Tuesdays with Corey

This weekly feature ‘Tuesdays with Corey’ is inspired by a book called ‘Tuesdays with Morey’, written by the famous author Mitch Albom. In this motivational true story, Mitch reflects with his old university professor, Morey, about life lessons and how to live your life to the fullest.

This is Coach Crocker’s favourite book. Every Tuesday, Corey will give Rambler fans his personal thoughts of the past games and other related topics. He will also post his favourite weekly motivational quote and a tip for all young hockey players to use in practice. Enjoy!!!

Episode 1 – Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009

Hello Fans,

I hope you enjoy this feature ‘Tuesdays with Corey’. I am really excited to do this weekly feature and thanks for supporting our team.

Last weekend we travelled to Northern New Brunswick for a two game set to battle the Campbellton Tigers Friday night and Miramichi Timberwolves Saturday night. With a depleted line-up, the troops got on the bus searching for their first win in four games. To start the four hour bus ride, the guys fired in a movie to pass time and keep the squad occupied. This trip the movie of choice was Mystery Alaska. We have only watched this movie 25 times in the last four years, but it is a classic that the boys and coaching staff always enjoy watching (movie review – classic).  Two hours into our trip, we stopped in Miramichi to stretch our legs and get a quick snack; then we were off to our Campbellton destination to secure two points against the Tigers.

Upon arrival in the chilly town of Campbellton, we came to find out that Friday night’s game was going to be televised on Rogers TV – NB. We started slow out of the gate taking a few minor penalties but Jon Waye kept our team above par and our PK was exceptional. The Tigers certainly do not play their age or like a last place team. Young, energetic and disciplined would be the best way to describe the Tigers in the first period. 

The second period was much like the first, back and forth and both teams playing very good defensive hockey. Mid way through the 2^nd period, Boudreau jumped in down low from the point and accepted a nice backdoor pass from Matthews to put the Ramblers up 1-0. 

With a little pep talk during the second intermission the Ramblers came out in the third period with something to prove. Systematic, discipline, and smart would best describe the Ramblers in the third period. Matthews scored on the PP to put the Ramblers ahead. Boudreau then made a great decision to enter the play and finished what he went into the slot to do; he scored his second of the game and the rest is history. We won 3-1 and although the shots were in Campbellton’s favour, I don’t think they were accurate ...but oh well, what can you do?

Final thoughts on Campbellton – Two points, below zero temperature, snow, solid goaltending, strong defensive play, very good special teams and a meal at Dixie Lee equals a good night in Campbellton.

The squad returned to Amherst around 2:30am Saturday morning with visions of getting on the bus in 12 hours to head to Miramichi to battle the Timberwolves.  A little bitten by the flu bug, the Ramblers played a solid game against a very evenly matched Timberwolves team. Like Friday night, Jon Waye was solid between the pipes. 

Timberwolves defenseman Chris Owens was up to his old tricks again showing why he is an all star in the MJAHL. Making pro-like passes, Chris helped get the Timberwolves on the board first. We did not quit and with a gritty effort Coleman opened the scoring for the Ramblers with a second, third, and forth effort in front of the Timberwolves goaltender. Josh hacked at the puck until it got across the goal-line. The first period saw many bone crunching hits going both ways. 

We took a couple of undisciplined penalties again on Saturday night which cost us on one occasion. The boys learned a valuable lesson.  Matthews got his second goal of the weekend with a toe drag in the slot area and then snapping a shot past the goalie’s low blocker. 

The game was pretty much even until five minutes were left in the third period when we made a boo boo and got caught by an odd man rush. Regrettably, the puck ended up in the back of our net. With seconds remaining on the clock we took a time out and set up a neutral zone faceoff play that almost resulted in a goal. I give credit to Billy McGuigan and the Timberwolves for the win as the game ended 3-2 for the Timberwolves. 

Final thoughts on Miramichi – A much shorter drive and not nearly as cold as Campbellton!  Although we never got two points our team competed hard and played a very complete game. We made a mistake that cost us the game but we can fix it. I am expecting a very entertaining game in Amherst against the Timberwolves on Halloween night. Players to watch from Miramichi – Owens # 81 and Milson # 17. We did not watch Mystery Alaska but we did watch Transformers (movie review – terrible). 

‘QUOTE OF THE WEEK’

“The road to success is always under construction.”

‘FUTURE RAMBLERS PRACTICE TIP’

When performing drills, practice stopping at the net. This will increase your chances of scoring goals. Have fun!!!

On a side note I would like to congratulate Troy Ryan of the Halifax Lions on being named assistant coach of the Nova Scotia Canada Games coaching staff.

Thank you for taking the time to read ‘Tuesdays with Corey’ and I hope you enjoyed this week’s episode. I will be back next Tuesday with a review on the MJAHL ALL STAR games and our rematch against the Miramichi Timberwolves. 

 See you all at the Jungle!!!

CC