Well, I was given some misinformation. The Peewee game is at 1pm. The Midget game is at 3:40 tomorrow.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Happy New Year
Here's to a great '07 to everyone in the Lightning family!
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Travel Update
Well we're at the falls and guess what? Its raining. So we walked down to the falls took a look, watched Foreigner play a few songs.
Now we're all headed back to the bus and are going to push on to customs and on to Buffalo. We expect it to take 30 mins once we get through to the states.
Happy New Year everyone.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Now we're all headed back to the bus and are going to push on to customs and on to Buffalo. We expect it to take 30 mins once we get through to the states.
Happy New Year everyone.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Update
We're on our way to Toronto now.
They decided to count the shootouts as W's and L's so our record is 2-2-1. They have done an awesome job. In the home of hockey, our southern boys have a 2-1 record.
To update you on our game schedule. We have one game remaining. It is tomorrow at 1:00pm.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
They decided to count the shootouts as W's and L's so our record is 2-2-1. They have done an awesome job. In the home of hockey, our southern boys have a 2-1 record.
To update you on our game schedule. We have one game remaining. It is tomorrow at 1:00pm.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Next Game
There is no midget game today. Today the boys were able to sleep in and at noon we head to Toronto to visit the Hall of Fame and the CN Tower. We will eat lunch at The Spagetti Factory.
Following the day in Toronto, we will head off to Niagara Falls for the New Years celebration. Then we head to Buffalo for the night.
Tomorrow its off to Pittsburgh where we will play a team from there tomorrow (I will let you know what time when I confirm it) and on the 2nd we get to see the Canes and Pens pregame skates and game.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Following the day in Toronto, we will head off to Niagara Falls for the New Years celebration. Then we head to Buffalo for the night.
Tomorrow its off to Pittsburgh where we will play a team from there tomorrow (I will let you know what time when I confirm it) and on the 2nd we get to see the Canes and Pens pregame skates and game.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Re: Game Update
Okay, time for the scoring summary.
1. Bond from Mackie
2. DJ from Cam (incorrectly reported as Cam earlier)
Shootout scorers:
1. DJ
2. Mackie
3. Bowman.
Sean was huge throughout stopping 34 of 36 and 3 of 5 on the shootout.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:43:32 2006
Johnny makes it 3-2.
And Sean stones the last guy and the Lightning take the shootout.
But it was a 2-2 tie and the Lightning record is now 1-1-3.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:41:56 2006
Cam is next. Good save by the Hawk goalie.
Next Hawk shooter misses. 2-2.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:41:09 2006
Sean makes a huge save.
Mackie deeks and scores. 2-1.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:40:04 2006
Our first shooter is DJ and he scores 5 hole 1-1.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:36:17 2006
The 3rd period ends and we're going to a shootout for fun.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:34:08 2006
4 on 4 as the Hawks even it up with a penalty.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:31:18 2006
And the Lightning take a bad penalty with 3 mins left. Still 2-2.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:24:30 2006
Half way through the 3rd, still 2-2.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:16:15 2006
We're underway in the 3rd.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:06:16 2006
The boys head to the locker room and the zam is back on the ice after the 2nd period. We're all knotted up at 2.
This has been, in my opinion, the best played game on the trip by both teams. We're seeing a lot of up and down flow and good defensive play overall. There have only been few scoring opportunities but Sean has 21 saves on 23 shots. He's continuing the outstanding play in net.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:58:13 2006
The Lightning answer at 1:59 on a coast to coast effort by Cameron White on a powerplay.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:56:36 2006
And the 2nd period blues continue as the D allows a player to skate out of the corner to the front of the net and sneak one in around Sean. Its 2-1 Hawks.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:53:31 2006
On the powerplay, the Lightning caugh it up in their own zone and the hawks tie it up at 4:23.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:37:54 2006
And at 14:07 of the first, Bond scores on a screen shot from the point. Lighting 1-0.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:36:45 2006
At the end of an evenly played game its all tied at zero.
We're being treated to a game with great flow. The puck is going up and down the ice.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:33:09 2006
2 minutes left and still no score. Its a very good game.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:25:00 2006
The boys are up against a U15 tram tonight. We expect an evenly played game.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:23:01 2006
Okay, the anthems and pregame fan fair is over and the teams are a center ice.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:06:12 2006
The Zam is on the ice and the boys are getting ready. We're running a little behind. We estimate a 9:20 start.
1. Bond from Mackie
2. DJ from Cam (incorrectly reported as Cam earlier)
Shootout scorers:
1. DJ
2. Mackie
3. Bowman.
Sean was huge throughout stopping 34 of 36 and 3 of 5 on the shootout.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:43:32 2006
Johnny makes it 3-2.
