In two previous meetings with the Kingston Voyageurs, tonight's opponents for the Otters at the Jack Bionda Arena, Huntsville has certainly made a game of it.
Losses are losses, but defeats by scores of 5-2 here in October and 6-4 at the Invista Centre November 19 certainly aren't the types of shellackings like the one Bramalea suffered at the hands of the Voyageurs last Friday by a 13-1 count.
So how do you stop a team with so much offensive firepower from winnig their seventh straight? Simple. You beat them at thier own game.
Take a look at the top three teams in this league - what do Kingston, Oakville and Georgetown all have in common?
Quick puck movement which usually leads to longer puck possession, which usually leads to greater QUALITY scoring chances.
Kingston has the best shots per game ratio in the league (total of 1,932 which averages out to 44 per game) BUT theyve also given up the second most shots against (total of 1,329 or just under 29 shots per game.) The Otters are fourth in both categories.
The Otters have been guity at times this season of either playing down to the level of their opponent, but on the positive side, they've also at times played up to the level of their opponent.
Case and point less than 24 hours ago...staying with the Terriers for two periods before deciding they were in charge in the 3rd, putting the 4th place overall team away 4-2.
if brian o'leary has video of last night's win, he should show it to his troops about 90 minutes prior to the opening faceoff.
Positive reinforcement - it's what makes winning contagious. Otters fans hope the players catch it.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Huntsville doubles Couchching 4-2
Jordan Forfar had two goals and an assist , while Cameron Brace potted a marker and had two helpers as the Huntsville Otters beat the Couchching Terriers 4-2 tonight at the Rama MASK.
The Otters. who led 2-1 after one and were tied at 2 after 40 minutes of play, scored two unanswered goals in the final frame to seal the victory.
Dan Barnett also scored for Huntsville - his team leading 25th of the season.
Thomas Shelley turned aside just 17 Terrier shots in getting his 7th win since joining the Otters in a trade with the Brampton Capitals.
Huntsville returns home to host the league leading Kingston Voyageurs at the Jack Bionda tomorrow night at 7:30.
The Otters. who led 2-1 after one and were tied at 2 after 40 minutes of play, scored two unanswered goals in the final frame to seal the victory.
Dan Barnett also scored for Huntsville - his team leading 25th of the season.
Thomas Shelley turned aside just 17 Terrier shots in getting his 7th win since joining the Otters in a trade with the Brampton Capitals.
Huntsville returns home to host the league leading Kingston Voyageurs at the Jack Bionda tomorrow night at 7:30.
Matt Symth could join the century club tonight - at the expense of the Otters
When Couchching hosts Huntsville at the RAMA Mask tonight, Matt Smyth, arguably one of the most talented players to play Junior A hockey in several years, has the opportunity to break the 100 point plateau. He sits at 99 (50g, 49a) and could place tonights game on his resume - at the expense of the Otters.
Entering his 45th game of the season, Smyth, the former first round pick of the Brampton Batallion, has only been held off the scoresheet five times. The Otters know this stat very well.
You see they are one of the five teams (Villanova twice, Buffalo and Vaughan the others) who have held Smyth off the scoresheet. Huntsville performed that feat at home November 29th in a 6-2 win.
In a season that has had its share of ups and downs for the Otters, a win over the Terriers, plus blanking Mr. Smyth, would be a great morale booster heading back home to face the OJAHL's version of the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens, otherwise known as the Kingston Voyageurs tomorrow night.
Entering his 45th game of the season, Smyth, the former first round pick of the Brampton Batallion, has only been held off the scoresheet five times. The Otters know this stat very well.
You see they are one of the five teams (Villanova twice, Buffalo and Vaughan the others) who have held Smyth off the scoresheet. Huntsville performed that feat at home November 29th in a 6-2 win.
In a season that has had its share of ups and downs for the Otters, a win over the Terriers, plus blanking Mr. Smyth, would be a great morale booster heading back home to face the OJAHL's version of the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens, otherwise known as the Kingston Voyageurs tomorrow night.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Hard One To Figure Out
Strange game. Couldnt make it out tonight, but judging by first hand accounts and from what I can glean on PS, the homeside kept themselves in this one for pretty much half the game -its the second half that it seemed to fall apart.
After the big 9-5 win over Aurora last Sunday, and holding the Golden Hawks scoreless tonight after 1, you would think the Otters would be able to take full advantage of another team ahead of them in the standings. After all, anyone can win on any given night.
Dane Horvats marker on the PP seemed to be the start and the spark they were looking for, taking the 1-0 lead.
But from there it went downhill.
Another game where Huntsville outshot their opponents. Has to be frustrating as much for the players as much if not more than the fans to get so many rubber at the opposition netminder, only to be thwarted time and time again.
