On ice work and off ice fun was the theme for Saturday.
The Atom AEs were facing a strong St Mary's Rock squad on the Flag's home ice and they would have to work hard as always to remain competitive. For most of the game they would do just that but the third period was a game changer with the Rock overpowering the Mooretown lads resulting in a loss for our hometown boys.
Later that day, the boys looked forward to a team get together at the NHL Alumni game at Sarnia arena. The vehicles were loaded up with Jr Flags and team staff for the evening outing. Thoughts would be with Xander Blair who was "day to day" with an illness that would keep him out of the line-up tonight.
Once all the cats were herded up, they entered the arena with the players sitting at ice level in hopes of seeing the Great One. Although he wasn't in the building, they were excited to see #99's father and brother as well as the likes of Al Iafrate, John Ogrodnick, Brad Marsh as well as local favourites Todd Bidner and Jason Simon. With enough candy and chips to feed an army, smiles were on their faces throughout the night as the NHL "oldtimers" battled a local law enforcement team sponsored by the Sarnia Police Association. Two periods of hockey with a skills competition was just enough entertainment for the team chaperones. Although the team was well behaved, fifteen excited boys without any hockey moms present is enough to rattle even the most calmest of the men in charge.
It was a good night out for all and a nice team bonding event prior to a rematch against the Petrolia Oilers in their next game. Everyone looks forward to #18 being back with the team!