And Sean stones the last guy and the Lightning take the shootout.
But it was a 2-2 tie and the Lightning record is now 1-1-3.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:41:56 2006
Cam is next. Good save by the Hawk goalie.
Next Hawk shooter misses. 2-2.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:41:09 2006
Sean makes a huge save.
Mackie deeks and scores. 2-1.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:40:04 2006
Our first shooter is DJ and he scores 5 hole 1-1.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:36:17 2006
The 3rd period ends and we're going to a shootout for fun.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:34:08 2006
4 on 4 as the Hawks even it up with a penalty.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:31:18 2006
And the Lightning take a bad penalty with 3 mins left. Still 2-2.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:24:30 2006
Half way through the 3rd, still 2-2.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:16:15 2006
We're underway in the 3rd.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 22:06:16 2006
The boys head to the locker room and the zam is back on the ice after the 2nd period. We're all knotted up at 2.
This has been, in my opinion, the best played game on the trip by both teams. We're seeing a lot of up and down flow and good defensive play overall. There have only been few scoring opportunities but Sean has 21 saves on 23 shots. He's continuing the outstanding play in net.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:58:13 2006
The Lightning answer at 1:59 on a coast to coast effort by Cameron White on a powerplay.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:56:36 2006
And the 2nd period blues continue as the D allows a player to skate out of the corner to the front of the net and sneak one in around Sean. Its 2-1 Hawks.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:53:31 2006
On the powerplay, the Lightning caugh it up in their own zone and the hawks tie it up at 4:23.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:37:54 2006
And at 14:07 of the first, Bond scores on a screen shot from the point. Lighting 1-0.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:36:45 2006
At the end of an evenly played game its all tied at zero.
We're being treated to a game with great flow. The puck is going up and down the ice.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:33:09 2006
2 minutes left and still no score. Its a very good game.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:25:00 2006
The boys are up against a U15 tram tonight. We expect an evenly played game.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:23:01 2006
Okay, the anthems and pregame fan fair is over and the teams are a center ice.
---------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 21:06:12 2006
The Zam is on the ice and the boys are getting ready. We're running a little behind. We estimate a 9:20 start.
Let it Snow?
The wakeup call game the temperature..... 5 degrees. As the midgets loaded on the bus, they realized that it wasn't that cold. The outdoor thermometer on the bus read 33 degrees. So the 5 degrees was most likely the projected high for the day . . . in Celsius. An 7am departure pre-dawn departure from the hotel got the players to the rink before it was light.
Today's midget adversary was the Cambridge Hawks U17 Midget A team. The Lighting came out on fire and jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead on goals by Danny Sirois from Matt Kugler, Chris Miracle from Kugler and Jason Wargny from Cameron White and D. J. Witherspoon.
With a three goal lead at the end of the first period, everyone was feeling good, but after the experience in Columbus everyone was going, "Oh no, don't let this happen again.". *Bang*, goal 1 for the Hawks. *Pop*, goal 2 for the Hawks. *Smash*, goal 3 for the Hawks and sure enough the Lightning was looking at a 3-3 tie. Break away after break away, save after save, the Hawks could not manage another tally and the second period ended all knotted at three as the teams left the ice for the resurface between periods. (Ed: Not that a Raleigh rink would ever consider resurfacing for midgets between the 2nd and 3rd periods.)
With the glistering new sheet of ice awaiting, the boys took the
rink for the final 15 minutes of the contest. The mall was starting to fill with patrons and workers getting ready for the day. And much to everyone's surprise, this day would not be another Columbus but a new
high for the team. The Lightning struck and struck hard. Goal from Witherspoon via Wargny, goal from Adam Allington from Vova Zilberter, and goal from John Bowman via Alex Baldy and White, the Lightning found themselves again ahead by three goals, 6-3. But there is time left and the speed in which the score can change, that lead was not safe.
The intensity grew. The checks were harder. The players on both teams started skating harder and harder. Carolina was intent on winning. Cambridge was intent on winning. *Smack*, Hawks Score, 6-4. *Slam*, Hawks Score 6-5. More intensity from both teams.
Under two minutes to play and *Tweet* went the official's whistle. A Hawk player lowered his head and skated to the sin-bin. Now with a Power Play, Carolina could certainly control things to a point of finish the game. The time ticked past 1:00. The Hawk goalie raced to the bench, the extra attacker came on and for one last fleeting rush, the Hawks gave it all they had and with the final shot sailing over the net, the horn sounded and the number on the visitors side was still one bigger than the home side. The Lightning finally get into the win column against the toughest opponent yet.
