This is Joseph Narsa’s second round of blogging on hockey at York. He’s been getting in touch with their coach, checking up on exhibition games, and getting sense of how this year will go. Joseph has an unrelenting passion for hockey, sports and writing. He has his own blog on HockeyBuzz.com at my.hockeybuzz.com/joeynarsa50.
Game on.
Watching the Lions’ play their first game at home, even in exhibition season showed a lot about this year’s team. These Lions are very physical, and oh baby – is it fun to watch. They never miss an opportunity to finish a check, they skate hard through every hit, and the bench is roaring after a huge hit. They play a fast paced game that I don’t believe many teams will be able to skate with. Their speed is consistent throughout their lineup. Ryerson was unable to match the compete level throughout one of their exhibition games. The Rams visibly showed signs of tiredness many times during the game.
The men’s team definitely has the hard working personality that Coach Jim Wells spoke to me about in my last post. However, they are also a thorn in the opposition’s side.
This team chirps non-stop and to be honest it’s really fun to watch. The Rams were very frustrated with the Lions and almost took an unsportsmanlike penalty after a big hit.
This team has a pack mentality and you can feel it when you watch them on the ice.
There is always 5 men in on a scrum and there is never a skater near their goaltender. The Lions’ refuse to lose in compete level whether it be by out-skating, out-hitting, or out-chirping. These boys absolutely play some fun hockey.
The only problem that must be overcome with this rambunctious bunch is the parade to the penalty box, that was definitely on display against the Rams. The Lions were up 2-0 and were 4/4 on the penalty kill and had even killed off a 5 on 3 but the penalties just kept on coming.
LIONS ON THE PENALTY KILL KILLING THE 5on3 IN THE SECOND PERIOD.
Thanks to all the penalties taken the Lions’ let the Rams back into the game and Ryerson was able to take the lead 3-2. Although, the boys were able to come back and squeak out the win (while killing a penalty to end the game). It was definitely not the most disciplined game by the team.
There is a fine line between being physical, frustrating, a pain to play against and just being undisciplined. The Lions were able to dance on that line during their tilt with the Rams, but if this continues to be a pattern this team’s personality will be a negative. The best pests are the ones that never skate to the box. The hardest team to play against is the one that can get you off of your game. The Lions needs to make sure if they continue to play this agitating style of play that they remain disciplined, or they will be behind the eight ball a lot this season.
Wow Moment
I have to say going to the game I was very excited. The stands were decently packed and the atmosphere was an attempt to recreate a Pro Game. What failed in that attempt and what threw me off was for all the sound checks and very loud goal announcements. The Lions’ skated on to the ice to start the game with no entrance music. Wow, all the intensity felt during a hockey game comes from the entrance. I myself make it a priority to never miss the entrance at a sporting event because it is a spectacle to watch. There is also an intimidation factor in having a grand entrance. To me The Lions’ Den should be intimidating. Without that entrance music, it’s a bit deflating.
Joseph Narsa
Contributor
