Housley Classic ... off to a good start ...

Comets 7 - Pascack Valley 1

In addition to the "Housley Classic" being a one game elimination tournament, this was going to be an important game for the Comets. They were coming off of losing 3 of their last 4 games. 2 of which, were one goal games that the Comets controlled but could not win. Capitalizing on opportunities was a common problem in those two games. Finishing plays, working together, and minimizing breakdowns were all issues the Comets needed to improve.

The first game of the "Housley Classic" started just like the last two games. The Comets played strong, and had some great opportunities, but failed to score. Then it happened. Pascack Valley scored the first goal. This appeared to be a problem for the Comets in the last two games. In both games the other team scored the first goal. However this time, the Comets stuck to their game, and continued with their style of play. The continued to play like a team, with passing, a solid forecheck and pressuring the puck, and in addition they played a strong defense. This continued pressure lead to a goal to tie up the game, followed by a go ahead goal. At this point the Comets never looked back!

They continued playing the same system with, passing, solid forecheck and back check, and went on to score 5 more unanswered goals, to win the game 7-1. The Comets will now play Northern Valley Old Tappan for the "Housley Cup" championship on Friday, New Years eve, at 1:45pm. However, please double check with the Ice House, as the snow storm has changed around a lot of the start times for these games. We hope to see you at the game and have a great New Years!

A Weekend to Forget ... or at Least Learn From

Comets 3 - West Milford 4

Well by now I'm sure most of you have read the articles, and or the blogs. It was not a great weekend. The home opener was set for Friday night. There was a good size crowd and a lot of positive energy. The Comets were ready for a good game.

As the game opened, the Comets had a ton a pressure in the offensive zone, with lots of shots. Only problem was they just could not capitalize. Then when they did find the net, they would go through a few breakdowns, which would lead to a few goals. Next thing you know, the Comets found themselves losing to a team they had previously beaten, in a game they really should have won. But instead of just putting the game behind them and forgetting about it, there was a lot they could learn from a game like that.

Comets 1 - Northern Valley Old Tappan 2

Well what can you say about this one. Another close one goal game. Another game where the Comets had a lot of pressure down in the offensive zone, but could not capitalize on opportunities. Another game where a few breakdowns, lead up to another loss. It seemed as if the Comets were in it, the whole game, and at any point things would start clinking for them, but it just did not happen. It was their second loss in 2 games and third loss in the last four.

Looking ahead, the Comets have a week of practices, a Christmas break, and then it's on to the Housley Cup tournament, where they will play Pascack Valley. Let's hope they can shake this state they are in, and play the kind of hockey we saw them play the first weekend!

Have a great holiday, and we'll see you Sunday the 26th at the Ice House at 7:00pm!

That Was a Little Better!

Comets 5 - Northern Valley 3

Well, it was a much better game, that's for sure. There was passing, there was checking, there was pressure and digging in the corners, there was even effort in fighting for rebounds. It as if the Comets really tried to correct a lot of the issues from the night before! In addition, there was the first two goals from freshman Robbie Marut, and the first goal for Senior Suzanne Meeks. A lot of good was happening.

However, after taking the a 5-2 at the end of the first period, the Comets seem to lose a little focus. In addition to taking some bad penalties, and letting up one more goal, the scoring also came to an end. They played well enough to hold on to their 5-3 lead, however, they will need to play 3 strong periods, like their first period, if the want to beat the stronger teams in this division.

The will have the opportunity to show they can play 3 full periods next weekend when they play their home opener against West Milford. West Milford will, for sure, be looking to even up the score after the Comets beat them 3-0 last week. See you then!

A Tough Loss can be a Wake Up Call ...

Comets 0 - Wayne Valley 7

Maybe everyone was feeling a bit too confident, maybe they were not taking their new opponent too seriously, but whatever it is that happened, it seemed that everything that was going right last weekend, was going wrong last night. At every position, it seemed that the Comets were struggling with every aspect of their game.

Let's hope they can shake off this loss, and learn from it as the head up to Sport-o-Rama tonight for a late game against Northern Highlands, with a 9:00 PM start. Good luck Comets!

2010-2011 Comets Schedule

Here is the 2010-11 Comets schedule. If you want, you should be able to download this jpeg and print it out. These schedules should be popping up around the High School any day now.

If anyone wants a large printout (1"2 x 18") to put up at their favorite deli, just let me know.

Photos From St. Joes game uploaded

The Flickr account has been updated and we will now be posting photos from the games on that web page. The photos from the St. Joes game have just been uploaded. We will do our best to get shots of all the players ...

Here is the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cometsicehockey09-10/

...or you can click on the "Comets Photos" link at the top right of this page.

Nothern Valley Ice Blog

For those of you who do not know, there is a great blog about our league, the Northern Valley Ice Blog. It can be found on the Bergen Record web page www.northjersey.com. It's a great blog, with great reporting and great photos.

As a new addition to this blog, we have addd a link to the Northern Valley Ice Blog in the upper right, so you can navigate to it easily. Enjoy!

Blog Updates ...

As I'm sure everyone knows, our league has changed to "Big North- Silver". The link is on the upper right side of this blog. When click on it, it will bring you to the standings/schedule section. You have to click on the "Big North - Silver" tab at the bottom to get to the page with our division.

You can also click on another link on the upper right labeled, "HS Hockey Schedule & Standings". This is the main website that has various schedules, standings, and information.

You can also check out "High School Spots Net" and the "Star Ledger Recaps", as well as a new link for the "Bergen Record" for more recaps and information.

Welcome to the Start of the 2010-11 Season!

Well the season is getting into full swing. Ice and dry land practices have been going on for a few weeks now, and this weekend the Comets had their first two games. And what a weekend!

Comets 3 - St. Joes 2

Saturday night the Comets faced St. Joes. This was the first regular season game for the upper classmen additions of Suzanne(Sn), Phillipe (Sn), and Austin Yu (Jr). The three of them made quite an impact on the team. It was a well played game for both sides, and a real nail biter at the end, as the Comets managed to hold on for a 3-2 win!Nice way to start the season.

Comets 3 - West Milford 0

Sunday Night had them playing against West Milford at the Ice Vault. Even though the Comets had the lead at the end of the first, it looked like it was going to be a pretty tight game. Then as they got into the second period, the Comets had complete control of the game and never looked back! It even gave Coach Church the opportunity to rotate in all his skaters, giving them all a chance to contribute. In the end they skated away with a 3-0 shutout! Nicely done!

This weekend the Comets will face face Wayne Valley at the Ice Vault at 6:00pm, and Nothern Highlands at Sport-o-rama on Sunday at 9:00. See you there!

...as a side note I will be posting a link for more photos from the games. I am trying to pick up where Ron Gildea left off, with taking pictures of the team. I will try to get shots of all the players, so please be patient if shots of some of the players are missing. I will do my best to get everyone.