It feels really good writing the Blog this week!  I thought that last Saturday night’s game was the most complete four quarters we have played so far this year. This game was fun to watch and was made more fun by winning.  I would be lying to say I wasn’t concerned at the beginning of the 2^nd half but I felt much better as the game went on.

There were many key points to this game and here are a few:

-     We were 5/7 on the power play and 2/4 in man down situations.  NO penalties in the 2^nd half.

-     Good ball movement with great offensive output from Westervelt, (4g-1a) Giles (3g-3a), Mitchell (3g-2a), Wailes (1g-6a) and four other players scoring 1g each.  I told you a few blogs back that Drew would break out soon and (he did)!  Mitchell was on fire.

-     We had tenacious defense even without Wray who was coaching (his college).  We held Steenhuis to two assists which is no small task.  There was some serious hitting going on.

-     Jordan Levine was everywhere and picked up nine loose balls!

-     Miller was big in goal; Snider owned the face-offs (26/29) and showed great leadership throughout the game.

-     Outstanding preparation and game management by the coaching staff.

I could mention something about everyone because this was a complete team effort.  One victory does not a season make but the momentum from this win will make a big difference going against the NLL Champions next week in Calgary. 

A few more of my insights:

-     This victory was not only a product of a great effort Saturday night but hard work throughout the season. What the coaches have been teaching clicked last game and needs to continue.

-     Owners do not win games…coaches and players do. Saturday night was their victory. We have stuck together as an organization and worked to overcome key injuries and for one night we saw the results we have wished for all season. No excuses just facts.

-     As fans you deserved this win. I give you the “game ball” for staying with us.

Buffalo is a tough team to beat at home and now we move to Calgary where it will only get tougher.  I get the sense from our team that they can’t wait for this game.  I can’t predict what will happen, but I feel sure they will play with the same intensity and discipline we saw against the Bandits. If they do….who knows?