Athletic Results: Boys Hockey

NSA Mens Hockey

By: Brandon Patraw

The National Sports Academy men’s hockey team is off to a slow start but improving everyday.  Two weeks ago, they lost to Ulysse Prep, a young team, based out of Montreal.  

NSA’s assistant coach, Chris Curley said it was a disappointing and frustrating loss.  Curley stated, “We didn’t play with emotion, we weren’t ready to play mentally, and we lost a lot of loose battles to the puck.”  

NSA Goalie Mike McDaniel had a standout
performance against the South Shore Kings.

Ulysse scored the first two goals of the game.  Trailing 2-0 after the first period, NSA got some momentum going in the second.  NSA’s Brandon Patraw received a picture perfect pass from Patrick Hayes and slide the puck into the net.  The score remained the same for the remainder of the second.

Just 31 seconds into the third period, NSA’s Alex Fukes banged home back door pass to lock things up.  Brandon Patraw and Patrick Hayes were awarded with the assists.  

After having the game all tied up, NSA had a mental breakdown.  Ulysse Prep then scored 4 unanswered goals to pull ahead with the 6-2 victory.  

Chris Curley said, “We knew we weren’t doing something right, we changed our practice  plans for the following week.  We implemented more team oriented drills and worked through our problems as opposed to yelling at the kids.  

The following week, NSA had to face one of their toughest opponents of the year. The South Shore Kings, a team from the EJHL.  Although losing 6-1 it was apparent that NSA was a different team this week. 
NSA's goaltender, Mike Mcdaniel, had a stellar performance in net. 

Curley stated, “South Shore is a very skilled team and I felt we played much better this week than we did the previous.  Our boys battled with pride and never lost their composure.”

Brandon Patraw scored NSA’s lone goal on a rebound that was left in front of the net.  

NSA faces another tough opponent this weekend.  Bridgeton Academy will be coming to Lake Placid on Saturday.  The game is at 2pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday.  

This weekend Curley hopes to see some solid offense and most importantly he hopes the boys work hard and give their best effort possible.

Curley said, “This team has the best chemistry I have ever seen from coaching and playing. We have a special group of guys who are all very close.”