Trinity Puck Season Preview

Winter is approaching which means puck season is here, and today we had a preseason matchup between your very own Holy Trinity Titans and the Blyth Academy Bruins. Even though this is just a preseason tune up, it is a vital game for Coach Consoli, as he makes the final cuts and adjustments to what he wants to be a championship caliber team after an 8-1-2 record last season, and a place in last year’s GHAC final. There is a mix of returning players, led by newly named Captain Eric Hansen, and newcomers are fighting for roster spots, as nothing is guaranteed.

Preseason Game: Blyth Academy Bruins (27-27-5, in 2014/15) vs. Holy Trinity Titans (0-3-0 in 2015/16 Preseason)

Trinity was in for quite a game, as Blyth is known for icing strong teams every season, and have a reputation as a high scoring team. Early on Trinity controlled the pace of the game, with a strong forecheck that kept Blyth in their own end. The Titans showed their physicality all game long, finishing their checks and grinding out the battles along the boards with enthusiasm and energy early on. Grade 12 student Reed Watson got the start between the pipes, and kept HT in it during an early Blyth powerplay that came shortly after Holy Trinity had their own. Both goalies were looking solid early on, with Trinity’s best chance coming after the Bruin’s goalie flew out for a poke check, resulting in the puck dribbling by the post.

The score was 0-0 by the end of the 1st, and the second start out with a bang when Nate Taylor laid out a huge hit, resulting in cheers and energy from Trinity’s bench. The Titans showed great ability in the offensive zone, putting pucks on net and screening the opposing goalie’s view, but Blyth was ultimately better early on in the 2nd, pressuring Trinity’s defense and forcing Watson to make saves. Super senior student Michael Gironda entered the goal with 7 minutes left in the 2nd, relieving Watson for the rest of the game, and was tested early but proved up to the task, saving a goal with 2.4 seconds remaining in the period, with a scrum ensuing and penalties carrying over to the 3rd.

The tension and competitiveness increased in the 3rd, with both teams taking part in post-whistle antics, proving that this was much more than just a preseason scrimmage. Blyth had more powerplay time during the 3rd, due to undisciplined penalties by Trinity, but failed to convert on those chances. The game slowed down during this period, both sides being wary of mistakes as the game neared its end and every play mattered. With four minutes to play, a roughing penalty by Taylor allowed Blyth to finally break the scoreless tie, with Curtis Anderson scoring a powerplay goal and giving them the late lead. Trinity got one more opportunity with a late powerplay, with Coach Consoli pulling the goalie for an extra attacker, giving them a 6 on 4 for the final few minutes of the third. Unfortunately, this would be as far as Holy Trinity got, as Guillem Torner scored two empty net goals to seal the win for Blyth.

Final Score: Blyth Academy 3, Holy Trinity 0.

Post-Game

Despite the loss, the strong performance by the Titans early on had the team with good hopes for the future: “The road to OFSAA is a tough one and it's a grind, but it's always a fun one. The boys are strapped in for the long run,” said Grade 12 student Brandon D’Andreis.

Last year’s starting goalie Michael Gironda had this to say about the late goal by Blyth: “Should have been a tie game, with how well we played. I thought I had that goal, but we did our best and are moving on to the next game."

Captain Eric Hansen also spoke on behalf of his team: “I like the effort I saw out there as a team today and I'm really excited for what's to come, it’s going to be a great season.”

Three Stars:

3: Nate Taylor

2: Michael Sputore

1: Eric Hansen

The Titans have two more preseason games, November 13th vs. Waterdown, and November 16th at Mount Carmel. They kick off their regular season on November 23rd, versus CTK. Come out and support your Titan Boys during this season!

GOOOO TITANS!

#sports #hockey