All In Or Out – Goffstown Hockey

– All In Or Out – Goffstown Hockey –

– Goffstown vs. Merrimack – Tri-Town Arena – Hooksett, NH –

Nobody expected this to be a close game, or even a competitive game, perhaps. Goffstown gave their best team effort of the season, and came up one goal short in a 2-1 loss to Merrimack on Monday night. It was a highly skilled display of high school hockey. And the Grizzlies, reminded me at least, that there is a huge difference between being all in or out.

 

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This article will be relatively short and sweet. Simply put, the words that are written or spoken are of far less value than the actions taken. In sports terms, let your game do the talking. It will say plenty, and that is enough.

 

 

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My observation of the Goffstown hockey team on Monday night still brings a smile to my face. Yes, all of us here in GTown Nation would have preferred a victory over a loss. But the only loss was the one on the scoreboard.

In many ways, I thought Goffstown won for the first time all season. They won the all in or out category. There wasn’t a single person that I talked to during, or after, the game that didn’t share a similar account. The Grizzlies were engaged, energetic, and together. They had a different look in their eyes. Right from the start theirs was a different body language and a different, encouraging communication among the group. That’s a win in my book.

Were they perfect? No, of course not. Were there plays they would change or take back? Sure there was. But, I am telling you right now, that if this is the version of the Goffstown hockey team going forward, then second guessing will nearly disappear and competitive greatness will be within reach every night. You know what else? It takes every single player to make this happen. Dressed to play, or on the bench, playing or not, it takes every single member of the organization to buy in, support, lift up, and be absolutely polished and ready when they are called on.

Seriously, don’t each of us, no matter what we are doing, owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be every day?!? And sometimes our best is simply in a role of support or lifting another. There is not only nothing wrong with that, it is also absolutely in every single true success story.

And even here in America where too much emphasis is placed on winning and losing on the scoreboard, kids, teams, organizations can win minute by minute, interaction by interaction, person by person, in so many ways that are far more important than a sports score. Quite frankly, the wins I am talking about are a winning recipe for all of life. And yes, the Grizzlies showed a team maturity, and all encompassing engagement that is among the best places to be.

All in or out.

And for anyone stealing away to a corner or a place where negativity is allowed to fester, knock it off, and set a better example for your player or teammates. Life is too short, and athletic careers are even shorter. Lead. Lift up. Support. Be an enthusiastic part of something bigger than yourself.

 

 

 

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Both teams played great. Every trip up the ice was exhilarating. Both ways. Bring it every night. It is a true joy to watch, win or lose.

Here is how the Goffstown hockey team scored.

 

1. Goffstown scored first, late in the 2nd period. It was their only goal of the game, but it was a beauty. It was a 4-on-4 goal. Back in the defensive zone, Zack Tarrier won the face-off back to AJ Hill in the corner. Hill patiently chipped the puck up the wall to where Tarrier could pick it up and move up ice. He moved forward and got the puck to Sam Chapman. Chapman raced up the left side with a defender all over him. It was a 2-on-2 break at best. Somehow Chapman slipped a pass across to Tarrier on his right. The puck got to Tarrier for exactly a portion of a second, and that was all that was needed. Tarrier tapped the puck into the net, and the Grizzlies were on the board. 40n4 – Tarrier (7) from S. Chapman (10) and Hill (2). 1-0.

 

What a great game!

Eliot Medlock broke up a play in the D zone and scored a shortie from the high slot early in the 3rd. Then Merrimack hit on their power play with less than five minutes to play, Medlock to Dunn, shot, Raymond rebound, score, for the 2-1 lead, and win.

TONIGHT!!! The #7 Grizzlies play the #6 Alvirne-Milford Admirals at St. A’s. This Wednesday night tilt is a huge game for a number of reasons, most importantly, it’s the 2nd Annual Charity Hockey Game. Hopefully, a lot of money will be raised for the Doug Flutie. Jr Foundation for Autism Inc. through this effort.

 

 

 

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NHIAA Hockey:

Monday, February 12, 2024

Tri-Town Arena – Hooksett, NH.

Scoring:

Merrimack Tomahawks: 00 – 00 – 02 = 02

Goffstown Grizzlies: 00 – 01 – 00 = 01

 

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NHIAA Hockey:

Shots on goal:

Merrimack Tomahawks: 05 – 08 – 10 = 23

Goffstown Grizzlies: 06 – 13 – 06 = 25

 

Goffstown Grizzlies Penalties:

1. C. Chapman (2:00-High-Sticking).
2. S. Chapman (5:00-Roughing) PPGA.
3. Hill (2:00-Roughing).

 

Goffstown was 0-for-3 on the power play, while Merrimack was 1-for-3.

 

• Merrimack Tomahawks – James Brew (Jr.) made 24 saves on 25 shots (.960).
• Goffstown Grizzlies – Kyle Bennett (Fr.) made 21 saves on 23 shots (.913).

 

 

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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.