This was a mismatch from the beginning. It was obvious from the drop of the first puck that we were outmanned and outgunned. What we thought was a Bantam contest, turned out to be a Midget game. In spite of the fact that we were never really in the game, as usual, I thought we could have done a little better -- maybe a 2-6 or 2-7 game, not a 2-13 game. I know it's hard to stay focused when things aren't going right, but we could have done a few of the things that cut down 'goals against'. We gave up the puck far to many times with ill-advised passes, never really attacked the net, and never really took advantage when we did have some moments in the O-Zone. Defensively, we need to freeze the puck when we need a change, clear the puck from the front of the net when pressed, stay D-side and get a stick on our checks. Forwards, we need to communicate far more, pass far more, support the play far more AND attack with depth and width. We can do better. I know it.

It was great to have Hannu Kauppi with us on the bench for this game. It was both enjoyable and a wonderful learning experience for all of us to have Mr. Kauppi take practices for a week. As a coach, it is always great to find someone with whom one feels such a close connection in philosophy and practice ideas. It is obvious that he coaches for all the right reasons. We were lucky to have him with us for the week.

You never really lose until you stop trying. -- Mike Ditka

The chains of habit are generally too strong to be felt until they are too strong to be broken. -- Unknown

Losing is no disgrace, if you've given your best. -- Jim Palmer

A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example. -- Joe DiMaggio