The best way to forget about a big loss is to turn around and pick up an important win.
That’s the attitude of the Nelson Leafs Junior B hockey squad.
The normally high-flying Leafs are preparing for a pair of weekend games, starting tomorrow against the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
The Leafs haven’t played since last Friday’s surprising 7-2 loss to the Fernie Ghostriders.
“We told the guys to not really pay attention to last weekend too much and just learn from it and just move forward,” said Leafs’ head coach Frank Maida.
The loss does not reflect the local squad’s play this year and the coach said it was a good reminder to his players to always stay focused.
“We just need to be ready for every single game and that’s what we’re looking forward to tomorrow, being ready,” he said.
Maida knows it’s a long season and players can get mentally and physically tired, but his squad knows what is expected of them.
“Every team is out to get you and we have to be on our game every single game.”
After the loss, the Leafs went back to practice and began working on the game that has been so strong for them so far this season.
“We’ve had good practising this week, went right back to basics and worked on things that have made us successful to date.”
Nelson is facing a busy week of action with four games in the next eight days.
The stretch starts tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. against the Beaver Valley Nitehawks in Fruitvale. The following night, the Leafs return home to take on the Golden Rockets. The puck drops at 7 p.m. at the Nelson and District Community Complex.
The squad hits the road again on Thursday, December 19 for a home and home series against the Castlegar Rebels. The first game begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Leafs then play host to Castlegar on December 20.
Puck drops at 7 p.m.
The squad then enjoys nine days off for the holiday break.