Nov 26, 2023 | Duncan Bates | 112 views
U15 Select Gryphons meet the Waterloo Wolves
The Guelph Gryphons took to the ice last night against the veery competitive Waterloo Wolves, fresh off a tournament win in Mirabel QC.
The Gryphons squad came out to start the first period strong, maintaining zone pressure whenever the opportunity presented itself but could not solve Waterloo's early offensive strikes, giving up 4 goals early and finishing the first period with a daunting climb ahead. Acknowledging their need for stronger back-checking and their strength on forechecking pressure, the Gryphons started the second with intention and a mission to get back in the game. A quick goal by Bates set the tone, followed by two in quick succession by Martin which saw momentum switch and Waterloo struggle with penalty trouble. Another strike by Waterloo bumped the score to 5-3 and then again to 6-3 before Bailey found the back of the net to bring the game to 6-4 with momentum on Guelph's side heading to the change room for the second period intermission. The third period started with focus while Waterloo battled further penalty troubles but Guelph was unable to convert on numerous chances. With the game locked in an on ice back and forth stalemate, Waterloo found the net once more to end the game at 7-4.
While the game resulted in a loss, the Gryphons walked away knowing they had just scored the most goals of the season against a Waterloo team with one loss on the books so far. Additionally, a stronger back check and greater effort at crease support would have eliminated a lopsided score to start the game and the end result would have been a tie or a win for the boys. The lessons learned from this game will pay dividends towards ending a current two game winless streak and set the boys up for success as they head into their first tournament of the season.
Let's Go Gryphons!!!