SPRINGHILL – The Cumberland County Blues have been seeking ways to win all season long, and with two games left in the regular season the search still continues.
After coming off a 6-5 shootout loss to the Antigonish Bulldogs Wednesday night in Springhill, Blues coach Dave Hyatt said, “We need a 60 minute effort and we’re still focusing on playing better defence.”
One drastic change they’ve made in the last couple of games is moving one of the Nova Scotia Junior Hockey League’s point leaders, Zach Carson, from forward to defence.
“Zach seen we had a weakness in that area and he volunteered himself, which is a mature move by a team leader,” said Hyatt. “It’s a short time to learn a new position but he’s done a good job on defence and he still has a couple more games to adjust.”
On Wednesday the Blues were down 4-0 but tied the game 5-5, pushing the game into overtime and then a shootout.
“Nobody quit and everybody kept battling and turned it into a close hockey game after being down 4-0, “ said Hyatt.
The Blues play the Royals in Windsor tonight, and then play the Port Hawkesbury Strait Pirates Sunday in Springhill.
“We’re playing the Pirates in the playoffs and we want to come out and play a good hockey game and go into the playoffs on the right foot,” said Hyatt. “But it’s more about how we’re playing than results.”
Charles Dubuc will get the start in goal in Windsor, and Hyatt said they haven’t decided who will start Sunday in Springhill.
Tonight’s game starts at 7:45 p.m., and Sunday’s game starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Richard Calder Arena in Springhill.
dmathieson@amherstdaily.com