The Bantams then took the ice next, while the Midgets de-geared and spent time watching their Bantams play a curfew shortened game in which they managed a 3-3 tie with the Hawks, whom they lost two the previous evening. As the Bantams headed out with their billets and the Midgets headed back to the hotel for several hours of downtime, originally planned for pond hockey, snow boarding and such; they were greeted by white fluffy stuff falling for the skies.
As the day progressed around the hotel, the players were resting and recouperating their various lower body injuries and upper body injuries that they have sustained so far. Several players are banged up, but they all want to go on.Around 5pm, some surprise visitors dropped in: D. J.'s mom along with Alex Rivers and his Father. Alex was in the area with his team and made himself available if we needed him because of the injuries. While the players are all going to play, they voted to let Alex skate with them to fill recently vacated positions.
The Midgets headed back out to the Cambridge Center after grabbing some downtime. The competition tonight would be the Cambridge U15's which would be an A team in USA Hockey terms. This would be the best team the team would face while in Canada. In a very evenly played game, the Lightning would end up in a 2-2 tie with goals coming from Bond Danku from Mackie Hayman and D.J. Witherspoon from Cameron White. Another shoot out was played. Sean Kudrick again was the goalie between the pipes. During his last shoot out against the Canadian teams, the result was 3-0 for Guelph. This time it was different, Hayman, Witherspoon, and Jon Bowman found the back of the net. The Lightning had scored on 3 of their 4 attempts. The other team could only get two past Kudrick and when Kudrick turned away the Hawk's fourth shooter. The team was jubilant as they swarmed Kudrick and piled on top of him.
After the game was over, the parents and coaches of Cambridge took the team and parents traveling along to “Ernie's Bar and Grill”, a good old fashioned tavern. The players were treated to wings and pizza, while the adults enjoyed other food and drink. The party lasted until 1:30 where the team headed back to the hotel where they would get to sleep in late . . . checkout time, 11:00a
Oh Canada!
Day 4 of the tour started early for the players, chaperons and boosters. A quick breakfast at the Best Western and it was "All Aboard". The buses headed back into Detroit and crossed the "Bridge to Canada" also known as the Ambassador Bridge. The skies were grey though the sun was fighting through as it came up over the horizon. Expecting a long delay at customs, Don had all the paper work ready to go. The drivers went in, 30 seconds later they were back on the bus with a message from the Canadian Customs.... "Have a fun trip!". (Ed: I told Don, don't expect such luck on the trip back!)Around 11am, the buses stopped for a rest break. The sign on the stop....... "Tim Hortons". For those who don't know about a Tim Hortons, its a mix of a Dunken Donuts, with killer coffee. A local said that the coffee must be laced with heroin considering how addictive it is. Tim Hortons is affiliated with Wendy's Hamburgers, so this stop also had a Wendy's as well. The team had a brunch there and reboarded. About an hour later the teams arrived at the Holiday
Inn in Cambridge.
While waiting on Don to get the room keys, several players and parents took the opportunity to go to the bank across the street and do a cash exchange. The teams had a quick meeti
ng in one of the meeting rooms of the hotel to go over rules and chaperon and billeting assignments. The kids were dismissed to their rooms to get changed into their pre-game uniforms and then it was aboard the buses to the Cambridge Center.
The Cambridge Center is a fairly large mall, single level but larger than Cary Towne Center. The mall, besides having the normal mall shops had a large theater and of course an NHL sized indoor rink. Most of the gam
es were to be played here. The plan was to have the players eat an late lunch/early dinner at the food court. The PeeWee's and Bantams would play there later. The Midgets boarded their bus at 4:30 to head to Guelph to await their first Canadian foe,
a U17 team the Guelph Storm.
Danny Sirois started off the scoring with an assist from Chris Miracle and Makie Hayman. The Storm battled back and eventually took a 2-1 lead. The American teams were rudely introduced to the Canadian "Checking from Behind" rule which is a 2 minute penalty, an ejection from the current game and one other as Miracle was tossed for a clean check. After discussing the situation, the extra game penalty was taken off. Under USA Hockey rules, checking from behind is a 2 minute minor with a 10 minute misconduct tacked on (the team is short handed for 2 minutes, but doesn't get the offending player back for an additional 10). D. J. Witherspoon buried a rebound from a Bond Danku slapper. Goalie Sean Kudrick had a fantastic game between the pipes.
The game officially ended as a 2-2 tie, but for fun they did a shootout in which the Storm ended up taking 3-0. Cameron White was awarded the Star of the game from Carolina, an award based on the other coaches nomination.
