October Run - 2010 Flames - 1 In Awesome Wonder

October Run – 2010 Flames

JFK Memorial Coliseum – October 28, 2023 – 2010 Flames vs. Northern Cyclones (GSL).

The 2010 Flames finished the month of October with a 6-1 win at JFK Memorial Coliseum. The win gave the Flames a 7-0 record in league play during the month, including a 6-game win streak since the trip to DC. They head into November following an impressive October run.

The 2010 Flames had just one game on the last weekend of October. They played the Northern Cyclones and won, 6-1 to end their October run. In many ways the game wasn’t as one-sided as the score might indicate, but in other ways it was. This Cyclones team appeared to be a team that wanted to possess the puck and cycle the puck, kind of like the way the Flames often do. The Flames speed of puck movement did force the Cyclones into numerous penalties, which obviously takes a toll on a team over the games span.

Overall, the 2010 Flames were able to control the play for the most part. They moved the puck pretty well and everything on offense eventually funneled to the net, and they were able to push six pucks over the line. Goaltending was steady and calm all game, per usual, with their two tenders splitting time in net.

On the other side, I have to recognize some conduct here. In my opinion, too many people sit and wait to pounce on others as soon as someone’s words or actions either offend them (I don’t think most people even know what this means in relationship to something that is actually offensive) or that they find they don’t agree with, even if such things were not directed at them, or were even any of their business in the first place.

So, I want to recognize the head coach of the Northern Cyclones. I didn’t get a chance to talk with him at the rink, but I wanted to. Where I was perched at JFK is inadvertently a great place to hear the visitors bench, while being the best place to take pictures of the game. I hear a lot up there, whether I am trying to or not. Yesterday, I listened a little more closely because the tone and content was wonderful.

Imagine that you lead your team into another team’s rink and then play a game that you lose, 6-1, while taking 8 penalties, many of which were completely unnecessary penalties. Your team gives up a goal on the opening face-off when your team was skated through like they weren’t even there, and your team spent minutes at a time under siege. Compound that with the fact that the home team was whistled for only 4 penalties, and none until after your team had been called for 5 penalties and you were already down, 4-1.

This scenario had all the makings of a dumpster fire of emotions, blame, and over reaction. But that didn’t happen. The coach calmly coached his team. The words that came to me often throughout the game were, ‘neutral and positive’. The coach told his players how to correct mistakes but did so, calmly while reasonably setting expectations with examples of versions of the same things that were working for their opponents.

He coached his kids to not put themselves into positions where the officials are forced to impact the game. He blamed nobody. At the intermissions he wasn’t all rah-rah, and off on some football-esque speech that was so obviously unrealistic that no one could get behind it. Rather, he spoke to what he knew his kids could do, and reminded them of that. A simple little speech that ended with something like, ‘Now, this is our period. Let’s go out and get the next goal.’

He didn’t tear the kids down. He didn’t yell and get all hyped up claiming that they could come back and win, or overcome a 3-goal deficit in the next period, he just wanted to see teamwork improve, smarter play away from the puck (no penalties), and continued efforts to improve on any little area even if it was being in the right position to make a play even if they didn’t make it.

Obviously, I was very impressed. Maybe that team will improve a lot, and maybe they won’t, but that guy guiding their ship is doing a great job as far as I can tell. I know that I have said, and written, thousands of times, that “It’s all about the kids”. And I just wrote a lengthy section about an opposing coach.

I wrote this because it was worthy of catching someone doing things right. And this coach was not about the refs, or the opponent that wasn’t getting called for penalties, or even about the kids committing senseless penalties. It was all about the kids and teaching, and lifting them up with a firm sense of what was right or wrong on the ice but while instilling the accountability (not blame) of their actions as well as taking responsibility for what happened as a result of their actions.

As for the game, both Ingalls and Rosenbeck were more than steady in the net for the Flames. They didn’t see a lot of action, but they were ready when they did. Both goaltenders made good saves in their time on the ice. But the team in front of them kept most chances to the ‘one and done’ variety.

Like almost every hockey team, the 2010 Flames were at their best when they were moving the puck from player to player up and down the ice. There were still the ‘obvious to everyone but the puck carrier’ moments when a pass or several would have been a benefit to everyone in lieu of the ‘stickhandle into a corner’ mentality that takes over at times. And sometimes a player’s ‘best shot’ might be less of a scoring option than those of the three teammates who were in better position but had no puck.

All in all, the 2010 Flames played a good game. Ten of the thirteen skaters had at least a goal or an assist. And everyone in uniform either had chances to score or to set up scores, not to mention the countless opponent’s scoring chances that were foiled by Flames skaters. As it should be, it takes everyone to play a truly great team game. Yes, everyone. Each one of you matters.

