In back to back games this Friday, the middle school patriots looked to continue their high scoring dominance in their third game of the season against Cedar Cliff/CV 2 as the varsity squad looked to continue their preseason dominance in their second official preseason game versus Mechanicsburg. Scoring a combined 28 goals among both middle school and varsity and only allowing 8, the two teams took to the ice this friday with high hopes.
The 11 Goals For Average (GFA) for the middle school team is a scary statistic for any team that stands in their way. And as the team faced off at TPW at 7:15, the Cedar Cliff/CV 2 squad were no match for the quick Patriots. In a 10-0 shutout, Red Land's quick passing and authoritative defense proved effective as Devon Foutz earned his first shutout of the season, receiving the game puck as a reward. Now with 32 GF this season (10.6 GFA), and only 8 GA (2.6 GAA), the middle school squad is off to a commanding start this spring season and looks to continue their streak next friday versus CV 1.
Immediatly following the MS game, the varsity team took to the ice in their second official preseason game against the rivaled Mechanicsburg Wildcats. Taking to the ice with the Patriots was powerful determination. Just coming off a 6-0 win over West York the previous week, the team's confidence showed as they held off the 'Cats long enough for Josh Stewart to set up his brother, John Stewart, with a pass to the slot which was shot far side past Mechanicsburg goaltender Nick Schwartz. The Patriots held the lead at 1-0 and used the physical force which Red Land made a reputation with last season to hold of Mechanicsburg's offense. The Patriot's well-used breakout as well as their effective trap techniques once again held off long enough to set themselves up for another tally, this time the point went to senior Cameron Norman, whos high-slot shot slid between Schwartz' five-hole to give RL the 2-0 lead which held until the final buzzer. Red Land's will to find a way to win showed effective as they used patience and smart plays on both defense and offense to come away with the win. Now with a 4 GFA and a perfect 0 GAA, the Patriots look first-class heading into their first game of the regular season against Lampeter Strasburg on 11/16.
The backstops for the Patriot's middle school and varsity teams all skated off the ice with shutouts this Friday. Middle school goaltender Devon Foutz recorded his first of the year as varsity goalies Will Ott and Jared Locke split the shutout in a perfect day for all three goaltenders. The play between the pipes for varsity has statistically been perfect this preseason, allowing 0 goals in two games, a factor which will be needed in Tier I this year.
The old saying goes, "Practice makes perfect," and the aphorism is proving true for both MS and varsity this year. The middle school's drills in practice are leading to perfect passing and accurate, hard shots as well as an effective set up in all game settings. The varsity team's breakout and trap methods can be seen as a major factor in their game and with about 90% of their practice based around these aspects of their game, the team is scoring goals based on not only personal skill, but an indomitable strategic plan which is organized and controlled throughout their game play. Red Land's biggest weapon is the mental and strategic aspect of their game, and it has proved effective even early in the season. |