Oakridge B8, 2013-2014, U14-U15 Teams (Oakridge Aeros Minor Hockey)

We played hard. It wasn't an easy season in many respects but what we did do every time we stepped on the ice is have fun. Lots of exciting games throughout the season with some impressive wins, bar down goals, and hard fought games to get past our opponents each time. We did very well in the Oakridge Classic Tournament and played some of the best hockey of the season when under the most pressure.

We never said it was going to be easy. The team needs to compete every time we step on the ice; improving our passing, shooting, and play making in practice evolves in to effective output during games. There are reasons behind every drill, every pass, every reason why X player is put in to Y position.

The topic of parent discipline (or the lack thereof) in hockey has been on the radar for years. A few years ago, Belle River, ON near Windsor implemented a program to have all parents take a "Speak Out" type course after poor behaviour by parents in the stands resulted in fights and confrontations with officials and opposing teams. An article was published in The London Free Press on February 10th talking about this program and how all parents who have players registered in the OMHA next season, will be required to take a new online course "Respect In Hockey".

When things start to click, it is amazing how fast you can rise to the top. With a 5 game win streak and just a few points out of first place, the AEROS B8 have been playing great hockey in recent weeks.

It's about chemistry. We have found success recently by pairing certain players together & shifting positions on the ice to produce more goals. Hard work, more shots, better positioning, and overall improved communication seems to be working! The quest for the win or the "W" as we call it in the dressing room, is starting to get a little bit easier for the AEROS B8 Team.