By Jeff Nagle
The Riverview Royals mired in a four game losing streak have not been able to get into synch all season. The recent fleury of major trades certain have not helped either. While the team is certainly more deep offensively, they are not nearly as physical on the backend. This is a major pivot for the Royals who have prided themselves on a hard-hitting defensive style.
"Well, we are here to win cups. While our team certainly was entertaining last season, we ran out of steam in the playoffs when the opposition smothered our second and third lines. Sure, we outhit them, but we didn't outscore them. And that is why we took this new direction. With McDavid, Kovi, and Bouchard, we are primed to be an smooth transition club that is much deeper than just our front line. Arguably, we have to best top six in the league." said GM Nagle.
"You can't keep putting out the same lineup every season and expect a different result. When we won our back-to-back cups in season one and two, we made some pretty gutsy trades that gave us a better chance to succeed. While you can fall in love with winning, you can't fall in love with your team. Tough decisions always need be made." added the GM
That all said, the major issue the Royals have been facing this season has been fatigue and injuries. First, Samuel Montembeault went down with a high-ankle sprain that put him out for nearly three weeks, and now Isac Lundestrom is battling a mild wrist sprain. He is expected back in 3-4 days. On top of those major injuries, the team has been battling a series of minor injuries that have been taking guys out for half games. All of these injuries have taken its toll on the team's chemistry and they haven't been able to find their stride to a string of wins. So, to combat all of these minor injuries. the coaching staff has decided to call up some farm hands and scratch all players who are nursing minor injuries.
"It's not an ideal situation, but right now, at this point in the season, we can afford to play with a less than ideal lineup. That being said, I have confidence the fellas will band together and hold down the fort against the Scotsmen. Yeah, they are one hell of a team on paper, but sometimes you have to put the papers aside and play a hockey game. Bring your opposition down to your level and poke their eyes out." chuckled GM Nagle.
The season is only one third complete, but the Royals are prepared to put this rough start behind them and get back to business to content for the ODBHL cup armed to the teeth with former winners. Hopefully along the way, they can establish a new identity, one that will endear themselves to the fanbase and the league as a whole.
8/26/2024 - 490 words