The salt in the old wound came courtesy of the PP. Otters had 11 - count em 11 - other chances with the man advantage, but couldnt capitalize.
Next up, Oakville. Mother said there would be days, or times in the schedule, like this.
After the big 9-5 win over Aurora last Sunday, and holding the Golden Hawks scoreless tonight after 1, you would think the Otters would be able to take full advantage of another team ahead of them in the standings. After all, anyone can win on any given night.
Dane Horvats marker on the PP seemed to be the start and the spark they were looking for, taking the 1-0 lead.
But from there it went downhill.
Another game where Huntsville outshot their opponents. Has to be frustrating as much for the players as much if not more than the fans to get so many rubber at the opposition netminder, only to be thwarted time and time again.
The salt in the old wound came courtesy of the PP. Otters had 11 - count em 11 - other chances with the man advantage, but couldnt capitalize.
Next up, Oakville. Mother said there would be days, or times in the schedule, like this.
No broadcast tonight
Sorry folks - competing schedules results in no broadcast tonight vs. Trenton. Will be back Sunday afternoon when the Otters play host to Oakville. Pre-game begins at 2:30. Watch for game link tomorrow.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Just Win Baby - regardless of who you're playing
It's pretty much down to the short strokes for your hometown heroes. 12 games left in the regular season, and 12 points back of the final playoff spot heading into Friday's tilt with Trenton at the Jack.
Being told to get out there and support your Otters is a bit like reminding you to take your significant other out on your anniversary - you gotta do it.
The mandatory stuff out of the way, the trick for Huntsville the next four games is to not only win, but do it all against top five teams in the Division of 15: Trenton Friday, Oakville Sunday, Couchching next Thursday at Rama then back home next Friday night against (cue horror movie music) Kingston!
Now before you cringe, consider the following two very important points:
-three of those four tilts take place at home. This is where fan supoort is key folks. Get out there, holler, scream, and "Let's Go Otters" til you have not a whisper left in your vocal chords. Nothing like a raucous Jack Bionda to get the Otters pumped (remember last year's semi final vs Kingston?)
-the "taking them too lightly" factor. Theres a VERY real possibility that four teams who pretty much have made the playoffs could take the Otters lightly - and don't think Brian O'Leary and gang don't think this. Reverse psychology is a powerful thing.
Tommorrow, we post some numbers for you to break down the matchups. No broadcast tomorrow night vs. Trenton, but we're back on the air Sunday afternoon when the Blades come to visit. Watch for the link on huntsvilleotters.com and via Twitter, (www.twitter.com/Mediaman2010)
Being told to get out there and support your Otters is a bit like reminding you to take your significant other out on your anniversary - you gotta do it.
The mandatory stuff out of the way, the trick for Huntsville the next four games is to not only win, but do it all against top five teams in the Division of 15: Trenton Friday, Oakville Sunday, Couchching next Thursday at Rama then back home next Friday night against (cue horror movie music) Kingston!
Now before you cringe, consider the following two very important points:
-three of those four tilts take place at home. This is where fan supoort is key folks. Get out there, holler, scream, and "Let's Go Otters" til you have not a whisper left in your vocal chords. Nothing like a raucous Jack Bionda to get the Otters pumped (remember last year's semi final vs Kingston?)
-the "taking them too lightly" factor. Theres a VERY real possibility that four teams who pretty much have made the playoffs could take the Otters lightly - and don't think Brian O'Leary and gang don't think this. Reverse psychology is a powerful thing.
Tommorrow, we post some numbers for you to break down the matchups. No broadcast tomorrow night vs. Trenton, but we're back on the air Sunday afternoon when the Blades come to visit. Watch for the link on huntsvilleotters.com and via Twitter, (www.twitter.com/Mediaman2010)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Big win a big step in the right direction
All Brian O'Leary has wanted this 09/10 season has been to have his team play an entire 60 minutes.
Play an entire 60 minutes in order to produce a win, that is.
The Otters were headed in that direction Friday night at home to Villanova. They got the early 2-0 lead, but then tightened up, eventually losing a close battle 4-3.
So you wouldnt be the only person (I put myself in that category) who thought playing a team higher in the standings Sunday in the form of the Aurora Tigers would produce the same result.
After Tyler McGee showed his leadership with two first period goals, Huntsville showed grit and determiniation to make sure what happened 48 hours earlier, didnt happen Sunday afternoon.
Even though it was tight until early in the 3rd, credit your hometown heroes. They reached down and kicked it into another gear. And they got to that other gear, thanks to even, balanced scoring. Cameron Brace showed his nose for the net and dazzling speed in chipping in with a pair.
But the grinders - James Oliver and Zach Robinson in particular - demonstrated that as mainly fourth liners this year, they have the potential to become very solid, two way players at the OJAHL level, or beyond.
