Meteoric Rise of young Leafs--A Closer Look

Think of going to see a band you have loved for years. Maybe you have seen them four or five times. You settle in and the opening act comes one, a yodeling woman who plays the sitar with her feet, she does her four songs and she is done. Then, the second act, not the headliner comes on. First song, okay, but the guitar is too loud, can't tell if the singer can even carry a tune. After each song, polite clapping and screaming from girlfriends/boyfriends/parents. Then, out of nowhere, a song that suits them, very catchy, singer sounds good, drummer right on time, and guitar comes through just right. WOW--who are these guys? Next couple songs, a couple clunker notes, and just not anything special.

A year later, they come to town again, and this time, a new album, a nice review, and people are talking--there is a BUZZ about them. Still playing smaller concert halls, no arenas, but you can see they are ready for the big time. THAT IS THIS LEAFS TEAM! Everywhere we go, people comment on the way the team is coached, how efficiently they move the puck, keep pressuring, hustling. And now, we are seeing a team in control, ready for bigger challenges, like the tournament, like the playoffs. Gone are the bad penalties, checking from behind, almost never a 2-on-1 or breakaway, and if some poor kid comes into our zone, at least three kids smother him, clobber him and take the puck away and turn up ice. We play with class, too, not needing to show anyone up, just drop the puck, play our style, and shake hands and get ready for the next one.

For me, it is like a rock show every time we take the ice. Who will give the biggest WOW? A great save by Hayden or Johnathan, Andrew going end to end when he sees the opening, Danny delivering the big hit, much improved Aaron holding the puck in at the point, and finding a way to get a shot through, Kevin becoming a force to deal with, driving the net, Chris leaving kids mercilessly in his wake with his skillful moves, oh so steady Steven on the forecheck, forcing turnovers--and on and on!

Look at the latest standings, and note how short of the Lady Reign and and the Jr Ducks(2), we have given up just 1 goal or less! In the last nine games, just 8 goals allowed, under one per game. After the Lady Reign outing, just two goals in the last four games--

My friends, it is truly good to be a Pee Wee Pasadena Maple Leafs fan, parent, player or coach. This is a team on the rise, a joy to be a part of it! Sit back, hang on, and enjoy the ride!

10/31/10	4:15p	2032	Jr. Ducks(1)	1	Maple Leafs	1	Paramount Iceland	Reg
11/07/10	4:15p	2035	Jr. Ducks(2)	2	Maple Leafs	1	Paramount Iceland	Reg
11/14/10	7:15a	2048	Maple Leafs	8	Bears	1	Pickwick	Reg
12/05/10	6:00p	2058	Jr. Reign	0	Maple Leafs	6	Paramount Iceland	Reg
12/12/10	4:15p	2072	Lady Reign	2	Maple Leafs	10	Paramount Iceland	Exh
12/19/10	9:15a	2077	Maple Leafs	4	OC Hockey	1	Aliso Viejo Ice Palace	Reg
01/09/11	4:15p	2088	Mariners	1	Maple Leafs	6	Paramount Iceland	Reg
01/16/11	7:00a	2093	Maple Leafs	9	Lightning	0	KHS	Reg
01/23/11	11:00a	2103	Maple Leafs	4	Riptide	0	Channel Islands	Reg