Scimitars ice hockey academy

Sheffield Swampfrogs Vs Coventry Blaze
Under 12s D2, 22nd February 2009
Final Score: Sheffield 9, Coventry 1

Coventry arrived in Sheffield looking to avenge the 4-1 defeat at the Skydome just a few weeks ago. Sheffield would look to run 4 lines throughout. Sheffield took the lead after only 29 seconds when CJ Lee won a faceoff for Connor Ritchie to pass backwards for Ollie to hit a onetimer high into the Coventry goal. The lead was doubled 21 seconds later when CJ scored his first of a 4 goal spree, a performance that earned him the man of the match. Some great passing and movement was on display from all of Sheffield’s lines although a shell-shocked Coventry did offer some resolute defence. Connor Ritchie scored from his own rebound after 7 minutes and the first line onslaught continued with goals 4 and 5 closed out the period 5-0.
Sheffield’s third and fourth lines worked resolutely and perhaps showed more link up play than any game this season. All forwards worked hard at both ends of the ice and the defences looked solid with George Spencer now partnering Reagen Downing. In fact it was defenceman Dan Lee who scored goal number 6. Dan took and early snap shot from the point and a deflection off a Coventry skate saw the puck nestle into the bottom near corner. The middle period saw Sheffield’s 2nd line emerge as the days ‘hotline’. Having played a great passing game with some excellent transition from Dan and Dan on D to the forwards of Courtney, Reece and Jack and the line recycling the puck time after time it was just a matter of time for a goal to come. After more fluent play Reece Marshal found the net after a great pass from Courtney Aheren. Two goals to their credit the whole line was on a high and a minute into the final period Reece found Jack clear through the middle to bury a shot passed the netminder to hit nine on the scoreboard. To be fair to Coventry they had looked well organised always keeping a man covering the goal and Sheffield had to work hard for each marker.
After running four lines continuously Sheffield looked tired in the final period and some double shifting had obviously taken its toll on some players legs. However the lines remained tight and all forwards were still looking for that heads up pass that would take Sheffield to double figures. It was Coventry however that had the final say. Sheffield were robbed of the puck in neutral ice and Harry Clarke fired a shot that deflected off Tom Barkworth into the top corner. An unfortunate event, but didn’t take away a fine performance from Tom who stopped 14 other shots against the 36 on Coventry’s goal.
All in all the highlights were a great performance from Line 2, working hard and dominating each shift. Great work from Jack, Courtney, Reece and Dan plus Dan. Its difficult to name every players performance when playing 4 lines and needless to say everyone did their bit. In addition a game played with great passion and some neat passing throughout the game and good spirit from both teams.
The final run in now looks exciting with 4 teams still in with a shot of the title, Sutton will fancy their chances after beating Grimsby 11-6 and remain undefeated. However with some big match ups to come, anything can happen…and perhaps will. No one can afford to lose. Aint it exciting?