SADLY.... THE LAST POST!
Behind us we leave 20 regular season games, 11 games in three tournaments and 10 playoff games. 41 games played by the DRAGONS and we end with a record of 27-10-4!
In all honesty, who cares about the record! What will be remembered is the fun we had getting there. It’s a bitter sweet day as we look at where we’ve been but knowing that it’s over.
Two perfectly matched teams went head to head again for potentially the last game of the year and the last game of a fantastic final playoff round to determine who would be the Novice LL “A” Division champs!
The fans took their seats early, anticipating a great game and knowing that it could go either way. As the players ran onto the ice the cheering in the stands became wild in an instant. I think all knew that this would be a fantastic game' but they also knew it could be the last game for both. Our last chance to watch our beloved Novice players take the ice as the 2014/2015 Novice LL DRAGONS; may as well cheer like we’ve never cheered before! Why wouldn't ya?!?!?
The puck dropped and the play was instantly hot. There was no warming up for these kids. The play went back and forth with absolute equality for the entire game. Both teams worked their hardest and played with heart! The first goal was scored in the second period by LL1. This didn’t get our LL2 DRAGONS down, it only made them play harder. Well into the third period it was starting to seem like there would be no more scoring in this game. The end of the season was drawing nearer. Coach Tom pulls our goalie with almost 2 minutes left, knowing we needed at least 2 goals for us to continue on in the series. The DRAGONS had a few chances but could not get the puck over the line. With only seconds left, LL1 makes a hail Mary and nets themselves another goal into an open net. The play goes on for another 14 seconds and the final buzzer sounds. 2-0 LL1. The series ends.
The DORCHESTER DRAGONS LL1 takes first and LL2 takes second in the Novice “A” Division Championships.
I cannot thank Coach Tom, Coach Adam, Trainer Mark and Trainer Jeremy for everything they have done for our kids this year. They had nothing but the development of our kids on their minds and truly strived to make sure they had fun and kept a love for the game. The kids would not be at the level they are, would not have improved and had fun like they did without you.
Parents….. This season would not have been what it was without your support, passion and enthusiasm for each and every player. Thank you so much for your involvement and bearing with my incessant emails. We had fun didn’t we! There are more emails to come about the yearend party, so bear with me one more time and stay tuned!
Fans… some of you came just because you love the game. Some of you came as relatives. Some of you came as friends. Some of you remained distant fans by reading these posts. Thank you!
Last, but certainly not least; the kids. Thank you Cochrane, Mega Mike, Mighty Molly, Cool Hand Cohen, Dutsy, Crafty Calista, Magic Matt, Wild Wade, Incredible Ian, Brilliant Bryce, Fasbulous Fisher, Jumpin’ Jacob, Brave Brayden, Matthew “The Wall” Lindsay and Dandy Daniel “Kaiser”. Thanks for being you and taking me back to childhood, if only for a few hours a week! You are wonderful kids, worked so hard and improved so much this year! Everyone is so proud of you and your accomplishments.
I, myself, must sign off now, but want everyone to know what an absolute pleasure it has been for me to be the manager of the DRAGONS this year! I sat on the couch after every game (or whenever I got around to it) and smiled for hours as I wrote these posts (and howled at some of the nonsense and fabrication I was able to come up with); remembering the day’s game and the hockey that I was privileged to watch. I hope you all enjoyed the articles. I am honoured to have been the manager of the DRAGONS and will miss it so very much.
CONGRATULATIONS, KIDS, ON AN INCREDIBLE SEASON AND ON YOUR SECOND PLACE MEDAL!!!!!!! WHAT AN AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT!