Ogopogos Battle Hard in Latest Match Against Arctic Chokes

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Despite a challenging start to the season, the Ogopogos are showing signs of improvement and resilience. In their latest game against the Arctic Chokes, the team showcased their determination and potential, even though the final score read 14-0 in favor of their opponents.

Positive Highlights from the Game

Two New Faces on the Ice

The game was particularly special as it marked the debut of two substitute players who played their first game ever, Cj & Morgane (with CJ even celebrating a birthday on the ice). In the absence of a sick team captain, their enthusiasm and energy were palpable, bringing a fresh spark to the team.

Defensive Improvements

One of the most notable improvements was in the team's defensive play. The Ogopogos reduced their shots against from 64 in the last two weeks to 40 this week. This significant reduction is a testament to the hard work and strategic adjustments made by the team. The defense showed greater coordination and tenacity, making it more challenging for the Arctic Chokes to get in the zone and score.

Game Recap

The game, held on May 14, 2024, started with the Arctic Chokes quickly taking the lead. They scored five goals in the first period but despite the early setback, the Ogopogos continued to battle hard, showing their grit and determination.

In the second period, the Arctic Chokes added four more goals, but the Ogopogos' defense displayed remarkable improvement, managing to keep the opponents at bay for longer stretches.

The third period saw the Arctic Chokes scoring five additional goals, but the Ogopogos never gave up. Their spirit and teamwork were evident throughout the game, and the players' support for one another was a highlight.

Looking Ahead

The Ogopogos may not have secured a win yet, but their progress is evident. The team is playing better each week, learning from each game, and making necessary adjustments. The presence of new players and the reduction in shots against are positive signs that the team is on the right track.

As they prepare for their next game, the Ogopogos can take pride in their improvements and the milestones achieved in this match. The journey of building a strong, cohesive team continues, and the future looks promising for the Ogopogos.

There's More To The Story Than The Final Score

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Alternate captain Tom here! Instead of a traditional game recap, I wanted to shine a light on some pretty cool things happening this season, including at our most recent game last night.

Even with the power of our awesome new official jerseys, The Ogopogos’ third game ended in a loss with a score of 12-0. But one thing I’ve learned about hockey is that the scoreboard doesn’t always tell the whole story.

For example, in our first game we racked up a total of 3 shots on goal against the other team. In our next game we got 12 shots on their goal, and last night we totaled 17 shots on goal. That’s huge. Each of those shots means we not only had to escape our own zone, but then evade the other team’s defense through the neutral zone, and then spend enough time in the offensive zone to get a shot off.

Adding to that the fact that The Ogopogos are currently the “most beginner team” in the league (meaning the majority of our players have never played on an official team before) and we were playing against a team of significantly more experienced players, then those little victories start to become more apparent.

To take things a bit further, from my perspective as goalie, we had 69 shots against us in the first game and 64 shots against in each of the following two games. It was tough to look up at the board last night and see the number of goals against climb to 12…but what the scoreboard doesn’t show is the 52 saves. I won’t lie, I’m kind of proud of 52 saves– the same way our team should be proud of 17 shots on goal! From here it’s really a matter of continuing to mount offensive pressure while reducing the other team’s shots on goal. Then good things will happen.

Away from game time, the majority of Ogopogos are skating and practicing as often as possible through scrimmages, Learn to Play classes, Stick & Puck sessions, and open skates before and after work pretty much every day of the week (and on top of oodles of family/community commitments too).

So even when the final score shows a loss there are always a ton of wins in every game. Someone spent time during the week working on passing and then was able to receive a pass at a critical time in the game? That’s a win. Someone spends hours working on backwards crossovers to be more effective at defense and then is able to disrupt a play from the other team? That’s a win. Someone spends hours training in Sense Arena virtual reality and is quickly able to make a glove save before a puck hits dead center in the middle of his mask? I can personally tell you that’s most definitely a win.

On top of all that, the support we’ve received from the community has been unreal. Kind words, encouragement, coaching– you name it, people have given it to us while asking for nothing in return. It’s an incredibly special thing and I hope you know how much it means to everyone on the team.

Don't get me wrong, The Ogopogos are a competitive team. Each on of us takes to the ice before a game with the intent to win, and when we do get that first W it’ll be an incredibly exciting moment, but there’s much more to the game than the final score.

Official Jerseys Arrive In Time For Game 3!

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Giving the jerseys a twirl at open skate

Even though we’re in Southern California today is New Jersey Day!

After playing our first two games in generic light/dark jerseys with duct tape numbers akin to The Mighty Ducks when they were the “District 5 Hockey Team,” the Ogopogos now have official jerseys ready to go.

The design was created several months ago with the teams inception and then finalized/submitted after the official roster was locked down. With only a few weeks between the Winter and Summer league seasons along with long wait times for jerseys, it meant the team had to kick off the season without the real deal (but of course that didn’t stop the games from being incredible fun).

Original concept: custom purple pant shells are still on the way!

It’s one of those things you don’t hear a lot about when starting an adult recreational hockey team– where do the jerseys (or I guess “sweaters” is the more correct term) come from? How do you make and design them? How long does it take for them to arrive? So many questions!

