Scimitars ice hockey academy

Sheffield Swampfrogs V Sutton Sting
Under 12s D2, 4th April 2009
Final Score: Sheffield 0, Sutton 0

Although not quite a title decider this game had the atmosphere of a cup final. Sheffield needed the 2 points from a win to take them above Sutton while a victory for the Sting would put the league title firmly into their own hands. The importance of the game was evident from face off as both teams looked nervous. Sutton’s and the divisions top scoring forwards had come up against the leagues tightest defence and it was interesting to see how the match up unfolded. Chances were few and far between in the first period but that didn’t stop the effort and end to end game play that left parents with a nail biting 15 minutes, which was a pattern that the game would follow throughout. At the end of a well balanced 0-0 period the teams regrouped for a team talk.
The nerves looked like they had settled for period 2, with both teams cutting out chances. However Sheffield’s passing game deserted them and many shots were restricted to wide angles or from distance giving the driving forwards little chance of picking up the rebounds. It’s fair to say that Sheffield’s home form seems to be a notch below the road form this season with no apparent reason and although Sheffield worked hard but found transition difficult. Sutton created the clearest chances but almost worked opposite of Sheffield with some neat skating in front finding clear shots on goal but also giving Tom in the Swampfrogs net, time to see and position for the shot. Sting were perhaps a little guilty of some over handling in the opposing end but did pass the puck well when holding the zone on occasions. Sheffield perhaps won the neutral zone battles but failed to create clear opportunities as both both netminders continued in fine form and dominating the game.
As the final period wore on it was one of those games where an expectation of euphoria or devastation was around the corner as the clock ticked down. The game always looked to have goals in it right to the end but both defences backstopped by some great goaltending came out on top. MOM, Tom held everything high and gave few rebounds, directing any danger to the corners and covering loose pucks well. The Sting netminder looked solid from all shots which predominately were driven low from Sheffield’s forwards. Although Sutton would leave as the happiest of teams, Sheffield make a mockery of the ‘B’ Team tag by consistently showing they can at a minimum match the ‘A’ Team standards of all the D2 teams. In the aftermath it would be difficult to separate the teams where both players worked tirelessly to entertain the edge of the seat parents and every player should be proud to carry their respective team badges.
So what now? Well the league title isn’t over with several teams vying for the top slots. Although Sutton are now in control of their own destiny there has been a few twists already in this thrilling season and the next few weeks will be a test of their bottle. Both have 2 to play with Sutton perhaps the most difficult opponents with in-form Bradford and Manchester. Sheffield have back to back games against Manchester who will be no pushover after taking points earlier in the season from Sutton and recently keeping Coventry tight in their narrow 2-1 defeat. There is a very slim chance of the title opening back up but importantly Sheffield must concentrate on winning the final two games to at least qualify for the 2nd spot and a play-off round for D1 Promotion. So as they say “it isn’t over until the……….etc etc”