roadhockey.net

Speedsters off to quick start

The Kid and Scooby picked up right where they left off last season, running circles around their opponents, slowed by summer sloth, feeding each other pinpoint passes, scoring in spades to lead their team to a 15-7 win in Sunday's pre-season opener at the road hockey courts.

Scooby was especially quick, not burdened at all by the weight of new hockey gloves he finally acquired in the off-season.

"They look like they're ready to go already," said their linemate, and prime beneficiary of their passing prowess, Bird. "It's kind of disturbing."

The young speedsters took control of the game early, overcoming the jitters of their surprise starting goalie, Nibs, who strapped on the pads despite a nagging toe injury that was aggravated by the heavy leather leg pads.

"They were awesome," said Lak Attack, who took over the goaltending duties when Nibs couldn't continue after the first period. "The way they were passing, they seem to be able to read each other really well and finish well."

They had to. Without any substitutes to allow them to rest their weary legs, Scooby and the Kid had to maximize their opportunities while minimizing their energy expenditure.

"That's the scary part," said Lak Attack. "The fact that they've already found their rhythm, that tells you they're only going to get better."

And that will make it that much harder for the players who shirked the opening game to catch up.

"Today is more about condition and trying to get your timing and rhythm," said Bird, who scored the game's first two goals. "You can find some chemistry with your linemates pretty quickly because the numbers are so low."

Posted by jaysuburb at October 2, 2006 07:15 PM