Game Recap: Team CLE 1, Gilmour 1

We missed you Chuck!

Team CLE kicked off the season this afternoon with a 1-1 tie against the Gilmour Academy U19 girl's team.

After a first period controlled by Team CLE, Gilmour ended up getting on the board first, early in the second. Team CLE answered shortly after when Katie came out of the corner with the puck, and made a nifty pass across the crease to a patiently waiting Kristen, who tapped that baby home. The 1-1 score would hold the rest of the game, despite Gilmour's increased pressure in the third.

Some more highlights:

• We're still working on the team cheer. "1, 2, 3, TEAM C-L-E!" didn't sound quite right, so we moved to "1, 2, 3, C-L-E!" which sounded much less like we were singing a short team song before every period. "Go Hashtag-Team-C-L-E!" was immediately rejected (still waiting for an explanation). So, work in progress, although I think most are a fan of option #2. 
• The game was fun, fast and pretty physical. Neither goalie got tested much (although Allie was getting tested more and more in the third, and came up big). I didn't see the score sheet or anything, but I don't think there were lots of shots for either side. 
• There are way too many Katies on our team. 
• The Gilmour girls (available on Netflix!) definitely had the edge on us when it came to endurance. Team CLE, with only tryouts and one practice under our belts, is still working on shaking off the summer and getting back into hockey shape. The difference was most noticeable in the third period, despite our little break for an ice cut. 
• Team CLE was the smarter, more skilled team overall. Good situational awareness and two impressive power play lines. Of course, the game did end in a tie, so you know Gilmour Academy was bringing something too. 
• Our new jerseys look SHARP!

Again, it was a good game between two strong, fast teams. I'd love to see a rematch before the season's up. Best of luck to Gilmour this season, and we hope to meet you on the ice again!

In off-the-ice news, Team CLE is hosting a fundraising event next Saturday (October 18) at Around the Corner in Lakewood starting at 7 PM. I hear we'll be offering all-you-can-eat/drink beer, wings and pizza with some great raffle prizes, too. Find your favorite Team CLE team member for a discounted ticket, or pay $25 at the door. All proceeds go to our team (renting ice is reallllly expensive).

Go Team CLE/Blackhawks!