Varsity hockey head coach Dave Hague was not in a good mood during practice on Monday, November 21.
Despite the Wildcats claiming an 8-6 victory over the Troy Colts in their season opener on Saturday, Nov. 19, Hague called the game ‘something we weren’t proud to be a part of.?
During the game, Hague said the Wildcats played undisciplined hockey, committed numerous penalties got caught up in a game that was chippy right from the drop of the puck.
Referees blew their whistles 38 times due to penalties – 18 for Oxford and 20 for Troy.
‘We were disappointed in our effort, we were disappointed in our attitude…and it is something that we, for our on ice performance, owe a lot of people an apology,? Hague said.
‘It wasn’t Oxford hockey, and when you are in games like that, it’s not about winning and losing,? he added following practice.
‘We want to play better, we want to work harder, we want to have a harder compete level, and most importantly, we want to win with class and the right attitude,? Hague continued.
Hague said he was ok with taking penalties when his team is working hard because there will always be the inadvertent trip or high stick.
However, taking undisciplined penalties is something he cannot stand and won’t tolerate.
So during Monday’s practice, players spent a majority of the time sprinting up and down the ice.
Hague feels his team got the message as they played a more complete game in a 3-2 victory over KBH Unified on Saturday, Nov. 26.
Flint Kearsley, Brandon and Holly High Schools combined to form one hockey team this season.
‘This was a good comeback game for us and I liked our compete level in the first and third periods,? Hague said.
Senior goalie Adam Pardonoff stopped 16 of 18 shots for Oxford as the Wildcats outshot KBH Unified 39-18 thanks to a strong forecheck.
Oxford currently sits at 2-0 and will square off against West Bloomfield on Wednesday, Nov. 30.