The U19 Aussie women canceled on our early morning scrimmage. Instead, the Colombian U23 men were willing to play. I swallowed hard and accepted the challenge. It ended up being the best decision we made so far in this four day pre tourney practice period.
Of course we were awed by their speed, size and strength. They were beautiful to watch. But something happened to our boys. They stepped up. Every one of our players upped their game. We dropped, we fought, we cycled, we chased, we harassed and we even scored.
Tristan Debrunner had a great game. Fit and aggressive, Tristan stopped the Colombians repeatedly. Conrad Dale used his size and speed to move our puck into scoring position. Our young S.F. Boys attacked and controlled the puck. Samuel Mariani and Jake Meisenheimer had their best scrimmage and Peter Derrick really started to sync up with the team. I was proud of them. At halftime, I swam up to them and Tristan said "this is so fun!" It was a breakout game for our team. Do you believe in miracles? Well, no... Final score: eleven to one. Cheers and handshakes.
At our post scrimmage debrief, I asked each player what they thought and they all said how much fun they had. I told them how much improvement they made in weak side support and they agreed that they learned from the last match and applied better positioning. It showed. The U23 Colombian men are the defending world champions in their age group and once again, we didn't back down.
Our afternoon scrimmage was again with the Colombian U19 women. We played them yesterday and after this game, the Colombian coach said we showed dramatic improvement in our positioning, passing and teamwork. Final score: USA five, Colombia one.
Official practice starts tomorrow and opening ceremonies two days later. Tomorrow, we're confirmed for a scrimmage with the New Zealand U23 women who just happen to be the defending champions in their age group. I know they'll bring out the best in us.
Tom Brown and Samuel Sr hung our U.S. Flag on the flag rail. (Yes Carol, we hung it correctly). Thanks to all who are reading these updates for your replies of support and encouragement. Can't answer them all but they are appreciated. I read a letter from Max Van Rechem (USA UWH VP Development) at our pre dinner meeting and the boys were moved and inspired. Thank you Max.
We're ready.
Of course we were awed by their speed, size and strength. They were beautiful to watch. But something happened to our boys. They stepped up. Every one of our players upped their game. We dropped, we fought, we cycled, we chased, we harassed and we even scored.
Tristan Debrunner had a great game. Fit and aggressive, Tristan stopped the Colombians repeatedly. Conrad Dale used his size and speed to move our puck into scoring position. Our young S.F. Boys attacked and controlled the puck. Samuel Mariani and Jake Meisenheimer had their best scrimmage and Peter Derrick really started to sync up with the team. I was proud of them. At halftime, I swam up to them and Tristan said "this is so fun!" It was a breakout game for our team. Do you believe in miracles? Well, no... Final score: eleven to one. Cheers and handshakes.
At our post scrimmage debrief, I asked each player what they thought and they all said how much fun they had. I told them how much improvement they made in weak side support and they agreed that they learned from the last match and applied better positioning. It showed. The U23 Colombian men are the defending world champions in their age group and once again, we didn't back down.
Our afternoon scrimmage was again with the Colombian U19 women. We played them yesterday and after this game, the Colombian coach said we showed dramatic improvement in our positioning, passing and teamwork. Final score: USA five, Colombia one.
Official practice starts tomorrow and opening ceremonies two days later. Tomorrow, we're confirmed for a scrimmage with the New Zealand U23 women who just happen to be the defending champions in their age group. I know they'll bring out the best in us.
Tom Brown and Samuel Sr hung our U.S. Flag on the flag rail. (Yes Carol, we hung it correctly). Thanks to all who are reading these updates for your replies of support and encouragement. Can't answer them all but they are appreciated. I read a letter from Max Van Rechem (USA UWH VP Development) at our pre dinner meeting and the boys were moved and inspired. Thank you Max.
We're ready.