The Clarington Toros Minor Bantam 'A' squad has been through multiple tests this season, sporting a current regular season record of 15 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie vs. Northumberland. These Toros have battled through plenty of adversity, but they seem to be turning a corner as the OMHA Playdowns loom in January. Improving the mental game as while as the physical game has been the preferred topic of conversation around the room, but Fortnite, "Chel", and Black Ops 4 still have their place. Either way, these Toros have battled hard so far and should put up a good showing in the Playdowns.
After setting a blistering pace of 11-2-1, including tournaments, to start the season, the Toros began settling into the idea of winning. The 'settling' was short-lived though, as the Toros went into a drought of 3-6-1 in their next 10 games, playing in tough tournaments like the GMC Winter Classic and the stacked Northumberland Silver Stick qualifier. Highlights of this slump included learning how to lose appropriately, forgetting about the scoreboard, and going out on the ice with the mindset to play for your teammates, not yourself.
Following a rather harrowing loss and long post-game talk vs. the Burlington Cougars in the final game of the round robin in the Silver Stick qualifier, the Toros came back to practice with a renewed since of camaraderie. Pucks were hitting the twine, lots of laughter was had, and everyone was working together to improve at the game. This good feeling translated into a 4-0 shutout of Whitby White, and the feeling was back. They began to settle...
Boom! The hard-hitting Kingston Canadians came out and shocked the Toros system with a 5-2 loss, followed up by a last-second Peterborough Petes 3-2 loss at Kinsmen. No matter what now; Toros have realized that settling is never an option in this league. Only consistent hard work pays off.
Fast forward to now: The Toros are enjoying a 4-game win streak. The new topic of conversation is pre-game nutrition, positivity, and yes, still Fortnite. Roles are being notched out piece by piece, and these Toros are eyeing up the 50th Annual Bantam Tournament in Aurora. With a round-robin schedule filled with top teams, there is no room for settling. The Toros know it; only hard work pays off.
GO TOROS GO