October 30, 2007 Mudbugs 4, Steelhounds 5
Anyone else (besides me) hearing the song “I Got You Babe” (from the film Groundhog Day) in their head these days? How about Yogi Berra’s infamous “It’s like deja vu all over again” quote? (I'm going to forgo the obvious Halloween nightmare references.) Did someone ship the Chicago Cubs’ goat-curse south via FedEx? Is there wailing and gnashing of teeth in the Mudbug Nation? Well, for some people, the answer to that last question is yes. For me, it’s an emphatic no.
Yes, the Mudbugs always seem to begin the season slowly. Last year at this time, they were 1-2-2, wtih a whopping 4 points. Yes, those losses were mostly to teams outside of the NE division; whereas, this season’s heartbreakers have all been to NE division rivals. There is some concern in that stat. But, I’m still hanging with this team. I saw the spark, the energy, the talent, the teamwork from this latest group of Mudbugs last Saturday night in North Richland Hills.
Last night’s loss was more maddening--for me anyway-- than the one to the Brahmas simply because the team stopped playing smart hockey. Referee Ian Croft didn’t help either, but I don’t blame him for the loss. I didn’t see enough teamwork in the second half of the game by the Mudbugs. The amount of disconnect amongst the players seemed almost palpable. I think they wanted to win, but I don’t think they believed they could win. Big difference. And the wins won’t come until they believe in themselves and each other and trust that sixty minutes of Mudbugs hockey will get the job done.
Not to take anything away from Youngstown, Coach Kaminksi has assembled a dangerous team. They and the Laredo Bucks are now the only two teams left in the league which are undefeated. The ‘Hounds pushed and pressed when they had to last night, were better at getting a guy parked in front of the net for passes and rebounds, and they were rewarded for their hard work with a win. Some of their stickwork found its way to Mudbug bodies instead of to the puck, and that’s where Ian Croft gets an F from me. I’m sure the next time the Bugs and Hounds meet, Darryl Lloyd will remind the Dawgs of a certain spearing that went ignored.
So, it’s on to Friday’s game with the Riverkings making a return trip to the CTC. I wonder if Larry Sterling will continue his job as doorman. He pretty good at it....
Yes, the Mudbugs always seem to begin the season slowly. Last year at this time, they were 1-2-2, wtih a whopping 4 points. Yes, those losses were mostly to teams outside of the NE division; whereas, this season’s heartbreakers have all been to NE division rivals. There is some concern in that stat. But, I’m still hanging with this team. I saw the spark, the energy, the talent, the teamwork from this latest group of Mudbugs last Saturday night in North Richland Hills.
Last night’s loss was more maddening--for me anyway-- than the one to the Brahmas simply because the team stopped playing smart hockey. Referee Ian Croft didn’t help either, but I don’t blame him for the loss. I didn’t see enough teamwork in the second half of the game by the Mudbugs. The amount of disconnect amongst the players seemed almost palpable. I think they wanted to win, but I don’t think they believed they could win. Big difference. And the wins won’t come until they believe in themselves and each other and trust that sixty minutes of Mudbugs hockey will get the job done.
Not to take anything away from Youngstown, Coach Kaminksi has assembled a dangerous team. They and the Laredo Bucks are now the only two teams left in the league which are undefeated. The ‘Hounds pushed and pressed when they had to last night, were better at getting a guy parked in front of the net for passes and rebounds, and they were rewarded for their hard work with a win. Some of their stickwork found its way to Mudbug bodies instead of to the puck, and that’s where Ian Croft gets an F from me. I’m sure the next time the Bugs and Hounds meet, Darryl Lloyd will remind the Dawgs of a certain spearing that went ignored.
So, it’s on to Friday’s game with the Riverkings making a return trip to the CTC. I wonder if Larry Sterling will continue his job as doorman. He pretty good at it....
posted by HeidiB at 8:47 PM
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