Episode 17: Power Plays and Tournament Prep

Emily

Alright, welcome back to This Week in Blue & White, everyone! It’s Emily here and wow, have we got some games to talk about. So, let’s start with that insane—like, seriously, wild—win against Reps Hockey Club. I thought I’d seen a lot of shots attempts in one game, but eighty? Eight-zero with 56 on net! Also, welcome Rachel, have you ever see a number like that back in your racing days?

Rachel

Oh, not like that! Maybe if we’re talking water bottles during a marathon, but eighty shots? That’s next level. The Marlboros just... they totally owned puck possession and tempo in that one. You could see it on the bench—even the kids who weren’t on the ice were buzzing!

Emily

Exactly! It was four goals just in the third. And you look at guys like Mancino—he had, what, eleven shots himself? I think my whole high school team couldn’t hit double digits in one game. And then you’ve got Lamming and Nadeau both with two goals but they had four different goal scores. Gotta love seeing that kind of spread through the lineup. Hanson, Birch and Mancino all had two assists to contribute to the great team play!

Rachel

But it does something for team morale, for sure. That rhythm, that kind of pressure, it forces the other team to defend constantly. And I noticed it was balanced too; not just the big line stepping up, but depth guys making plays everywhere on the ice. That’s the stuff that, you know, wins championships down the line. Keeps everyone engaged.

Emily

Switching gears a bit, that next game... whole different vibe. Playing the Jr. Canadiens almost felt like a pre-playoff atmosphere—tight, tense, and no freebies anywhere. It ended 2-1, and you could just feel the stakes in every shift, right? The team was missing two key players in Challenger and Ryan too, so this was a total team effort!

Rachel

I loved the tempo of that one. You know, close games aren’t always pretty, but that’s where the mental game really shows up. