The Jr. Flyers squirt minor team won their first weekend sweep of the season this past weekend having defeated the Mercer Chiefs 3 – 1 and the New Jersey Titans 7 – 3.

It was an exhilarating weekend for a team who has been through some very trying times this season. Despite the losses, head coach Will Thomas and his staff constantly preach to the team that it is all about the work effort. “I tell the team all the time that every time you step on the ice that you ask yourself, what am I going to do to help my team” stated Thomas. “It isn’t always about the wins and losses, but it is about the compete level and it’s about the logo on the front of the jersey and not the name on the back of it” staid Thomas.

Despite their record the boys have had fun. “The atmosphere has been what you’d expect from a 9U team” Said Thomas. “They laugh, sing, dance around. Team unity is important, especially at this level. They look forward to coming to the rink, being with their teammates, their friends” added Thomas.

The positive atmosphere played an important role this past weekend. “We played two really good teams” stated Thomas. “First up was the Chiefs. We knew that their closing speed was fast. We explained to our team the importance of moving the puck quickly and positioning. The offense keep pressure up, moved the puck and came away with some nice goals. Our defense held their line and keep starting up the rush with skating or passing for a breakout. Both O and D worked hard. The second game played out the same. Our team came back against the Titans with the same drive. Skating hard, competing and doing what they could every shift. Despite two quick goals they never stopped working and walked away with a decisive win. On top of the level of play the team put out was two outstanding jobs done by our goalies. They always play consistently well to help their team” added Thomas.

With the season starting to wind down, Thomas has some goals that he would to for the team to accomplish. “I’d like to see the boys continue to work hard and put out their very best effort. They’ve been through a lot and ending the season on a high positive note is what they deserve” concluded Thomas.