I couldn't believe how fast this year went by when my senior year of high school began, but now it is my senior season and time is just flying. Traditionally, for as long as I've been on the team, we usually take the ferry over to Martha's Vineyard the weekend after tryouts. It is a trip meant to prepare us for other teams, but also prepare us for us. Coach Verneris emphasizes teamwork and unity, and I can say that staying for two nights in The Harbor View Hotel, everyone bonded often, and well.
As for the hockey part of the trip, we began the weekend by playing Andover High School on Friday evening. We came out flying, taking the first game 4-1. Saturday morning, the Vineyard Hockey Team fed us, and then got beat by us, as we played to a strong 10-1 showing. However, things did not go as smooth in the afternoon, and Needham High School defeated us 3-1 with an empty netter. As Coach would say, "Great teams capitalize on okay opportunities." We definitely had our share of chances, but just couldn't bury it when it counted. Overall, I don't think anyone was terribly set-back by the loss. Losing can teach a team a lot, and we learned that in order to attempt to accomplish the "three-peat", we must address discipline and try to minimize the amount of time we spend in the penalty box.
The weekend was a learning experience for all, whether it be the new freshman, the seasoned seniors, or even the new seniors ready to prove to Coach that they can in fact play at a faster level of play. Everyone had fun on and off the ice, and I think the parents had some fun of their own, as Ned Burt generously invited the fathers of the team to stay over at his cottage. All in all, there is no place to go but up, and I believe that after this weekend, we are on the right path.
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