NEWS

 

The Ironheads hit the floor tonight against their East divisional foe, the Green Gaels at Rickard Complex. It’s the second meeting between the two teams, the Gaels snuck past the Ironheads 6-4 at the ACC two weeks ago. 

 

Since then, the Ironheads have gone 1-2 and find themselves right in the mix of things, vying for a favourable playoff spot. The Gaels took four of their last five, a loss to Orillia Wednesday night was their first of the year. The loss may open them up to a losing streak, especially with the Ironheads rested. 

 

The Ironheads have had the week off, not playing since May 27th in Oakville, it could be a blessing in disguise. The Ironheads have been dealing with injuries to key players, and giving them rest will benefit them. 

 

Thursday against the Gaels, certain things will need to go the Ironheads way if they want to come out with two points.

 

Offence

The Ironheads have had tremendous outings in net from both Chris Steele and Tyler Newman all season. The young defensive core has also been rock solid, keeping the opposition’s shots coming from outside, and controlling the pace in their own end.

 

The only inconsistency the Ironheads have had  this year has been their goal production. In stretches they’ve shown they can compete with the best in the league, but fail to carry it into each game. 

 

The offence will need to show up in tonights game for the Ironheads to win.

 

Special Teams

The Ironheads own the fourth best power play in the league (32%) and the fifth penalty kill  (82%). For the Gaels they have the best power play in the league, scoring on more than half of their chances (54%)

Meaning, the Ironheads PK units will need to be at their best to contain the potent offence the Gaels have with an extra man. Also, discipline will need to be at top notch, as they can’t leave their penalty killing guys hanging out to dry, especially on selfish penalties.

 

On the other hand, the Gaels don’t have the strongest penalty kill, something the Ironheads must take advantage of. Matching up 5 on 5 with the Gaels may be a tough task, something the Ironheads have proven they can do in their previous meeting, but when given the man advantage, the Ironheads must convert. 

 

Full 60 Minutes

Ironhead’s players and coaches have re-iterated throughout the season, that is, they must play the full 60 minutes. The Gaels are among the top three teams in the East and the Ironheads will need to bring their best effort. Physically, the Ironheads can match up against any team in the league, but keeping their young core mentally in the game for the 60 minutes will be the test. The young guns have shown moments of brilliance, but it has come and gone through the first half of the season. 

 

The Ironheads have nine games left in their season, and will face Brampton twice, and Mississauga once. Both of whom they’re fighting with for the final three playoff spots, along with Gloucester and Newmarket. With the season  winding down, if the Ironheads can steal a game from a team with a record above .500, it would be significant in their playoff run.

 

It all starts tonight at 8pm at Rickard complex!