2005 Season I
2002 SEASON I ARCHIVE| |
2004 SEASON I ARCHIVE| |
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July 15, 2005 |
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Mike's 2 Cents| |
Sunny Delight ended their season last night with a win making that two straight and winning six of their last seven games. The past two games against Black Ice and Elephant Riders were very similar and saw Sunny Delight struggle greatly in both games in the first half. The first halves of both games are the only negative parts of Sunny Delights otherwise successful weekend.
In the first game against Black Ice the Sunny Delight were down 5-2 at the end of the first half. After the week off nobody on the team was playing hard but that would quickly change. In the second half with a pep talk from team captain Jason Brito, the team exploded on both offense and defense scoring four unanswered goals and shutting down Black Ice completely. Sunny D eventually won in overtime from a goal by Jason. Both Jason and Mike Riggi continued their offensive brilliance with hat tricks, and Joe Riggi rejuvenated his offensive career by topping the night with four assists. Jenn had trouble in the beginning of the game, but really improved in the second half and made some key saves to keep Sunny D alive.
For the second game Sunny Delight played Elephant Riders to a 7-5 victory. Sunny Delight again struggled in the first half but another speech at half from Jason Brito had the team playing like they know they could. Sunny D literally dominated the second half and controlled the puck almost the entire half. With the final 3 minutes of the game Sunny Delight played their best hockey of the season. Jason, Brian, Mike and Joe did everything right and controlled the puck beautifully.
This weekend was really a great push for Sunny Delight going into the playoffs. Here are the reasons...
Joe Riggi really picked up his game towards the end of the season. Joe always did a nice job on defense but was great on offense. He clicked with his brother Mike and displayed a real gritty game that will fit well for the playoffs. Paul Durning ended his point drought this weekend and also played with real grit and determination in front of the net.
Mike Riggi over the weekend scored 5 goals and in the last three games has a total of 8 goals. Mike has scored a goal in every game this season with the exception of two and has developed into the purest offensive threat on the team. Mike will be counted on during the playoffs to be the teams main finisher.
Believe it or not, a positive part of this weekend was that Brian and Jason struggled. Did they play bad? Absolutely not, but they weren't themselves and yet the Sunny Delight still won. This is good because Sunny Delight didn't have to count on Jason or Brian dominating the game in order to win. It is a good sign that if Brian or Jason struggle in the playoffs, other guys can step up to win.
Even though Brian and Jason weren't themselves, they are still the two best players on the team and in the league. Jason and Brian on their worst games can still be at the top of the league and displayed it this weekend. Both players are the teams MVP's and will really be impressive in the playoffs.
Plenty of positives for the team, but there are negatives leading into the playoffs for Sunny Delight as well.
Dave will finally be returning to the team after his ridiculous four game suspension and will be put back with his line mate Mike Riggi. It is uncertain what kind of shape Dave is in, and how well he will mesh with the team after being gone for about a month.
Also with Dave returning that will unfortunatley force Joe Riggi to move back to defense. Will this weaken the offense for Sunny Delight? And will it possibly weaken the defense as well? Jason and Brian have come accustomed to playing most of the game rotating with Nick so that could be a possible problem.
With Dave and Mike reuniting, the other offensive line will be Paul and Fil. Those two really have to try and find a way to develop some offense on their own. The team will need two scoring lines for the playoffs so it is key that Paul and Fil work out some sort of strategy. The line needs to make clear who is going to finish most of the plays, who is going to carry the puck, who is going to battle in front of the net, who is going to be the primary play maker, and who is going to back check.
While Jenn has played great in the second half of the last two games, the first half has been a problem. Sunny Delight has been able to catch up in the past, but for the team to try and keep coming back from behind will be exhausting especially in the playoffs both mentally and physically. Jenn will have to find a way to duplicate her game in the second half for the first half.
Lots of things for the team to work on, but in all honesty Sunny Delight should be in the finals this year. If not it would be a disappointment.
That's my 2 cents for now, see you in the post-season bitches.
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SUNNY DELIGHT HOCKEY - Team Roster
2005 SUNNY DELIGHT HOCKEY
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