The officiating was horrid, but it was bad both ways, though Carolina ended up with nearly three times the penalties. The Guelph organizers apologized for the officiating. According to them, the referee was the worst referee in their association. Had they known he was
scheduled for the game, they would have gotten it changed.
After the game, the midgets headed back to the Cambridge Center to catch dinner and watch the PeeWee game. After the PeeWee game, they headed back to the Hotel to get ready for an early game. The PeeWee's finished their game with a 1-1 tie. The Bantams played afterwards and lost to the Cambridge Hawks 5-1.
A bus load of tire players called it a night.
Re:
Finally got the score sheet. Todays scoring summary:
1. Sirois from Kugler
2. Miracle from Kugler
3. Wargny from White and DJ
4. DJ from Wargny
5, Allington from Vova
6. Bowman from Baldy and White.
Ryan had 34 saves on 39 shots.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:46:44 2006
Very nice! After the game, the Hawks presented our boys with Team Canada baseball hats.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:44:27 2006
And the Lighting Midgets get their first win 6-5.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:39:59 2006
1:31 left. Its still 6-5.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:35:03 2006
Our boys are holding their own against a U17 team.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:34:02 2006
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:26:21 2006
Its 6-4 with 11 minutes left.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:25:34 2006
Now Jonathan sticks one in to as the Lightning came out smokin' in the 3rd.
But right away, the Hawks score on a nice wrap around.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:22:32 2006
And Adam one times on through for a 5-3.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:20:43 2006
And the Lightning take a 4-3 lead 1 minute into the 3rd.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:18:09 2006
And the ice is zammed and here we go in the 3rd.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:04:55 2006
And the 2nd period ends at 3-3.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:59:15 2006
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:55:38 2006
Once again, Ryan saves their bacon as he slides across the crease to stop a beautifully played 2 on 1.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:51:05 2006
And Ryan makes another breakaway save. Short handed!
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:48:52 2006
And Ry stops a breakaway.
Momentum and effort has definitely shifted.
Cheers,
Roger
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:47:57 2006
De ja vu all over again as the Hawks tie the game. This one was a rocket that picked the glove side corner.
Sound like Columbus?
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:43:26 2006
And we must be in Columbus all over again as the Hawks make it a 1 goal game by shooting, driving the net and poking in a rebound.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:31:04 2006
And they add another on a scramble in front as Cam trickles one through.
The boys are really skating hard.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:29:35 2006
And the Lightning make it a 2 goal lead. Mackie from Kugler with 6:18 left.
-------------------------
We're under way and the Cambridge Ice Hawks come out strong but Ryan is up to the task as he stops 9 in the first 6 minutes and then the Lightbing begin to really skate.
Finally, Danny burys one on a one timer from the high slot. The Lightning lead 1-0.
1. Sirois from Kugler
2. Miracle from Kugler
3. Wargny from White and DJ
4. DJ from Wargny
5, Allington from Vova
6. Bowman from Baldy and White.
Ryan had 34 saves on 39 shots.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:46:44 2006
Very nice! After the game, the Hawks presented our boys with Team Canada baseball hats.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:44:27 2006
And the Lighting Midgets get their first win 6-5.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:39:59 2006
1:31 left. Its still 6-5.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:35:03 2006
Our boys are holding their own against a U17 team.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:34:02 2006
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:26:21 2006
Its 6-4 with 11 minutes left.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:25:34 2006
Now Jonathan sticks one in to as the Lightning came out smokin' in the 3rd.
But right away, the Hawks score on a nice wrap around.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:22:32 2006
And Adam one times on through for a 5-3.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:20:43 2006
And the Lightning take a 4-3 lead 1 minute into the 3rd.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:18:09 2006
And the ice is zammed and here we go in the 3rd.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 09:04:55 2006
And the 2nd period ends at 3-3.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:59:15 2006
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:55:38 2006
Once again, Ryan saves their bacon as he slides across the crease to stop a beautifully played 2 on 1.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:51:05 2006
And Ryan makes another breakaway save. Short handed!
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:48:52 2006
And Ry stops a breakaway.
Momentum and effort has definitely shifted.
Cheers,
Roger
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:47:57 2006
De ja vu all over again as the Hawks tie the game. This one was a rocket that picked the glove side corner.
Sound like Columbus?
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:43:26 2006
And we must be in Columbus all over again as the Hawks make it a 1 goal game by shooting, driving the net and poking in a rebound.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:31:04 2006
And they add another on a scramble in front as Cam trickles one through.
The boys are really skating hard.
