NEWS ITEM

Monday, September 27th, 2010

 

Navy Vets still looking for 1st win

 

The Woodstock Navy Vets finally discovered their offence, but their inability to keep the puck out of their own net cost them two games this weekend.

After a 6-0 loss in Norwich Friday, the Navy Vets fell 7-3 to New Hamburg Saturday.

"It's still the learning curve," Navy Vets head coach Jeff Morrison said. "Twelve rookies in the lineup, they're still learning what it takes to prepare for a junior hockey game. That was the problem Friday. They weren't ready to play and by the time they were ready to play it was 4-0."

Mitch Wood scored four goals Saturday to lead the Firebirds at Southwood Arena. Wood scored New Hamburg's second, third, fourth and sixth goals as the Firebirds jumped out to a 3-0 advantage and chased Woodstock goalie Neil Pittock in the second period.

"We didn't recover," Morrison said. "We kept taking penalties and New Hamburg took advantage of their chances."

New Hamburg scored four power-play goals -- three from Wood.

"I told the guys at the start the best teams in the league can use their power play and penalty kill," Morrison said.

Friday in Norwich, the Merchants picked up their second straight shutout to open the season with a 6-0 win.

Norwich scored three first-period goals and used a smothering defence to hold the Navy Vets scoreless.

Curtis Logan scored a hat trick in the win. His first-period goal came on the power play, while his second goal 7:19 into the third period came with the Merchants two men short.

Justin Lehman, Mike Brilhante and Tom Brady also scored for Norwich, which outshot Woodstock 32-16

Morrison had choice words for the Merchants afterwards.

"If that's all they got for the money they spent they are in trouble," he said.

Trailing 4-0 going into the third period, Woodstock squandered an excellent chance to get back into the game when the Merchants wore a path to the penalty box.

Norwich received four minor penalties in less than four minutes, but Woodstock, despite having two five-on-three advantages, failed to capitalize. Logan's short-handed breakaway tally ended any hope for a comeback.

"We maintained our class which is more than I can say for Norwich," Morrison said. "I always thought Norwich was one of the classier teams in the league but after Friday I guess they're not."

Neil Pittock made 30 saves for the Navy Vets, who will try to pick up their first win this Friday in New Hamburg.

"Overall we're not concerned," Morrison said. "We're not doing the little things. That's all there is. We'll be alright. We're not too worried. The good news is we're still in the playoffs."

 

(Sentinel-Review)