Scimitars ice hockey academy

Sheffield Swampfrogs @ Grimsby Redwings
Under 12s D2, 29th March 2008
Final Score: Grimsby 2, Sheffield 4

Back in February Sheffield tied a game with Grimsby after clawing back a 2 goal deficit with 15 seconds to go. With both teams challenging Sutton for the title this return match was eagerly awaited. With Sutton and Grimsby slipping to surprise defeats last weekend this blew the top of the table wide open and a win at Grimsby would set up a grandstand finish to the season. Sheffield missing D Man Adam Cooper and Chelsea Aheran travelled to Grimsby in high spirits. Coach Sean Walsh had proven himself as a tactically clever coach in his debut season and this game would offer another test to his astute thinking. A shuffle of line 2 & 3 and a couple of adjustments to the defensive and offensive game play could have, at the outset been considered risky, but proved to be a smart move when looking back over the game. A testament to all players was evident in how they applied the new tactics in the game alongside exceptional levels of hard work and graft in such a compact rink.
The game started as an end to end encounter (well it would be wouldn’t it?), with both teams pushing to break the deadlock. It took 10 minutes to open the scoring which came from an unlikely route. Dan Lee with time on the puck fired a long range shot on Grimsby’s goal and a bad bounce off the netminders stick allowed it to settle in the back of the net. Dan Mann’s holding role worked a treat throughout the game with solid clearances and stifling any Grimsby pressure. Sheffield rotated 3 lines consistently, a testament to Coach Sean’s faith in every player for such a big game. Aaron and Toby as well as Elli who perhaps had her best game of the season, worked tirelessly to forecheck the hell out of any Grimsby attacks and prevent their faster players gaining any momentum back to front. The period seemed to end in a flash as Sheffield took a well deserved 1-0 lead into the break.
The interval saw parents recover their nerves and allow Sue Barkworth to find a new hiding spot away from Tom and avoid distracting his attention. However her fears were short lived as the 2nd period started Sheffield took the initiative 12 seconds in winning the face off and Connor Ritchie tapped the puck forward for CJ Lee to bury in the bottom corner. CJ had to leave the ice after taking an unfortunate and accidental stick to the knee as Grimsby worked hard to clear their lines. Grimsby began to regain their composure while Sheffield juggled players to fill in for CJ and at 19:05 pulled a goal back after Sheffield had failed to clear the zone. There were mixed views on whether the puck crossed the line but Sheffield weren’t in too much mood for controversy (apart from parents horns being banned) and immediately refocused back to the game plan. 3 minutes later the score was 3-1 as Connor Ritchie broke down the right wing and played a pinpoint pass to CJ’s tape to bury the puck, off balance, bottom corner. Line 2 have been awesome since Christmas and today was no different. Courtney and Jack’s work rate has been second to none and Connor Parker has picked points up alongside these two. Courtney and Jack cut-out several opportunities as well as working back to clear their zone until some brilliant committed play on the boards from Courtney saw her dig the puck out onto Jack stick who skated and lifted a top shelf goal at 25:46. Goal and assist thoroughly deserved from these two. Sheffield weren’t having it their own way and Grimsby still looked dangerous Ollie Simms was all over the ice backchecking, forechecking and was unlucky not to extend the lead when a breakout behind the Grimsby defence saw his shot nestle into the top of the netminders pads. Grimsby were not out of the game and Tom Barkworth earned his corn (whatever that might be?) with save after save foiling many long range shots and covering close in battles. Tom gave up no rebounds and his handling of the puck from high shots earned him the spirit of the game award alongside a 95% save average game that justifies his position at the top of the D2 Netminder’s table. Sheffield’s defence with George and Reagan building a great understanding in their partnership looked strong. Reagan and George worked the corners well and were quickly onto any loose pucks to dispel many of Grimsby’s offensive chances while Dan and Dan continued to foil Grimsby's forwards. The period ended with Sheffield 4-1 up and taking a well earned dressing room break which the ice was re-cut.
Parents nerves were no less settled and both sets of fans rallied behind their team at the start of the third period with the supportive noise lifting the roof. The period started with a new fire in the Redwings who immediately put pressure on the Sheffield defence. Josephine Hole, another player arguably playing her best of the season and Andre Beighton were first to every open puck and showed composure in clearing the zone to a Sheffield outlet. Jo and Andre gave up no turnovers and worked their positions well throughout the game. Sheffield continued to forecheck and with Toby and Aaron continuing as they had started in chasing everything down, showing great energy and commitment in the process. Courtney swept up any neutral ice pucks to turn Grimsby’s attacks into chances for the Swampfrogs, while Ollie must have been running on Duracell’s (in fact the ultra high power versions) in covering every blade of grass (oops every cube of ice). A player not yet mentioned, but was perhaps an unsung hero was Reece Marshal. This game above any other shows that a forwards role is more than just scoring goals and getting assists. Reece worked as hard as anyone during the game but as Sheffield’s legs were tiring Reece showed a high level of commitment and passion in chasing every lost cause puck and creating turnovers. Up to this point the advantage had perhaps gone to the hardest working team. However Grimsby are a quality team with a never say die attitude and had gas in the tank. Pressure was coming on stronger and Tom was up to the mark until 44:19 when a wicked long range shot deflected from his stick blade into the top corner of the net to pull the score to 4-2.  Could Sheffield hold on for 10 minutes or would Grimsby excerpt revenge of the last minute tie in the IceSheffield encounter? Sean continued his game plan of running short shifts and cycling 3 lines, tactics that now would pay dividends in keeping enough fresh players to restrict Grimsby to long range and half chances as the clock ticked down.
All in all this was a very tight hard game with many factors including work rate, tactics, netminding and clinical finishing contributions to the 4-2 victory. Grimsby played very well and should be proud of their performance and attitude. Sheffield needed the points and by the character of the whole team certainly showed that desire in the game play. Well done to every player. Points: CJ Lee 2+0, Dan Lee,1+0, Jack Piggot 1+0, Connor Ritchie 0+2, Courtney Aheran 0+1, hard work and effort- all the team 110%.