'Da Bears

Oops, we did it again.  The Raleigh Bears traveled to Charlotte this weekend to stake their claim at the NC State Games.  They battled 3 other teams from Raleigh and one from Pineville.  Once again their team defensive play dominated the tournament only allowing 1 goal in three 4 games.  The tournament started Friday night against the Raleigh Thunder with a drama filled, physical, tight scoring game.  The Bears come out on top with a 2-0 win scoring the 2^nd goal as an empty netter with about a minute left in the game.  Saturday the Bears battled the Pineville Falcons with an easy 4-1 win.  More of the same on Sunday morning with a dominant 4-0 victory against the Carolina Lightning.  As expected, a rematch with the Thunder was in store for the championship game on Sunday.  This was a much anticipated game with a whole lot of animosity between the teams, coaches and fans.  The Bears didn’t disappoint as the played a disciplined defensive team game.  Justin started the scoring off early with a rebound goal.  The game got really chippy with some checking, roughing, boarding, unsportsmanlike and misconduct penalties.  Oh, by the way, these were all on the other team.  Our boys played disciplined and stayed out of the box with the exception of one tripping penalty.  We dominated play a majority of the game and had a strong 3-0 wint (a late open netter sealing the game).  In between all the winning the boys (and parents) had a blast.  The boys swam, had team lunches/dinners and partied til the late hours each night.  Luckily they didn’t get us kicked out of the hotel.  We bribed the security with pizza and soda. This is the 3^rd gold medal in 3 months for the boys.  As always we are proud parents and a coach.

‘Til next time…