The playoffs are quite a way down the highway right now, and with 13 games remaining, the gravel road is quickly approaching. It may take a mammoth feat for the Otters to make post season, but with efforts like the 9-5 win over the Tigers Sunday, it could be a heck of a final month of the regular season, especially with 7 of the next 9 Otter games at the Jack Bionda.
Buckle up, and enjoy.
Play an entire 60 minutes in order to produce a win, that is.
The Otters were headed in that direction Friday night at home to Villanova. They got the early 2-0 lead, but then tightened up, eventually losing a close battle 4-3.
So you wouldnt be the only person (I put myself in that category) who thought playing a team higher in the standings Sunday in the form of the Aurora Tigers would produce the same result.
After Tyler McGee showed his leadership with two first period goals, Huntsville showed grit and determiniation to make sure what happened 48 hours earlier, didnt happen Sunday afternoon.
Even though it was tight until early in the 3rd, credit your hometown heroes. They reached down and kicked it into another gear. And they got to that other gear, thanks to even, balanced scoring. Cameron Brace showed his nose for the net and dazzling speed in chipping in with a pair.
But the grinders - James Oliver and Zach Robinson in particular - demonstrated that as mainly fourth liners this year, they have the potential to become very solid, two way players at the OJAHL level, or beyond.
The playoffs are quite a way down the highway right now, and with 13 games remaining, the gravel road is quickly approaching. It may take a mammoth feat for the Otters to make post season, but with efforts like the 9-5 win over the Tigers Sunday, it could be a heck of a final month of the regular season, especially with 7 of the next 9 Otter games at the Jack Bionda.
Buckle up, and enjoy.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Another close one
Tough loss tonight. Otters doing a good job of jumping out to the early lead, but a sub 500 team cant have momentary lapses - a full 60 minutes is what will always get you the win.
On the visitors side, Chris Lochner did his part - and then some. Not only scored the game winning goal, but blocked one of three Phil Moreau shots from the point when the Otters had the extra attacker on with under a minute to play.
Cameron Brace scored in a losing cause - pretty down low tic tac toe play to tie the game late in the second. Charlie Millen was strong and kept his rebounds to a minimum - the second goal he probably wished to have back was a weak backhander.
24 hours to rest for the home side...Aurora here Sunday afternoon. If Steve Mitchell comes, itll be another video game, regardless we'll have the pregame show beginning at 2:50. Check back for the link to the game either late Saturday or early Sunday morning,
On the visitors side, Chris Lochner did his part - and then some. Not only scored the game winning goal, but blocked one of three Phil Moreau shots from the point when the Otters had the extra attacker on with under a minute to play.
Cameron Brace scored in a losing cause - pretty down low tic tac toe play to tie the game late in the second. Charlie Millen was strong and kept his rebounds to a minimum - the second goal he probably wished to have back was a weak backhander.
24 hours to rest for the home side...Aurora here Sunday afternoon. If Steve Mitchell comes, itll be another video game, regardless we'll have the pregame show beginning at 2:50. Check back for the link to the game either late Saturday or early Sunday morning,
Otters host Villanova Knights tonight
Hey folks, it's the M man back after a, uh, somewhat extended holiday break. :)
We'll have tonight's Otters/Knights game from the Jack Bionda beginning with the pre-game show at 7:20.
Our good friend Joe Montesano from the Knights play by play crew will call the first and third, while I provide colour, and Ill call the game in the second.
Otters looking to rebound after two losses this week, including a heartbreaker in OT last night in Brampton to the Capitals.
The link to tonights game is:www.ustream.tv/villanova-hockey
The Knights are hot, currently on a three game winning streak, and led by their leding scorer Chris Lochner, with 65 points.
Huntsville captain Dane Horvat has been no slouch either, posting 10 points (5G 5A) in his last five games.
Ill be back for a post game summary after the final buzzer.
We'll have tonight's Otters/Knights game from the Jack Bionda beginning with the pre-game show at 7:20.
Our good friend Joe Montesano from the Knights play by play crew will call the first and third, while I provide colour, and Ill call the game in the second.
Otters looking to rebound after two losses this week, including a heartbreaker in OT last night in Brampton to the Capitals.
The link to tonights game is:www.ustream.tv/villanova-hockey
The Knights are hot, currently on a three game winning streak, and led by their leding scorer Chris Lochner, with 65 points.
Huntsville captain Dane Horvat has been no slouch either, posting 10 points (5G 5A) in his last five games.
Ill be back for a post game summary after the final buzzer.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Otters Blues audio cast today
Hey fans.
Hope everyone had a great holiday and all the best in 2010!
Here's the link to today's game at the Jack beginning with the pregame show at 2:50
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/blues-vs-otters-january-3
Hope everyone had a great holiday and all the best in 2010!
Here's the link to today's game at the Jack beginning with the pregame show at 2:50
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/blues-vs-otters-january-3
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