsibility of steering the ship
over only two months into the season. A lot of work has been done this
week and the team, its parents, and players have been very supportive of one
another. It was only natural to have a little doubt heading into our
weekend games, however, of how this unexpected change may affect the product on
the ice.
And did the kids ever respond positively! On Saturday, the team played a strong Whitby team they had never beaten. From the drop of the puck to the final buzzer, every Bulls player left a great effort on the ice at the end of every shift. All the boys seemed to have been able to adjust to new lines and a new coaching approach very well. After a scoreless first period in which Callum Decker made some unbelievable saves to keep his team in it, Whitby was finally able to light the lamp with a great top shelf goal. Two minutes later, however, Travis Whitmore tied it up for the Bulls. At the end of an entertaining, back and forth second period, Whitby was able to score to take the lead. The team regrouped during the intermission and came out with a great effort in the third, with lots of shots and close calls. Whitby potted one more with several minutes to play and despite pulling the goalie for an extra attacker, Belleville could not answer. The whole team play with grit, heart, and determination but there was not doubt Callum Decker was the player of the game.
On Sunday, our AE Bulls played an Ajax team that are steadily improving but that we have yet to lose to. The Bulls scored on the first shift of the game and played a great first period of hockey with many scoring chances and some great forechecking. A late first period Ajax goal tied it up after one. Ajax scored early in the second to take the lead and after some spirited play and a few chances, a great individual effort in front of the net by Reed Andrus tied the game up and Belleville didn’t look back, scoring five second period goals. Noah Roy would end up with four goals in a player of the game effort because he crashed the Ajax net hard and banged in some good rebound goals. The Bulls forwards backchecked very well and helped a defence that stood tall on Ajax’s blue line and also defended against their rushes. The final score was 9-5 for Belleville. Ethan Yuke played solid in goal and the team played a spirited game in front of him at both ends of the ice. Coaches and parents could not be happier with every player’s effort and determination.
Our team has a busy week of practice ahead, preparing to play the strongest team in the loop-Peterborough on Friday.