Jackson Oleson - WHL Combine Day 2 Part 2

Good start for Jackson in the morning.  But if anything the games get more intense as players get more comfortable.  Players at higher levels know how to play the game.  They can figure out teammates quickly and be effective right away (see Olympic hockey).  As the game intensifies, you must raise your level.  Sometimes you won't get the bounces, but putting yourself in good position will always give you the chance to be successful.  On for game 2...

Game 2:  GREY vs TEAM Red

Ok back on.  We had a nice break and now the boys are circling in the warm up.  Jack looks sharp.  We are playing team Red.  Same blend of players. 

1-0  RED.  Somehow a TEAM red player got loose and Jackson tracked him perfectly pushing him into the corner on the right side.  The player ripped a shot from the bottom of the face-off circle reaching around Jackson.  No way this goes in.  But it did.  Just passed the goalies shoulder.  This was a Gretzky kind of goal.  Can’t blame Jackson for this one.  He looks up at me in the stands and at the same time we shrugged our shoulders.  Nothing you can do kid.  That kid purchased that goal.

Ok crap.  Jackson just couldn't clear the crease and now they are up 2-0 and Jackson is -2.  That is he out on the ice for 2 goals against him, dang.  But actually, directly engaged in the play for these 2 goals…oh the life of a defenseman.  He can’t budge these kids and they thrash.  This really looks like NHL hockey but miniature size.

I must say these kids have never played together but the tape to tape passes, finding seams, moving the puck.  You would think they have played together for years. 

Jacks on a PK.  It’s a total battle.  They are pinned in.  Smash, J takes a hit.  Sends the puck around the boards.  Back in front of the net.  Off the goalie to the right side.  Jackson’s on it.  35 secs to kill.  It’s a scrum but Jack comes away with it and a nice high sailing sauce out of the zone.  Great PK. Off to the bench.

Crap 3-0.  These guys are killing us.

Jackson’s head’s on a swivel.  They are buzzing like a swarm of bees.  He is trashing left and thrashing right.  Twist.  Twist again, twist again. Smash.  It’s a scrum.  Smash.  It’s on his stick.  He’s spinning off and now behind the net on his own.  His center swings in.  Jack hits him and the play is going the other way.  Get to the bench kid.  Get to the bench.

Hooorayy.  3 -1.  Nifty little goal by the Montana kid.  This kid is a tad bit taller than Jack.  Another one of the smaller boys.  Freaking scrappy this kid.  His dad says he plays football too, and it shows.

The puck is pushed deep in our zone.  Jackson hustling to get it.  Man on.  Jackson shows patience, NICE SPIN OFF, no panic here.  Moves towards the far side boards pushing the puck out, and a winger swoops down, and a tape to tape pass.  Again the Grizzly stuff.  He has been able to make that move 100 times this season.  It’s baked in.  I just wasn't sure if it would work against these guys.  They can’t pin him.  They can’t pin him!!!

Jack back out now.  He’s in a deep zone battle.  Dang what a move.  He just sent Middendorf on a break for a goal.  Assist Jackson.  Great goal.  3 -2.  Jackson only -1 now.

It’s late in the 2^nd.   A few more shifts by Jack.  Just solid.  He just handled a 2 on 1 rush as both players ended up condensing on him.  He stuck his little body in there and just hung in the fight.  The pucks off into the far board corner.  He gets some support from teammates and they are moving the puck out.

Late 3^rd, we've pushed the puck in deep and have some juice.  Red’s line looks a bit gassed.  Kind of like a power play but they have numbers.  The entire Red team has collapsed in with GREY possessing the puck.  HOLY HOLY @##$!   It’s a quick pass to GREY player with a one touch pass to Jackson slicing in from D.  He is in on high slot, a ONE TIMER LOW.  It’s IN.  It’s IN.  HOLY @#$$!  It’s 3-3 and Jackson getting the mob treatment.  Don’t hurt him.  Well the entire building knows who my kid is now.  I am not embarrassed.  I've done worse.

We have a handle on this now.  4-3 in the 3^rd us.  Nope.  Tied up at 4.  Ouch another quick one and 5-4 them.  Wow how the tide turned quickly.  These guys are just so good.  You turn your head and bang, bang, bang.

Crap 6-4.  None on Jack, he’s playing well. We've pulled our goalie and Jack’s out.  Crap, they have him one on one in the neutral zone.  Collapsinnnnggggg.  He got him.  Jack got him.  Saved an empty netter.  Nice play on the body to tie the opponent up.  To the bench.  Man my hearts racing.

Way cool.  A Grey goal narrows it to 6-5.  This would be a nail biter if I had any nails to bite.  This is double bad, cuz I am sipping an Americano.  Hearts racing in over drive. Defibrillator around I hope.

Dang a penalty.  We are pulling the goalie anyway and going for it.

45 seconds to go.  Jackson to the bench.  He is spent.  What a push. 

Some great chaaaannnnnccccesss and buzzer.  Red takes this one 6-5.  What a game.  Can’t wait to see Jack and ask him how it feels.  He really made an impact in this one.

It’s bed time.  We have the final game at 8:15 in the am.  Hope to catch the concierge lounge in the morning for some more good eggs.

Night night.