Welcome to Talawanda Braves Ice Hockey
12-12-2-2 overall 5-4-2-0 league
Next Game: Friday February 9th 6:00pm vs. TBA... 1st Round of SWOHSHL Tournament
Braves fall one game shy of winning Findlay Christmas Tournament (12/29/11)
45 minutes away from their second Tournament Championship in a row, Braves fall short. (12/28/11)
The icemen from Oxford playing their best hockey of the season this weekend, had nothing left in the tank for their final game of the tournament. Having beaten eventual tournament champion Findlay on Monday and losing in overtime to Bowling Green on Tuesday, our boys just needed a two goal victory over Freemont to capture the crown at the Findlay Christmas Tournament. In a game which saw both teams fire 25 shots at each others net, Freemont netted 4 goals to Talawanda's one, ending championship hopes for the Braves of Oxford. Thomas Clayton scored the lone goal assisted by Tanner Eck, while Andy Sens played another excellent game in net, his strongest weekend this year.
As much as the players wanted that trophy, sickness, injury, and three games in three days on the road took it's toll. The team seems to always pull together when the bench is short, but asking them to do it three nights straight was too much. Without the services of 4 key players, and at least a few feeling under the weather, everyone on the team was pushed to their limits.
With Findlay beating Bowling Green 3-2 in the final game of the tournament combined with Talawanda's loss allowed Findlay to steal the championship from us. Had the surging Braves defeated Freemont by two goals, the celebration would have been taking place on the bus back to Oxford rather than at Findlay arena. Since the tournament was a round robin format a win by the Braves would have Findlay, Bowling Green, and Talawanda tied with 2-1 records. With the first tie breaker being head to head nullified by virture of each team beating each other, the second tie breaker was goal differential. That is why a two goal victory by Talawanda over Freemont would have given the championship to Talawanda.
Although the loss was disappointing, the boys made a statement. It's been a long couple of months with the team adjusting to a several new players, a new coaching staff and a new "way of playing." The culture is changing and the impact is noticeable. This weekend again, saw minimal selfish play or penalties. Each player is understanding their role and making their best effort to do what is necessary when they are called upon. Some play more then others, but no one player is more important than any other, a mantra that can be difficult to grasp. The efforts of the whole can greatly impact the performance of the individual vs. the other way around.
The Braves impact players led by Zach Sens include Brandon Tafelski, Thomas Clayton, Ross Gann and Andy Sens. Their success is very much tied to their supporting cast. The better the TEAM plays the more impact they have. This weekend the supporting cast saw great efforts by everyone, with a few showing great signs of improvement. Tanner Eck, easily the most improved player on the team to date filled in admirably in place of the injured Zach Martin, while Andrew Marks, Andrew Short and Jon Abshire saw more ice than normal and were effective.
Our defenseman, at times, playing every second shift were pushed to the limit, but held their own most of the weekend. The leaders on defense were Mitch Poetter, Mason Miller and Zach Sens who saw action at forward as well. Freshmen Curran Persinger, Evan Bartlett each contributed showing everyone glimpses of the key players that they will become.
Newly appointed assistant captain Wade McQueen brought his positive attitude and great work ethic to every shift he played while Freshman forward Josh Clayton continues to learn and contribute when needed.
The Braves have a much deserved weekend off, not playing until January 6th when they meet Centreville at home for a league battle followed by a non-conference contest with North powerhouse Toledo St. Johns.
With Zach Martin, Sam Poetter, Zane Marsh and Kyle Engel expected back in the line-up, a healthy Braves squad should be set for a great run for the final half of the season.
Braves surrender overtime goal vs. Bowling Green and suffer heartbreaking loss. (12/27/11)
In a battle much like the night before which saw the Braves victorious over Findlay, an exceptional effort couldn't bring home a win. Thanks to the cross-bar and goal posts, Bowling Green was able to squeak by the Braves with an overtime goal.
In an even battle between two 1-0 tournament teams, fans were again entertained by a fantastic hockey game. Bowling Green had the edge for the first stanza, coming out flying and scoring in the first minute of the game. That 1-0 lead held until the last seconds of the second period when Brandon Tafelski scored on a great pass from Ross Gann.
The third period was dominated by the Braves who saw no less than 4 shots ring off either the post or the cross bar throughout the game. As fate would have it the final buzzer would ring sending the game into overtime. In a 4 on 4 overtime format, Bowling Green came out on top scoring just 3 minutes into the extra period sending a dejected Braves team to the locker room.
The Braves started the game short handed and before the third shift lost Zach Martin and Sam Poetter. Already without Senior Kyle Engel and Sophmore Zane Marsh, the team pulled together and did there best. Unfortunately, discipline, a new trademark this season for the Braves wasn't as stellar as in the game vs. Findlay and it cost them.
Tonight, the Braves take on Freemont who just lost to Findlay 5-4 in overtime.
If our Braves remain healthy enough, maintain there discipline, and continue their much improved defensive zone coverage, our boys will give Freemont a battle.
The Hockey Men defeat Tournament favorite Findlay 4-2 in the opening game Monday night in front of a packed house at the The Cube in Findlay OH. (12/26/11)
In a fantastic effort demonstrating both perseverance and discipline the Braves battled to a hard fought victory vs. a perennial state powerhouse Findlay High School.
Excellent goaltending from Andy Sens and a sparkling power play lift the short benched Braves to a huge win on Monday night providing a welcome Christmas gift for friends and family who made the 3 hour trip from Oxford to a frigid but friendly Findlay OH.
With a shortened bench due to injury and illness, the Braves needed to play simple, smart disciplined hockey and they did just that. Never trailing throughout the contest the Red White and Blue pulled together scoring three power play goals and killing off all three short handed situations.
Zack Sens, the Braves stalwart Senior leader opened the scoring early in the 1st period with an unassisted goal. Entering the 2nd period tied up at one a piece saw the Braves take the lead for good as Thomas Clayton, playing arguably his best period of the year tallied two points, scoring the second goal of the game and assisting on the third goal buried by speedy winger Ross Gann.
The third period was a heart stopper as both teams pressed each other hard. Excellent goal-tending at both ends of the rink excited the crowd as the teams exchanged scoring opportunities all period long. In the end, the more disciplined, never say die braves, tallied a late marker with just 4 seconds left to cap the biggest win of the year.
Zach Sens started the play demonstrating his poise with a very intelligent clearing pass off the boards. It was picked up by Ross Gann who raced towards the net and fed an elusive Brandon Tafelski charging into the deep slot. With just one move and a flick of his wrist Tafelski locked up the victory for the Braves.