-------------------------
Sent: Sat Dec 30 08:29:35 2006
And the Lightning make it a 2 goal lead. Mackie from Kugler with 6:18 left.
-------------------------
We're under way and the Cambridge Ice Hawks come out strong but Ryan is up to the task as he stops 9 in the first 6 minutes and then the Lightbing begin to really skate.
Finally, Danny burys one on a one timer from the high slot. The Lightning lead 1-0.
Next Game
This morning, we played the Cambridge Winter Hawks U17 team. Tonight we play their U15 team at 9:00.
We go into tonights game at solid 1-1-2 on the trip.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
We go into tonights game at solid 1-1-2 on the trip.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
We're under way and the Cambridge Ice Hawks come out strong but Ryan is up to the task as he stops 9 in the first 6 minutes and then the Lightbing begin to really skate.
Finally, Danny burys one on a one timer from the high slot. The Lightning lead 1-0.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Finally, Danny burys one on a one timer from the high slot. The Lightning lead 1-0.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Good Morning Lightning Fans!!
The guys are on the bus and we're headed for the 8am game.
Updates to come!
Go Lightning Go!!!
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Updates to come!
Go Lightning Go!!!
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Friday, December 29, 2006
Re: Game update
I forgot to mention. After the game, the coaches chose the star of the game for the other team. The Whites will be proud to hear that Cam was selected as the star of the game by the Guelph coaches.
Congratulations Cam!
Cheers,
Roger
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:36:06 2006
And Guelph wins the shootout 3-0.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:35:26 2006
Scores. 2-0.
Cameron takes it on and is poke checked again.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:34:00 2006
And they take a 1-0 lead.
Next is Adam.
-------------------------
Oh wait, its going to a shootout.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:30:19 2006
And the game ends with a 2-2 tie after a breakaway by the Guelph team the was shot over the net.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:19:58 2006
And Guelph ties it on a lazer from the slot. Sean was screened by his D man.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:14:33 2006
The Lightning take the lead 2-1 with 10 mins left after being absolutely robbed by the goalie. DJ doing the honors.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:04:30 2006
At the end of the 2nd, with zam coming on. The teams leave the ice tied at 1.
The scoop on Chris Miracle's penalty was the ref said he hit a kid from behind (nobody saw it). Up here, its a game misconduct. So he's out for this one. He will play tomorrow.
-------------------------
Subject: Re: Game update
On the goal, evidently Chris did something, and got 2 minutes and was removed from the game.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:49:41 2006
After a mad scramble in front, Guelph ties it at 1 with 2:50 left in the 2nd.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:43:34 2006
We've reached the midway point and the score remains 1-0.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:32:21 2006
At the end of the 1st, its Lightning 1-0 in an evenly played game.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:21:25 2006
And at 6:33 of the first Danny Sirois finds the back of the net.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:10:17 2006
We're under way.
Congratulations Cam!
Cheers,
Roger
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:36:06 2006
And Guelph wins the shootout 3-0.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:35:26 2006
Scores. 2-0.
Cameron takes it on and is poke checked again.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:34:00 2006
And they take a 1-0 lead.
Next is Adam.
-------------------------
Oh wait, its going to a shootout.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:30:19 2006
And the game ends with a 2-2 tie after a breakaway by the Guelph team the was shot over the net.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:19:58 2006
And Guelph ties it on a lazer from the slot. Sean was screened by his D man.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:14:33 2006
The Lightning take the lead 2-1 with 10 mins left after being absolutely robbed by the goalie. DJ doing the honors.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 19:04:30 2006
At the end of the 2nd, with zam coming on. The teams leave the ice tied at 1.
The scoop on Chris Miracle's penalty was the ref said he hit a kid from behind (nobody saw it). Up here, its a game misconduct. So he's out for this one. He will play tomorrow.
-------------------------
Subject: Re: Game update
On the goal, evidently Chris did something, and got 2 minutes and was removed from the game.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:49:41 2006
After a mad scramble in front, Guelph ties it at 1 with 2:50 left in the 2nd.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:43:34 2006
We've reached the midway point and the score remains 1-0.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:32:21 2006
At the end of the 1st, its Lightning 1-0 in an evenly played game.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:21:25 2006
And at 6:33 of the first Danny Sirois finds the back of the net.
-------------------------
Sent: Fri Dec 29 18:10:17 2006
We're under way.