Flames goal off of the opening face-off – Giampa won the face-off back to Powers who flipped the puck forward to Beal who couldn’t get his stick to the puck but kicked it forward to Giampa with his skate. The Northern Cyclones didn’t appear to be ready for the Giampa speed on the opening play of the game. Giampa powered to the net like a cannonball fired from a cannon and fed a sweet dish to Mooney on his right for a shot and score from point blank range. Just seconds into the last game of October, the Flames led, 1-0. Mooney from Giampa and Beal. 1-0.
Flames goal – steal and score – You could see Beal circling to an area where he thought the puck might go after the Flames possession had stalled in the offensive zone. Sure enough, the Cyclones threw a clearing attempt up the ice and Beal picked the puck out of the air as it was feeling the effects of gravity. Beal didn’t control the puck clean but his pilfer of the pass was directed right on to Soucy’s stick. Soucy made a quick move by the defense and then hastily deposited a gorgeous backhand shot into the net. It was a goal that might be written about in a letter to mom from a distant place and a distant time. Soucy from Beal steal. 2-0. GWG.
Flames power play goal – The Flames moved the puck very well on the power play throughout the game, although this was their only power play goal in 8 chances. Powers found himself with the puck at the left point and sent the puck around the boards to maintain the advantage and possession. Kaveney retrieved the puck in the far corner and slipped a pass through a defender to Giampa who had a pretty good look at a shot down low. He fired but the goalie slid over and made a nice save. That’s where Warren found the rebound, right in the crease, and tapped the puck into the open side of the net. PPG – Warren from Giampa and Kaveney. 3-1.
Flames goal – The Flames were on the power play to start the second period. And they absolutely took advantage of the man-advantage. As time expired on the penalty, Lazzaro shot from the left point, through traffic. The goalie made a nice save. Petrie was on the spot and shot the rebound at the net. It was a certain goal. Until the goalie kicked that shot out too. Ouellette was on the other side of the doorstep and he put the puck in the net. Ouellette from Petrie and Lazzaro. 4-1.
Flames goal – Once again, the Flames had the puck while on the power play. Again, time expired on the advantage while the Flames were cycling the puck and looking for chances. Then, St. Pierre flipped the puck to the far corner and followed the play to the same circle. Mooney grabbed the puck in the corner and hit Beal with a pass behind the net. Beal centered the puck to the crease where Soucy was in a ‘no-holds-barred’ scuffle of his own. As Beal’s pass slid through the crease Soucy was being tripped and dropped like he stepped on a trap door. This worked out though, because the puck slid right to St. Pierre in the slot and he wired a shot into the back of the net. St. Pierre from Beal and Mooney. 5-1.
Flames final goal – The Flames final goal of the game came 55 minutes after their first goal of the game. That’s a long time between goals in a 45 minute game. What was even more incredible was that there was still more than eleven and a half minutes left to play in the game that didn’t want to end. Anyways, Beal stole a clearing attempt at the blue line. He paused for a second as Mooney and Ouellette tagged up to get onsides. Beal entered the zone with the puck and lost the handle right onto Ouellette’s stick. Ouellette had Mooney on his right as the three charged toward the net. Ouellette opted to shoot, and hit the back of the net for the goal. Ouellette from Beal. 6-1.

At JFK Memorial Coliseum –

Northern Cyclones: 01 – 00 – 00 = 01

(MRYHA) 2010 Flames: 03 – 02 – 01 = 06

: I took this as a good sign before the game. I snapped this picture of a Pear Tree in warmups. If you look closely, you can see on his right skate that the light indicating that he is fully charged is illuminated.

: Off of the opening face-off, the Flames score first. The ref (one of four) tells us all we need to know.

: Sons and daughters, your fathers are in it for the growth and glory of you, the son or daughter. Nothing on the planet puts a favorable wind at a father’s back than the joy of their children.

: This is Flames 27, I mean Joey. He goes about his business in a quiet manner on the ice, but he can be a force when the time is right. In other news, the fans were many, and they were riveted to the action as you can see.

: Beal steal to Soucy. A move around a Cyclone or two. Then, in the open space the artist unveiled this beauty. A glorious backhand that tickled the twine and ran a tingle through the hockey fans spine.

: I didn’t ask Jacob about this but I am sure he would say, “I shoot the puck like it’s the heaviest object on earth that I alone can move on my own accord.”

: Does anyone remember when the Ford Flex came out? Me either. In other flex news, Ian had to get a new stick recently. He wanted a picture of him shooting (for an ad campaign). Here you go.

: Flames 24, er uh, Jaden goes from zero to sixty in no time. Actually, I am not sure he is ever at zero. Here he clears a rebound. Just seconds before he was at the concession window.

: The speed of modern technology: As this play unfolded I captured a picture. On the ice St. Pierre was clearly tripped. The ref raised his arm and a penalty was called. The player served the penalty and got back to the bench. A coach said, “Yep, that was a trip. You can look it up.” The kid looked it up and this picture was there as the definition of a trip. Incredible true story.

