Dear Santa,
This year the Jasper PeeWee Bears have been very good boys and girl, and have a list of things that they would like to find under the tree. I know you鈥檝e probably heard from them individually already, but I would appreciate it if you could add these wishes to their lists.
I would like to start with a wish for the only girl on our team, Dana Angebrandt. She was trying out for Team Alberta this weekend, and unable to play for her home team, so the Bears would like it if she could make that team for Christmas. Not that they don鈥檛 want her to play here, but it would be wonderful to have one of our own represent Jasper on the provincial team.
Surprisingly, one of the things that the Bears do not need this year is more goals. In the games against Slave Lake at home and in Edson on the road last weekend, the Bears scored 17 goals versus four for its opponents, completing two convincing victories for Jasper.
That said, despite the best efforts of linemates Matteo Tassoni and Sebastian Golla, stalwart D-man Josh Howes鈥攚ho was filling in up front for Angebrandt on Saturday鈥攃ould use a goal of his own.
The Bears would also like to see Dylan Dekker, Baden Koss, Aidan Deagle and Jacob Bartziokas playing stellar hockey鈥攍ike they did last weekend鈥攆or the rest of the season. Not that these guys aren鈥檛 a presence every game, but against Slave Lake and Edson they were outstanding.
Dekker scored five goals on the weekend and, with a handful of assists, was the most effective forward. Koss was held off the scoresheet, but continues to improve his puck handing skills along the boards and around the net. Deagle is very much establishing himself as a gentle but physical presence on the blue line, while his defensive partner Bartziokas continues to stifle opponents with poke checks and outside pressure.
These boys just need more of the same.
The ACDC line (Adrian Torres, Camas D鈥橝ntonio and Liam Crozier) would love to find yet another tough opponent to wear down. As they improve their offensive skills, they are using their energy to frustrate opposition forwards. It鈥檚 amazing to watch these three work, and the more hard minutes they get, the bigger their smiles. There are a few tough lines in our league, but most of them are already on the Bears, Santa, so if you could bring a few more, ACDC would be happy.
The Bears鈥� goalie, Kelan Polard, would like me to pass his wish for more shots, if you can get the elves to make those in your workshop. On Saturday, he had only 15 for the whole game, and while he got a few more in Edson, the more the better.
He鈥檒l stop them, he just needs as much rubber as would fit on your sleigh.
And while the elves are at it, defenseman Justin McIsaac could also use more pucks. No matter how many try to sneak out past the blue line, McIsaac is there to send them back to his forwards in the offensive zone. He looks like he鈥檚 ready for a few more.
Left winger Lucas Oeggerli and defender Owen Kearnan would like new sticks for Christmas, Santa. Oeggerli wore his old one out last weekend, with three big goals, including the game winner in Edson, and Kearnan has outgrown his old one as his defensive play matures well past his 11 years.
If you could, see if Erik Karlsson of the Senators has a spare stick that he could contribute.
Before I wrap up my letter, Santa, I need to pass on the coaches鈥� list. To match coach Geno鈥檚 commitment to these kids, could you put a bale of parental gratitude under his tree on Christmas morning and for coach John, some more eye twinkle. He uses so much every game, he must be running out.
Next week, Santa, the Bears play a home game on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Whitecourt.
Hope to see you in the stands.
Sincerely,
John Wilmshurst Special to the 51暗网
