Finals Report …
The Friday of the finals weekend started with a four hour plane delay to Melbourne, so instead of dinner at 7.30pm we were hunting food at midnight! Not ideal preparation but when these obstacles arrive you just have to step over them and not let them steal your focus too much.
After all of the challenges we have faced this season, making the finals was a huge achievement. We changed our imports, changed our style of play three times, had injuries to contend with, and players having to return to North America for the start of their college year. Put that on one of the toughest travel schedules in sport, we were still able to remain focused as a team, believing that we would make the finals.
The game on Saturday started to plan really. We jumped on them and put pressure straight on their D men. I thought we owned the first five minutes but then a deflection and they scored against the run of play. On whole play over the night the North Stars were the more consistent team, although we still created our chances and had 2 disallowed goals, a post and a crossbar, but it wasn’t our night unfortunately. The scoreline certainly did not reflect the game, the shots were all but even, but ultimately I thought the best team won on the night.
There are so many positives to take from playing in the finals and every player on our team wants to be back there next season and take another step. We gained lot of experience and learned a lot this year and next year we want to use that experience to our advantage.
Congratulations to the Ice Dogs on winning the Goodall Cup. They have been the most consistent team all year and deserved it. I must also congratulate Robert Bannerman, Alex Lata and the rest of the AIHL on a great finals event. They are taking steps in all of the right directions, and the league is going from strength to strength.
There will be a statement to our sponsors, fans and volunteers shortly, but at this time I want to thank all of our players and squad members, coaches, and support staff for their hard work, time and dedication in making this such a successful season.
Stan Scott
Head Coach
Perth Thunder