Next Game
Wake up early tomorrow. The Lightning Midgets (0-1-2 on the trip) play tomorrow morning against Cambridge at 8am.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Game update
We're under way.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Next Game
Well, we're at the rink in Guelph and the guys are getting ready for the 6pm start.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Update on tonights midget game
Tonights midget game at Guelph is qat 6pm.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Detroit Rock City
The day started out nice and slow. Those staying at the Best Western in Trenton got up and had breakfast and some time in the indoor pool. The players who were staying with their host families had various activities including playing video games to doing pregame work for the Plymouth Whalers to working at a soup kitchen. Everyone met back up at the Best Western at noon where the teams boarded the bus to the CompuWare Arena.A short 45 minute ride brought the team to the home of the Plymouth Whalers, a Junior A team owned by Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmonos. Several current NHL players played their Junior hockey with the Whalers including Justin Williams and Chad LaRose. The amazing thing is some of the players were just a few months older than the Lighting Midget players.
The CompuWare Arena was at near sold out capacity. The single level bowl is similar in size to the lower 2/3 of the lower level of the RBC center. 60 minutes of hockey, 7 goals and 1 fight later, the Whalers dominated the Windsor Spitfire (just across the River from Detroit) 6-1. The players however missed the last couple of goals as they were being led into the under side of the rink to meet the players and get autographs.
The Lighting teams filled the lower corridor. Several smaller teams and birthday party went in first, then the Lightning players got to go in together. Several autographs later, it was out of the arena and back to the buses as the sun set on day three of the tour. But the fun was just about to begin as the buses headed back to Trenton to the Kennedy Recreational Complex, a 3 sheet facility to await their advisories.
The host families arranged a hospitality room with food for the players. Fresh baked bread awaited spagetti and meat sauce, pizza and cake. The PeeWee's would however have to wait on their meal since they had to get ready for their game. The Mayor of Trenton was on hand to meet and greet the out of town visitors. He addressed the PeeWee's in the locker room and then talked to the Bantams and Midgets as they enjoyed the hospitality.The teams from North Carolina got a quick introduction to northern hockey. Playing the Trenton PeeWees, a real AA program, the PeeWee's got a quick introduction to hitting and speed and found themselves in a quick hole and ended up loosing 8-3. The Bantams were up next and without the heroics of their goalie, the score would be similar, but the bantams manged to keep the deficit 5-1. By the end of the game, the Bantams were skating with the Trenton team and had brought their hitting up to speed, but it wasn't enough. Tyler Bateman had the lone Carolina Goal.
Finally the Midgets got to take the ice. Trenton and the Lightning battled back and forth to a draw until Trenton found the back of the net with 3:48 left in the first. Cameron White found the back of the net with 1:10 to go to knot the game 1-1 from a D. J. Witherspoon pass. The second period was not good for the lightning as a series of penalties and hard play by the home team game Trenton a 5-1 lead at the end of the second period. Early into the 3rd, Carolina
decided it wasn't over and after a few hard shifts Chris Miracle found the back of the net at the 11:56 mark. Alex Baldy picked up the assist on the play. Trenton pretty much erased any momentum scoring a couple of more goals. With the game 7-2, Witherspoon finishes off a White pass to bring the game to 7-3. But there wasn't enough time left and another goal later, the game ends 8-3. While the score shows a complete domination by Trenton, the game was played a lot closer. The team seemed to hit just as well and seamed to keep up with them fairly well.The kids left with their host families and headed back to the hotel for quick showers and an early lights out as they await their 8am departure on Friday.
Tomorrow's game
Just wanted you all to know that the Midgets next game will be at 8:30pm tomorrow night in Guelph, Ontario.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Final Game update
Tonight, after an evenly played 1st period, the Lightning were just outplayed from the swcond period on. They had their opportunities as they missed more than one open net.
Scoring for the Lightning were:
1. White from DJ
2. Miracle from Baldy
3. DJ from White
No shot count was kept for the game.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Scoring for the Lightning were:
1. White from DJ
2. Miracle from Baldy
3. DJ from White
No shot count was kept for the game.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Re: Game Update
And as the horn blows, the Lightning look to get out of Michigan following an 8-3 Midget loss and an 0-4 record combined as an organization. The Peewee's lost 2, the Bantams 1 and the Midgets 1.
