roadhockey.net

Raining offense

In every lead up to the Stanley Stick a little rain must fall.

Sunday, seven hardy roadsters weren't about to let their preparation for road hockey's championship tournament, which begins in two weeks, be deterred by cold, wet weather. Playing with modified lineups in which the Colonel was the swingman, giving the teams alternating power plays, the game served as an exhibition for precise passing and positional play. Although the execution was sometimes lacking.

"Both sides had the opportunity to work on their defensive positioning," said Lak Attack, whose veteran combination with the Living Legend couldn't hold off the young legs of Scooby and Doo in a 15-13 loss. "It gives you an idea of where to be and how to play and the tendencies of other players."

With the man advantage, those tendencies were elaborate passing plays.

That created a special challenge for the goaltenders. Accustomed to withstanding the bang-bang scoring chances of the three-on-three game, they found themselves following the evil orange plastic ball back and forth across the court as forwards passed for the perfect scoring opportunity.

"I think lateral movement is just crucial in a game like this," said Chico. "The team with the man advantage brought the ball up methodically, set up the triangle and they moved the ball well back and forth across the goalmouth, so you're going side to side a lot."

That was all part of the game plan, said Lak Attack. Hanging onto the ball was key to creating those scoring chances.

"It's all about possession, and today was a good example of how the team with the ball has the advantage," said the veteran forward, who scored two of his goals shorthanded. "They're able to move it around, spread out the defense and then make some nice plays."

The goalies responded by keeping close track of their own positioning, ensuring they were in the right place at the right time when the shot did finally come at the net.

"You're trying to be positionally sound because you know a shot is coming," said the rookie rearguard. "You want to be in the right position to get in front of it."

Despite its lack of resemblance to the charged, competitive atmosphere of the Stanley Stick finale, Sunday's game will stand the players who did show up in good stead, said Lak Attack.

"It's still a game-like atmosphere. It's a good game to work on your skills, your passing and some footwork."

Posted by jaysuburb at April 10, 2011 08:40 PM