Our jerseys feature the primary circle logo and ultra fearsome yet deceptively sensitive Ogopogo along with the team’s two main colors: bright blue and deep purple, with accents of pink, white, and black to not only “pop” on the ice and look super rad, but also symbolize the team’s diversity in player experiences and backgrounds.

Additionally, matching jerseys (especially in a bight colors like these) can make a huge difference on the ice, where identifying team members in a player’s peripheral vision becomes much easier.

Check out the team schedule on the Main Page to see the jerseys in action!

organizing jersey and cok orders before delivery

Ogopogos Score First Goal In Team History!

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In hockey every goal counts, but some goals mean more than just a point on the scoreboard. For the Ogopogos, their recent match against The Maples was a testament to perseverance and growth as a team. Despite a challenging game that ended with a score of 11-1 in favor of The Maples, the Ogopogos had a significant reason to celebrate—scoring their first-ever goal in the league!

Getting On The Board!

Heading into the third period, with the score leaning heavily in one direction, the team decided to shift focus away from defense and put all effort into offense, with the aim of scoring a goal being a victory for the game. Minutes later #17 Caitlan McInally found the back of the net with a stretch pass assist from team captain #13 Mickey Beatty. This goal wasn't just a personal triumph for Caitlan but a collective victory for the entire team.

#85 goalie Tom Buck and Ogopogos defense faced 64 shots on goal with an extra focus on interrupting plays and clearing the zone. Each player went into the game with at least one specific aspect of their game to work on: everything from skating backwards and passing off the backhand to on-ice communication and making intentional plays in the offensive zone.

Additional standout performances came from #68 Kay Larson and #4 Sydney Process, who excelled at cleanly winning face-offs throughout the game and getting the puck into Ogopogo control, a key part in keeping the game competitive and setting up offensive opportunities, including the memorable goal.

Moving Forward

While the Ogopogos may not have won the game, their spirit and determination were palpable. Each player on the ice contributed to the team's dynamics, from defending their zone to creating opportunities to score. This game has laid a foundation for the Ogopogos, proving that they can score against tough opponents and fight through to the last whistle.

Ogopogos Show Promise in Debut Despite Tough Loss to Arctic Chokes

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The Ogopogos made their debut in the Firebirds Adult League on April 24, 2024, facing the Arctic Chokes. Despite the tough 13-0 loss, the Ogopogos demonstrated resilience and potential that bodes well for their inaugural season.

Positive Takeaways

Playing their first-ever game, the Ogopogos found themselves up against a veteran C league team. Although the final score was heavily in favor of the Arctic Chokes, the Ogopogos constantly showed solid teamwork and skill development, essential foundations for a new team. Captain Mickey Beatty and Alternate Ashely Carlton laid a solid foundation for lines, plays, and strategies, while every player on the team cheered, offered encouragement, and most importantly, had fun. final scores aside, it’s safe to say no other team in the league had more fun than the ‘Pogos.

Commitment and Resilience

Goalie Tom Buck (#85) faced a barrage of shots, totaling 69 throughout the game and provided the team with the much-needed stability as they navigated their first game. Strong defensive plays from the pairings of Anitra Kass (#15) and Bex Lowry (#5), Mickey Beatty (#13) and Caitlan McInally (#17), Katie Cooney (#16) and Meg Rockwell (#80) helped fend against a tough offense while also giving players a chance to build communication and on-ice passing/strategy skills.

Building Team Chemistry

The Ogopogos displayed good on-ice chemistry, which is a positive sign for a new team. Their ability to maintain discipline, evidenced by a penalty-free game, suggests a well-coached and well-organized team. This discipline under pressure will be crucial as they continue to develop and face future challenges. This was the first “official” hockey game for most players on the team, many of whom have participated in Learn to Play classes and pickup games as the Berger Iceplex over the past year.

Every player on the team had the chance to make stellar plays at some point in the game, whether it was the repeated face-off wins of Sydney Process (#4), poke checks and clears from Kay Larson (#68), or the skills of experienced players like Avalon Janisch (#71) and Adam Rife (#77).

Even under pressure players like Jill Fores (#9), Luis Serra #43), and Nancy Wise (#97) were able to keep calm and make “wise” decisions without panic passing and giveaways that are typically common when new players take to the ice.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

While the debut game's outcome was not as hoped, the experience gained is invaluable. The team can use this match as a learning tool, analyzing the gameplay to identify areas for improvement and to build on their strengths. As the season progresses, the Ogopogos will have ample opportunity to refine their strategies and showcase their growth.

Fan-tastic!

The journey of the Ogopogos is just beginning, and their first game has laid the groundwork for what is sure to be an exciting season. With continued dedication and the solid foundation displayed in their debut, there's every reason to believe they will develop into a competitive and spirited team in the league.

One of the absolute highlights of the game was seeing the stands packed with friends and family members cheering on the team. That level of support for a group of adults putting themselves out there and trying something new. Heather Ramirez (#34) said, “It was my first time playing a team sport and I just enjoyed having fun and taking everything in.”

The Ogopogos take to the ice next on Tuesday April 30th against The Yetis.