So we look forward to better things in Canada.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Sent: Thu Dec 28 22:13:39 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
And just like that, Trenton scores one off of the weak side on a defensive lapse off of a faceoff to make it 8-3.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 22:11:40 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
The Lightning score on a pretty 2 on on from Cameron to DJ to make it 7-3.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 22:07:45 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
But after an interference Trenton adds 2 more to make it 7-2 and at 10:12 of the 3rd, they pull Ryan and put in Sean. Ryan just didn't have it tonight.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 22:03:50 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
At 11:56 of the 3rd, the Lightning show some life as they make it 5-2.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:58:04 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
At the end of the 2nd pd, its 5-1 Trenton.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:57:07 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
These Trenton kids are smaller than we are but they are fast and skilled.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:50:43 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
Well, things aren't looking up as Trenton is really coming on as they now take a 5-1 lead.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:45:01 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
Things are beginning to turn as Trenton has gained the momentum. They have now scored on 2 rushes to make it 4-1.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:42:17 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
Just after the Lightning kill a power play, they turn the puck over in their end and it cost them as Trenton scores with 10:44 left in the 2nd.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:32:13 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
And 1 minute and 10 seconds later the Lightning answer on a scramble in front.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:29:46 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
Its a very well played game. Up and down the ice but with 3:48 left in the 1st, Trenton scores to make it 1-0.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:21:25 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
10:14 left in the 1st of a 0-0 tie. Very evenly played game.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:17:08 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
First shot on goal goes to the Lightning.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:15:56 2006
Subject: Game Update
And we're underway.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
So we look forward to better things in Canada.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Sent: Thu Dec 28 22:13:39 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
And just like that, Trenton scores one off of the weak side on a defensive lapse off of a faceoff to make it 8-3.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 22:11:40 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
The Lightning score on a pretty 2 on on from Cameron to DJ to make it 7-3.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 22:07:45 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
But after an interference Trenton adds 2 more to make it 7-2 and at 10:12 of the 3rd, they pull Ryan and put in Sean. Ryan just didn't have it tonight.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 22:03:50 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
At 11:56 of the 3rd, the Lightning show some life as they make it 5-2.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:58:04 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
At the end of the 2nd pd, its 5-1 Trenton.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:57:07 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
These Trenton kids are smaller than we are but they are fast and skilled.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:50:43 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
Well, things aren't looking up as Trenton is really coming on as they now take a 5-1 lead.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:45:01 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
Things are beginning to turn as Trenton has gained the momentum. They have now scored on 2 rushes to make it 4-1.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:42:17 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
Just after the Lightning kill a power play, they turn the puck over in their end and it cost them as Trenton scores with 10:44 left in the 2nd.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:32:13 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
And 1 minute and 10 seconds later the Lightning answer on a scramble in front.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:29:46 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
Its a very well played game. Up and down the ice but with 3:48 left in the 1st, Trenton scores to make it 1-0.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:21:25 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
10:14 left in the 1st of a 0-0 tie. Very evenly played game.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:17:08 2006
Subject: Re: Game Update
First shot on goal goes to the Lightning.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent: Thu Dec 28 21:15:56 2006
Subject: Game Update
And we're underway.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Game Update
And we're underway.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Game Update
The teams are warming up. Gametime soon.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
Midget Game Update
Hello everyone! Things are running a little behind here in Trenton. Our Bantams are on the ice still (down 5-1 with 12 seconds left).
I'll let you know when the puck drops.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
I'll let you know when the puck drops.
Cheers,
Roger
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Device
To Detroit
The teams got a break. They got to sleep in and catch a little more water park time. Thats where the "Fun" began. The 12 story Holiday Inn had three elevators, but only two were working. Because of the volume of people, it took an average of 20 minutes to catch an elevator. These delays set a bad tone for the day as it set us running a wee bit late.But alas, Master Planner Don Schaap had things well in control. The buses rolled into Trenton at 2:00 and the stop was nothing other than the Porcelain Palace..... The Famous White Castle Hamburger restaurant. Forty minutes later, the buses were rolling again towards Joe Louis Arena and the PeeWee's special game at "The Joe".
Yea, its that special of a Barn!
The PeeWee's finished their game losing 6-1 to a team called the Eagles. After they changed back into their street clothes, the teams got on the "People Mover", an elevated subway that loops around downtown Detroit. The People Mover is nearly 3 stories above ground. Dinner was in "Greek Town" which was on the opposite side of the loop. Players were partnered up in groups of 5 with their chaperons and went to different restaurants and returned to "The Joe" in their groups.
The People Mover was nearly empty when the teams boarded towards Greektown, but on the way back, it was a much different experience. They were packed on the cars like sardines with Red Wing jerseys everywhere. At each stop more people tried to fit on the train cars. Once reaching the arena, everyone piled out of the cars and into the arena.
From the top rows of Joe Louis arena, the players got to see the Red Wings beat the Minnesota Wild 3-1. After the game, the teams boarded the bus once again to head back to the rink in Trenton where the Midgets along with some Bantams were to meet their hosting families. The rest headed to the Best Western only a few blocks from the Rink.It was a rather busy and fun filled day.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
At The Water Park
The team finally arrived back at the hotel around 8:45. By the time the rooms were assigned the players were only going to have about 45 minutes in the water park before it closed. The decision was made to have pizza after the water park closed and to get the players some time in the park.
