Ouch

      Watching late night TV following Hanover’s 5-2 loss to the Trinity Pioneers in Division 1 NHIAA play tonight, there was a financial services company advertising their latest way of ripping off the American consumer and after promoting a no-risk annual 15% return mutual fund, they quietly hedged at the end of the commercial by stating “Past performance is not indicative of future returns.”

      What a prophetic statement, especially considering the Marauders game earlier this evening.  This was a game that everyone expected Hanover to win, especially given the 7-1 drubbing they had laid on the Pioneers in the final game of the Holiday tournament three weeks earlier.  But, this is why they play the game because Trinity put the hurt on Hanover from the opening puck drop to drop the locals into fourth place in NHIAA play.

      There’s not too much to blog about this one, except to congratulate Trinity on a very strong performance.  Perhaps Hanover should have known things were not going to go well when during the first period power-play, on the only penalty called of the game, the normally sure fire Marauders were not able to muster a shot against the stout Pioneer penalty kill.  Other than that, this was a back and forth contest without any real drama until deep in the second when the Pioneers finally broke through on goalie Ben Plottner with five seconds left to make it 1-0 heading into the third. 

     While none of the Hanover partisans were privy to the discussion in the locker room between the second and third period, we took it as a good sign that none of the freshman came out crying.  However, despite putting extensive pressure on the Trinity D, Hanover could not break through and it was ping pong game of scoring as first Trinity, then Hanover (Cam Woods one-timer on a beautiful rush and behind-the net feed from Sy Obtering) then immediately Trinity, then Hanover (Duncan Bailey unassisted on a turnover from the high circle) and then unfortunately Trinity right back to make it 4-2 with 2:30 left.  Hanover pulled Plottner but an empty-netter doomed the locals to seal the defeat. 

      The great thing about sports is that even when you have a tough loss and face a little adversity (i.e. Pats/Dolphins “Miracle in Miami”) you can get back on the horse for immediate redemption (i.e.  Pats/Chiefs “Still Here”).  Now that doesn’t mean it comes easy – for example as the Hanover partisans left the rink the betting line on the over/under date on when pucks would be allowed back in practice was set at Valentine’s Day – but these are the challenges that make it fun.   So enjoy your Herbie’s boys and remember to answer, as Mike Eruzione taught you, “I play for the Hanover High School Marauders” when you are asked on Friday morning at practice.  Next up is Londonderry Saturday afternoon.  See you at the rink