DO NOT TAKE VICTORY FOR GRANTED

In recent weeks, we have been able to attend several games that ended in a shootout. This is already a sign in itself that the level of the teams's competitiveness is on the right path. But besides this aspect, we could also witness several spectacular comebacks in the last weeks. Indeed, several teams have seen their lead melt away and the momentum changing side in a blink of an eye.

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Do not take victory for granted...that's what the Montreal Canadiens probably did against the Columbus Blue Jackets (0-10 defeat)

Yesterday, it was the case between the Vipers and Czechers, two teams who have had their share of adversity since the beginning of the season. In the case of the Vipers, this is even more dramatic because they are still looking for their first win after several tight defeats. The game began in favor of the latter, who quickly took a 3-0 lead on their opponents. However, for some reason that could not be explained, they could not withstand a surge of the men in gray who have not only caught up, but eventually double their lead. Frustration and misunderstanding could be felt in the yellow team, and rightly so. Everything seemed to go well, cohesion seemed to have finally settled in the team led by Ludovic Helias; perhaps an ingredient for success is lacking, or maybe they have taken their opponents as defeated... Anyway, something must be done to change that.

The last game of the evening was also held in a dramatic way. After taking a slight lead early in the game, Paul Rosa's Shamrocks conceded a couple of goals to their opponents the Kamikazes, who led 4-2 until midway through the third period. Did they also took their opponents lightly or was it that the Shamrocks were able to find energy in their reserves, but for whatever reason we saw the men in green score two quick goals to tie the game, and a third with less than two minutes to escape with the win! The consternation was felt in Sebastien Mainville's team, who for medical reasons could not wear his equipment but came to support his team as coach. On the other side, the players lived that moment with a mix of incredulity and joy, as if they had done proving to the other teams and especially to themselves that you should never take victory for granted!

In yesterday's games, we have learned that in sport, especially hockey, the pace of a game can change in a matter of minutes when giving less efforts. Respect for the opponent does not mean only to play clean, but also to never underestimate him.

The likely trades in the coming weeks, if there's any, will be used to balance the weaker teams, those who fail to win despite all their efforts, and to weaken a little those who are too strong. You should probably not expect big moves, and that all the problems will be solved by these trades. Those who play alone or do not make passes and criticize their teammates without looking in the mirror will have to do so.

Victory in hockey is achieved by the combined efforts of the 11 guys that make up the team. So try to come to your games as often as possible, because your teammates are counting on you! Teams whose players are absent a lot have difficulty to achieve victory, we can witness that every week. Everyone is aware that other obligations may prevent the opportunity to come to the game, but when a player is more often absent than present, no matter their level of talent it penalizes everyone else also. You have the privilege to play in a league like no other, one that despite some problems and challenges, is trying to offer the best hockey experience possible; it is for you now to enjoy!

With that in mind, see you next week!

Jacob Poliquin