The schedule has been adjusted. Instead of leaving at 8am, the teams will depart at 10am, allowing another 30 minutes of water park time before the team departs.
The schedule has been adjusted. Instead of leaving at 8am, the teams will depart at 10am, allowing another 30 minutes of water park time before the team departs.
Midgets tie Columbus 4-4 in Trip Opener!
Game one is in the book for the Carolina Lighting Midgets with a 4-4 tie against the Columbus Capitals Tuesday, December 26 in Columbus.
The Lightning jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead at the end of the first period on goals by Hayman, Danku and Sirois. The Capitals stormed back in the 2nd period to knot the game at 3-3. The Capitals looked like they had all the momentum when they took a 4-3 lead in the third, but with the goalie pulled and 14 seconds left, Miracle tied the score. The game ended in a 4-4 tie.
Across town, the Pee-Wee's won their game 3-2.
The Lightning jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead at the end of the first period on goals by Hayman, Danku and Sirois. The Capitals stormed back in the 2nd period to knot the game at 3-3. The Capitals looked like they had all the momentum when they took a 4-3 lead in the third, but with the goalie pulled and 14 seconds left, Miracle tied the score. The game ended in a 4-4 tie.
Across town, the Pee-Wee's won their game 3-2.
The Adventure Begins
Reczone, Raleigh -- The sun had not risen but 40+ sons and daughters were rising. A caravan of Sport Utility Vehicals trickeled into the RecZone parking lot where two buses stood, doors open, to begin a great adventure for a group of amazing kids and their chaperones.
Equipment bags in the back, luggage and supplies in the front bay were the instructions being called out to the players as they arrived. Don Schapp was hurrying around like a beaver directing parents and players, collecting documentation and solving problems. Two trucks unloaded cases of water and Gatoraid and boxes of donated snacks. For this first leg, the midgets (16 years old and under) would have a bus as well as the Pee Wee's (12 & under). The Bantams (14 & under) would be split between the two buses.
Time passed. Not everyone had gotten the iteneriry change, and the 7am departure happened closer to 8am. The sun rose, the cloudes opened up to a bright blue sky. To chorus of "Good Luck!! Have fun" from the parents waving to their departing players and with that two tour busses began the Carolina Lighting 2006-07 International Hockey Tour.
The enterainment was "The Rookie" and a Canada Trivia game hosted by Coach Danku. The buses detoured at Greensboro to pick up the actual drivers for the trip. Rain greeted the team as they arrived in West Virginia.
The teams pulled into Tamarak for lunch around 12:30 pm after seeing the first snow along I-77. The team arrived at the rink in Columbus a little before 6pm and the Midgets prepared for battle.
Equipment bags in the back, luggage and supplies in the front bay were the instructions being called out to the players as they arrived. Don Schapp was hurrying around like a beaver directing parents and players, collecting documentation and solving problems. Two trucks unloaded cases of water and Gatoraid and boxes of donated snacks. For this first leg, the midgets (16 years old and under) would have a bus as well as the Pee Wee's (12 & under). The Bantams (14 & under) would be split between the two buses.
Time passed. Not everyone had gotten the iteneriry change, and the 7am departure happened closer to 8am. The sun rose, the cloudes opened up to a bright blue sky. To chorus of "Good Luck!! Have fun" from the parents waving to their departing players and with that two tour busses began the Carolina Lighting 2006-07 International Hockey Tour.
The enterainment was "The Rookie" and a Canada Trivia game hosted by Coach Danku. The buses detoured at Greensboro to pick up the actual drivers for the trip. Rain greeted the team as they arrived in West Virginia.
The teams pulled into Tamarak for lunch around 12:30 pm after seeing the first snow along I-77. The team arrived at the rink in Columbus a little before 6pm and the Midgets prepared for battle.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Happy Holidays -- Ready to go!
Welcome to the Carolina Lightning International Tour Blog. We wish each and ever one of you a Happy Holiday. We expect your house hold is as busy as ours, getting ready for all the normal festivities at the same time getting ready to send your player on a great weekend.
While several parents are coming a long, a majority of you are staying behind. We are creating this blog to help you keep up with the adventures our young men and women are heading on.
So book mark this site for photos, up-to-the minute game updates, and with hopefully messages from the players as we move along.
While several parents are coming a long, a majority of you are staying behind. We are creating this blog to help you keep up with the adventures our young men and women are heading on.
So book mark this site for photos, up-to-the minute game updates, and with hopefully messages from the players as we move along.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
