Only Undefeated Team in Vegas Showcase 2009
Published: November 2, 2009
The Idaho Junior Steelheads were the Only Undefeated Team to play at the WSHL League Showcase in Las Vegas December 17th-20th. We played the Western Division San Diego Gulls and won 3-2. Goals were scored by Washington, Karlsson and Stanley. This was the first team we played this Inaugural Season so, it was a sweet win. Next we played the Mid-West Division #1 El Paso Rhinos and we beat them in a Shut-Out 2-0. Goals were scored by Karlsson and Chapman. It was a great, great game and we played like the Pros. Special thanks to Goalie Brown for the Shut-Out. Then we took on the 4th place in the West Division, Phoenix Polar Bears. They were the League Champions last year and we beat them 2-1 in a Shoot-Out situation. Goal was scored by Maul. (And just a note: Phoenix beat El Paso 3-1 so you know what that says about our win!) Lastly we played the Mid-West Division Colorado Bison and beat them handily at 5-1. Goals were scored by Karlsson, Stanley, Hayes and 2 for Videen. It was a great weekend with over 35 fans there for our team alone. We feel like we cheered them on to victory. From Moms and Dads to Nieces and Nephews and family friends…it was a great time had by all. The Fans were treated to a dinner at the PF Changs restaurant at Planet Hollywood on Friday night hosted by the Swigert Foundation. It was good to get to meet everyone and put names with faces. Thank you much to Darrell and Elaine.
The team played some of the best hockey we have yet played. The intensity was amazing as the passes were right to the sticks and the team played as a unit. J.O., stated that the El Paso game was one of the best hockey games he has ever seen any team play ever…not just our team! This was a great compliment to our team from a Coach who has been coaching for 28 years in the sport. You can all download the games from FastHockey.com if you want to watch some great hockey.
Our team is really coming together at the perfect time in the season and if you realize that we are a fist year team the chemistry is simply amazing. Coach has really taught these young men the mental aspect of the game as they never get frustrated and they have an answer and plan for every puck handling chance they get on the ice and their Dry Land training is really showing in their agility and their ability to play at top performance all the way to the end of the games. Other teams, as was obvious at this Showcase, are not at the same level as our players. All this, and our team has one of the lowest penalty minutes of any team in the WSHL.
As was mentioned before…you again have another reason to be extremely proud of the Idaho Junior Steelheads and their Coach John Olver!
JUST DROP THE PUCK!!
