Bull Dogs Junior Hockey

Bull Dogs Junior Hockey- The Quest for the Championship "The Addition of the Shootout" The 2005/2006 N.H.L. season brought the fans many new concepts, none with more hype and controversy than the shootout. Whether you love it or hate it, everyone agrees on one thing, it is exciting to watch! Originally when we heard of the possibility of the shootout coming to the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League, anticipation and excitement were among some of the feelings being expressed. It didn't take the Bulldogs long to experience the new phenomenon, now two time veterans (1-1). We were lucky to be at home which I thought helped calm the nerves. Going into the very first shootout we didn't know exactly what to expect as far as format or declaring shooters, so there was a touch of nervousness and apprehension surrounding the whole event. When it was over we had won our first shootout ever in Mt. Brydges, and when we scored the crowd exploded. The excitement of the pro game had reached us in Brydges and everybody at the game that night was on the edge of their seat anticipating the outcome of the one-on- one battle between player and goalie. Both goalies and players are afforded the opportunity to rise to the occasion under the pressures and expectations that are often related to the shootout. Being successful in such situations is what we as administrators and parents love to see our players take with them when they leave hockey, and enter other aspects of life. The pressures of the one on one forces each individual to summons something extra within. The more success and experience one has in this type of situation, the easier it is to be comfortable and controlled in the clutch. The second time we went to a shootout there was less anxiety than the first. I am sure that trend will continue as we experience more. We were not as fortunate the second time around losing in Mitchell, but what stayed the same was the crowds reaction. When we missed, the crowd absolutely ripped the top off the rink. The same noise we had heard in Mt. Brydges. It is new and exciting! The addition of the shootout has brought us a refined fan to the rink. Today's fan is coming to the local arena within our league knowing that if sixty-five minutes of fast, skilled, hard nosed hockey isn't enough to decide the outcome, they will be treated to something that is worth every penny of admission. I applaud the shootout and the various positives it brings. It would be my wish that every team gets the opportunity to experience it once before the season ends, it truly is exhilarating.