Our Minor Atoms took their act to the road for the first time this season before wrapping up a busy week at home this past Saturday. Our Cyclones failed to add to their 'W' column but there were plenty of lessons to be learned that should pay dividends as the season moves along.
TUESDAY, SEP 29TH IN ELGIN -- LESSON LEARNED: 'MUST PACK WORK ETHIC'
On the road for the first time this season, our Cyclones learned quickly you not only need to pack all your gear but you need to bring along the work ethic or it is going to be a long game. The division leading and undefeated Chiefs provided that lesson in emphatic fashion.
The Chiefs defeated our Cyclones 11-1; Gavin Meriano with help from Justin Ewald being the only goal the Cyclones could must against an impressive Chiefs team. Carter McCluskey along with Jack Martin were solid between the pipes despite the lopsided affair. Gavin Meriano took home the "Hard Hat" award for his strong performance.
FRIDAY, OCT 2ND IN SUN COUNTY -- LESSON LEARNED: 'GAMES ARE A FULL 40 MINUTES'
Gavin Meriano at the 1:26 mark of the first staked our Cyclones to the 1-0 lead, but that would not hold up through the first half of the game as the Panthers would storm back with 4 unanswered goals taking a 4-1 lead at the 8 minute mark of the 2nd period before our Cyclones upped their compete levels. Meriano again on an unassisted breakaway would get the rally started with just over 3 minutes left in the second. Cole Labadie would pull the Cyclones to 4-3 with less than a minute left in the 2nd with an assist to Abby Stonehouse, but despite their solid efforts and compete level this would be as close as they would get as the Panthers secured the win with an early 3rd period PP goal taking away a 5-3 victory. Evan Reeve took home the "Hard Hat" award.
SATURDAY, OCT 3RD VS KITCHENER -- LESSON LEARNED: 'NEVER KNOW WHAT PLAY DECIDES A GAME'
Home after 2 road defeats, our Cyclones took on the Rangers in a tough, tightly contested contest that would see the teams even at 0 after 2 periods. Bringing with them the lessons learned from their previous 2 defeats our Cyclones competed and worked hard for a full 40 minutes. Despite their efforts, the Cyclones would fall 3-0 as the Rangers capitalized on the few chances our Cyclones would surrender in the final frame. There were several candidates for the "Hard Hat" award, but Josh Hazzard with a strong game on the backend would take home the honors.
Next action for the Cyclones is in two weeks when they travel to the Detroit Warrior Tournament.