The Clippers lost a game, but found their identity. It is unusual to find the positive in a 6-1 loss, but for the first time this season, Yarmouth played with the sense of urgency and physicality they will need to be successful. When the Clippers finished their checks and focused on winning physical battles, they played very well. Despite the 4:50 pm weekday start, the barn was filled for the contest against Greely, which is the clear favorite in Class B.
Greely opened up the scoring half-way through the first period and then picked up another tally on an unexpected bounce with five seconds left in the period for a 2-0 lead. However, as the period progressed Yarmouth began to play more physically, which made for an interesting game. Jacob Veilleux ’20 got the team going when he laid out two strong checks, which seemed to fire up the Clippers.
Greely extended the lead to three with a power play goal, but 15 seconds later, Matt Sanborn cut the lead to 3-1 when he drove the net for an unassisted goal. Greely would add another goal late in the second period.
Despite the score, the Clippers battled and showed they are at their best when playing up-tempo, physical hockey. Although a number of players were willing to deliver big hits, the Clippers also were willing to take them. Late in the game, Matt Robichaud ’22 took a punishing hit from a player twice his size, but picked himself up and kept going. Robichaud is a skilled, puck-moving defenseman, but also showed he has the requisite toughness to succeed.
As they head into the heart of the seaon, the key for Yarmouth will be playing close to the line, but not crossing over it with bad penalties. If the Clippers develop into a physical team focused on being hard to play against, they will have success.
The Clippers will travel to Midcoast Recreation Center on Saturday, December 22nd to take on Camden Hills in a must-win contest. Game time is 6:00 pm and will be followed by a Junior Varsity game.
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