Wolves Novice Rep having tough season – but still having fun!

December 4, 2013 · 0 Comments

Despite a loss to Flesherton on Sunday, a show of hands in the dressing room after the game gave a 100 per cent thumbs up to the satisfaction of a young team who still enjoys the game despite losing more than they have won this season.

The Shelburne Wolves Novice Rep team may not be on the plus side, but they are doing well for a squad that had to scramble to get a team together this season.

The squad went up against Coldwater on Saturday and had a come from behind win in the final frame.

“We came from behind – it was a 4–1 game. It was 4-1 in third and we came back and beat them 5–4, so that was really good,” said coach Dean Baird.

The Novice division has a few very strong teams this season including the Flesherton team who are in the top two of the division.

The Wolves have several new players and are still in a learning curve mode when it comes to playing against some of the squads with more experienced talent.

“We’re getting a lot better,” Baird said. “We’re starting to play our positions and learning puck control. Positioning has been our biggest thing. At that age group they want to funnel to the puck.”

Novice players are all eight years old.

“With our group we just need to develop the team. The wins and losses don’t really matter a whole lot at this age. The parents are actually commenting how they can see an improvement with the team.”

At the Novice level, just being out there and playing is the big plus for the squad.

“I asked them if they all had fun, and they all put up their hand,” Baird said. “I enjoy it, I just love coaching them. They’re getting better, they’re developing, their having fun.”

The loss to Flesherton on Sunday was just another experience for a team that is getting through the season, learning, and having fun playing the game.

By Brian Lockhart