: Team bench. When I look at a picture of this team here is what I see. I see the obvious imperfection that is a part of us all, as a reminder that all are human. But much, much more than that I see hope, dreams, and opportunity. I see friends, mates, and camaraderie. I see the view of a million mind’s eyes that will search through eternity for the moments that made up the days of our lives.

: Seconds before the Flames goal. The home team has three to their one in front of the net. Pear Tree was robbed on this shot, before 33 jammed the rebound in for the goal. But in this second, it was just the possibility of anything.

: Here, Will (Flames 00) makes a nice save as the Cyclones broke through for a pretty good scoring bid. This was one of the few times that the Flames got caught with opponents getting in behind them. Always a chance to improve.

These two siblings of Flames players are not only friends, they are key to the success of the program. Here they get plum excited as they review the footage (for the coaches) of a recent power play for the Flames. I mean, good puck movement is not only aesthetically pleasing, it thrills fans of all ages.

: So much in a split second. Players hustle to the areas of the ice where the plays are made. Coaching players is happening in real time at the Flames bench. Motion and engagement so good for the body and mind. (Photo by Mooney’s Moonshots)

: The nearside post, a goalie holds. In the crease the battle never gets old. The goalie thinks, this is my crease or so I am told. The kids playing the game, now that is something to behold. (Photo by Mooney’s Moonshots)

: Ian was appointed as special VP In Charge of the “Post-Game Celebratory Gathering” on Saturday. Here he thinks, “Okay, not bad. Excellent tight formation.” Then on his command, “Ok boys! Break and Shake!” They line up to salute their opponent. (Photo by Mooney’s Moonshots)

For more pictures, please check out Nichole’s page and pictures, they are outstanding.

Game vs. Cyclones (JFK)

Thanks to Ian’s leadership, the 2010 Flames lineup to shake hands right on time. And the team’s skate by one another before parting ways, for today.

October by the numbers…

Before I get to the numbers, I share a few pictures that hint at a sizeable amount of time spent over the course of my life. It continues still. Still in love with the spontaneous symmetry of the sports that still represent so much more than the totals of all the numbers added together.

Especially, to my wife, a perpetual thank you for all the latitude granted me to pursue the countless hours of recording numbers, taking and sorting pictures, expressing my inner kid with decades of life lived in words, and creating and arranging storylines, their stories, that I hope to leave for the kids. Hopefully, to improve the experience for all of the kids, and for the people who affect their growth.

: Strat-O-Matic baseball board with my own notes written on the board. The two Sporting News magazines that I kept from 1977, with my favorite two players, Dr. J and Pistol Pete. Red Sox Yearbook from a trip to Fenway, Fred Lynn’s last season in Boston.

: My brief note sheet tracking the 2010 Flames six goals on Saturday at JFK. My notes were significantly shorter than the game itself.

: The other side of Saturday’s notes. Multiple games, and a practice autograph to make sure a new pen writes the way I like. Plus you never know when one might run into autograph seekers.

: I would ask for the Sporting News Register for hockey, baseball, basketball, and football every year for Christmas. Every box score, every stat, pictures, and countless stories. Those were my favorites.

2010 Flames in October.

3-0 in EHF play.
4-0 in GSL play.
2-2 in DC with an appearance in the final four.
40 goals for and only 1o goals against in 7 league games.
Overall in October, 9-2 record.
October by period: Flames goals for, 1st period – 18, 2nd period – 18, 3rd period – 16.
October by period: Flames goals against, 1st period – 09, 2nd period – 05, 3rd period – 09.

You can find more 2010 Flames material in these pieces, here. 2010 Manchester Flames.

I had been receiving notices from the International Face-Off Police and seeing curious people following me around at times, so I made sure to get a picture of the opening face-off. JFK Memorial Coliseum. Saturday, October 28, 2023. 2010 Flames hosting the Northern Cyclones.

The current look at my ‘hockey office’. So many hours spent in this space, tracking numbers and capturing season after season. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2023.

The beginning of every article. (C) 1inawesomewonder 2017.

The thoughts and opinions expressed here are those of the individual contributors, mostly mine, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the schools, coaches, players, or characters listed in any of these blog posts. Or, maybe they do, but you would have to ask them directly.

Either way, “It’s a great day for hockey” ~ the late “Badger” Bob Johnson.

“We should be dreaming. We grew up as kids having dreams, but now we’re too sophisticated as adults, as a nation. We stopped dreaming. We should always have dreams.” ~ the late Herb Brooks.

“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it: If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.” ~ Jim Valvano on how to live life, during his ESPY speech.

“I started writing sports stories 20 years ago. I still do. I write because somewhere, in some game, a kid might be having the time of his or her life. That’s awesome to think about. It’s all about the kids.” ~ Steve Beal Sr.