Whalers 2
Kilkenny Storm 11
Saturday 17th November 2007
With the league campaign about to begin excitement grew in
the changing room, lines decided nobody could wait. Team
pictures and autographs aside, we made our way onto the
ice.
The warm up was a quick affair and out went the first line
for the first faceoff. From the outset it was clear we were
the weaker and more inexperienced side as the Kilkenny
Storm got numerous breakaways, 2 on 1's and 2 on 0’s,
resulting in a 4-0 lead at the end of the first.
With team morale down after the first period, we needed a
motivating team talk during the intermission. The second
line started this period and kept the game tight against
the Storm, but inevitably the Kilkenny Storm got more
breakaways and kept the scoreboard ticking over, but while
the Storm were doing this they were getting a lot of
resistance from the defensive unit of the Whalers, with all
the forwards getting back and holding their positions
limiting the Storm shooting opportunities. At the end of
the second it was 7-0 to the Storm.
Now it was a case of minimise the score as much as possible
and use this as a stepping stone. Of course we didn’t want
to be shutout in the first game of the season so the
captain made an offer not many could refuse, he would buy a
pint for the first person to score.
With the great offer in mind a new look first line headed
onto the ice, and instantly went on the offensive putting
pressure on the Kilkenny Storm. The first shift was tight
and scoreless from both sides. Every line went out and kept
the first few minutes of the 3rd period very tight and it
was the Whalers who broke the 3rd period dead lock, with an
outlet pass from the defensive zone across ice to 2nd line
left wing Graeme Bell who casually walked into the
offensive zone and shoot from the top of the left circle
over the shoulder of Kilkenny Storm net minder, I rejected
the pint. Kilkenny bounced back though and scored on
another break away. This did not demoralise the Whalers
though as they got another opportunity down low in the zone
with a lot of pressure as Niall McEvoy took a shot from the
bottom of the right circle hitting the stick of the keeper
and going to the cross bar and in. The period unfortunately
ended 4-2 to the Kilkenny Storm which resulted in an 11-2
victory for the roller hockey converts side.
The Whalers would like to congratulate the Kilkenny Storm
on their victory and wish them all the best for the rest of
the league and we look forward to meeting them again on the
8th March 2008. Faceoff is at 22:30, we look forward to
having your support.
Report by Graeme Bell
