..FROM THE DESK OF MIKE HAYAKAWA..
DECEMBER 10, 2001
While the Markham Waxers didnıt object to enjoying a rare three-day furlough
from their Provincial Junior A Hockey League schedule during the first
weekend of December, the schedulemaker put them back to work in a big way
last weekend.
Playing three contests in what amounted to a  2 1/2-day span, the Waxers
fielded a win, loss and tie.
Opening its three-game marathon at Centennial Arena Friday with a 3-3 tie
against the Wexford Raiders, the Waxers followed that effort up with a 7-3
road loss to the Thornhill Rattlers on Saturday. Less than 24 hours later,
the Waxers concluded their mini marathon with a 5-2 road win over the North
York Rangers.
Waxers head coach Russ Herrington, who missed Sundayıs game due to a work
commitment and was replaced behind the bench by club general manager and
father, Larry, had no qualms with the logjam of games and felt it was a good
test for his club.
³It was a good time to have a break,² he said of their recent hiatus. ³You
donıt like to play three games in 2 1/2 days. But we canıt complain. It
happens and we got through it. Weıve got a busy December where next weekend
we play three games in four days and another three games in four days after
that.
Assessing his clubıs performance over the weekend, Herrington was happy with
two of the three games.
³The back end games we played well,² he cited. ³I thought we played awesome
against Wexford. We outshot them 52-37, but their goalie played well and our
goalie played well.
³But the Thornhill game, we were awful. We couldnıt beat a menıs industrial
league team.²
While not being behind the bench for Sundayıs win, which improved the clubıs
third-place south conference record to 16-13-3-1, Herrington felt his club
realized they had to make amends after Saturdayıs brutal performance.
In no way did Herrington feel that his fatherıs presence behind the bench
make the difference.
³When I was talking with the guys after (Saturday) the game they had a look
similar to the way as if I caught my daughter doing something that she
shouldnıt have. They had a guilty look on their faces. I said to them that
part of being a good team is in responding after mailing one game in. The
guys knew going into Sundayıs game that I wasnıt going to be there. I think
they felt it was more of a pride thing or a chance to redeem themselves.²
Jesse Boucher and Steve Nobili, on a power play, staked the Waxers to a 2-1
lead against the Rangers after one period. Goals by Ryan Steane, Derek
Doucette, on a power play, and Jason Duffy, then staked the Waxers to a 5-2
lead after two periods, which remained that way until the final buzzer.
Kevin Sit played a solid third period in goal for the Waxers after replacing
starter Chris Lawrence, who was shaken up late in the second period on a
goalmouth scramble.
In Fridayıs tie against the Raiders, the Waxers got a goal from Kevin
Cribari with nine seconds left in regulation time and the goalkeeper pulled
in favour of an extra attacker to force overtime.
Power-play goals by Doucette and Ben Cottreau, rounded out the scoring for
the Waxers, who trailed 3-2 entering the final period.
On Saturday, Mike Diamond, with his first junior A goal, Boucher, on a power
play, and Doucette, scored for the Waxers in their loss to the Rattlers.
On a separate note, the Waxers dealt disgruntled goalkeeper David Digironimo
to the Georgetown Raiders of the leagueıs western conference last week for
cash.
The Waxers resume league play Thursday in Stouffville against the Spirit and
then return to Centennial Arena on Friday for a return match against the
Rangers at 8 p.m.
.

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