The Carman Cougars went into the playoffs on a hot streak and the good times have continued with the group grabbing 1-0 series lead over Morris with game two looming on Friday night.
"We really didn't know what to expect at the start of the year," coach Mike Hetherington said reflecting on the beginning of the season. "We only had one cut and that was a goalie. So, we were not quite sure where to set expectations at the start but the kids gelled together real quick and just started to roll with it. The kids have played great, especially down the stretch, I think we won our last eight games to go in feeling pretty good about where our game was at."
Coaching in the Zone 4 High School Hockey League is unique, says Hetherington in the players are obviously skilled but the coaches are still looking to help them develop. "We have so much skill on our team, our top three players finished one, two, three in scoring. I think our biggest job is trying to help them use their skills in more than one way. We want them to help the whole team win. We don't want guys to be one-dimensional, we want them to be multi-tool threats."
Having developed a team-first mentality throughout the year, Hetherington believes it's that sort of selflessness that will lead to more success, especially against Morris. "It really started from the crease out, our goaltender was so good for us," Hetherington says proudly. "Both our goalies were huge all year. It's really a team game, that was the message before the game, we challenged the guys to take a hit, make a hit, do the little things right that will result in a win. All the little things added up and the kids worked really hard, it was awesome. Special teams were also helpful. The power play and penalty kill came up huge."
Defending home ice was massive, especially in a three-game series, so says the coach. "It's big for us," Hetherington detailed. "We've got some guys out with injury and it's hard. We're trying to get the guys to stay in the moment, take it a step at a time and not get too far ahead. We've earned an opportunity to end it tonight and it would be good to get some rest, but we know we're going to get their best tonight and we have to be ready for it."
Hetherington says throughout the year, he's been able to soak in all the moments. "I do so more after the game," he says with a laugh. "I can reflect on the 'wow' moments and some of the things the kids can do is truly special. I get into the game in the moment but talking with the kids or reflecting, it's great. I know we've had some special moments and we're going to need more, especially going on the road tonight."
Game two between Carman and Morris goes tonight in Morris at 7:30 PM.