September 09, 2023 – The Opener – 2010 Flames – 2023-2024
Many a goal against the opening opponent. The scheduler lines them up. The kids play the games. The Flames scored early, and more often as the game went on and cruised to a 14-1 win in the opener.
Back on September 9, 2022 the Flames played their first game of the new season. Jacob St. Pierre scored the first goal of the season on the power play, in a 2-1 loss. Teddy Beal and Sean McGee assisted on the season opening goal. That was 365 days ago. McGee left for greener pastures, but the other two players are back for the 2023-2024 season.
In the opener this season, the Flames scored three goals in the first period, then five more, then six more. The noticeable thing about this game to me was this, puck movement. The Flames moved the puck from teammate to teammates all game long. And when that wasn’t an option, the 2010 Flames moved the puck to open ice.
At the end of the game, the Flames held a 56-12 advantage in shots on goal. There was a breakaway or two, but more than that, there was a Flames swarm of players, passes, and movement on just about every single shift. Maybe it was just me, but the unselfishness with the puck was quite refreshing on a hot humid day.
After a satisfying win on opening day, the 2010 Flames went home to enjoy the rest of the day before playing a pair of games tomorrow against the Islanders Hockey Club (West).
I got home and turned on the 2023 US Open Women’s Final. I have to admit that I went a little cuckoo for (#6) Coco Gauff as the final match wore on. The 19-year old Gauff won, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. It was her first Major Title. What impressed me the most though, was how Coco fought through any nerves she may have been feeling. After losing the first set, she won the next two. She also adjusted to the relentless barrage of crushing forehands from (#2) Aryna Sabalenka. She ran down virtually every shot and returned them again and again.
This type of effort, the never give up approach coupled with Coco’s incredible skill led to a come-from-behind win of a Major Title on the tennis world’s biggest stage.
Over the years, I have remarked how much I enjoy the 2010 Flames playing hard right to the final whistle. Coco played the championship point with the same urgency she did when she started to turn the tide in the match. That is a great way to play. A great way to finish. It would be hard to imagine that Coco would not win another Major. Maybe this day, 09-09, Coco and The Flames won the opener. For Coco, the opener of many more Majors. For the 2010 Flames, the opener to many more wins in the 2023-2024 season.
The 2010 Flames return to West Side Arena for games at 930am and 140pm tomorrow.
Please enjoy some pictures from today’s game at West Side Arena. Click on them. Zoom in. Enjoy.
The Opener – 2023-2024
You can find more 2010 Flames material in these pieces, here. 2010 Manchester Flames.
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.
Loved watching them play this weekend. My grandson is new on this team and is enjoying playing with this group of kids! Looking forward to a great season!!!
That’s great! Glad to hear it! I hope it’s a wonderful season for each one of the players and coaches.
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