Toronto 6ix slow cook Connecticut Whale to ensure home sweep
The Toronto 6ix had their first back-to-back series for 2021 and their first ever homestand this weekend. Neverthless, the team came through with flying colours to reiterate their title credentials in the Premier Hockey Federation. After being the lone the attendee from PSP on Saturday, I had Justen Williams by my side for this game. For both games, Cobe de Ronde was representing us virtually for postgame press conferences.
Sundays are a challenge for any sport that is not the NFL. There was a bit of a drop off from the opening day, however, there was still a faithful and hearty showing of 700-800 in the stands. I must say that food and drink concessions are very affordable, in comparison to some of the other professional sporting arenas. Justen had a beer while I got myself a fruity vodka combination. 6ix President, Digit Murphy, was cocktail of energy herself, somewhat perturbed by the home team's late entry to the ice. Murphy sets her standards high and pays attention to every detail, so this was no surprise.
Nevertheless, puck drop arrived and for both teams, puck control was maintained well early and the surface held up too. Toronto goalkeeper, Elaine Chuli was making saves early on as the Whale attempted to snag an early goal from the home team. Defensively, the 6ix continue to maintain a triangle formation in the defensive third, using this suffocating approach to stifle meaningful shots.
Further up the ice, Toronto made life tough for Connecticut clogging the passing lanes across the middle. This seemingly achieved two things. Firstly, being able to make quick changes in an up tempo scheme and secondly, forcing turnovers from the opposition. Despite backing up from the day before, players weren't giving up an inch, with players willing to get on their belly to defend a shot. Conversely, Chuli continued to look majestic, literally grabbing pucks out of the air.
At the end of the first period, Digit Murphy looked pensive as she paced around the ice. She wanted more penetration in the attacking third. I also observed that the PHF calls penalties at the end of a play, putting the onus on the offending team to get themselves out of trouble, before the impending judgement. Justen observed that the 6ix were playing with a number of lefthanded players. Perhaps this was by design to create mismatches on the ice.
The 6ix broke through in the second period with team captain, Shiann Darkangelo, driving in the the first goal. To be fair, playing two games in a row told on the scoreboard as grit and grind was the order of the day. The physicality from Saturday's game was back with compounding interest on the Sunday installment. Defender, Taylor Davison, then scored her first PHF goal just after the mid point of the 2nd period. The hits seemingly increased after the second goal and the referees had some side chats to try and calm things.
Reigning league MVP, Mikyla Grant-Mentis, scored the third goal after an offensive overlap, underlining the speed of Mark Joslin's unit. From this point though, fatigue started to become a factor for the 6ix. A such, Connecticut would come back to life in the 3rd period with 2 goals, including one from Kennedy Marchment. It is noted that two of the away goals in Toronto have been scored while the author has been out of his seat (I will do better going forward!). The Whale made it a nervous finish in the final minute, with an empty net situation adding offensive oomph, however, Fort Chuli would not be beaten for a 3rd time. Chuli is definitely a key member of this team and being able to allow two goals or less per game will be crucial as the season goes on.
In short, the back to back had an effect, but the 6ix were able to hold their own and get the win. The Canlan Sports Arena is the place to be, if you want to watch entertaining hockey at an affordable price too.
3 Stars - Shiann Darkangelo
2 Stars - Elaine Chuli
1 Star - Taylor Davison
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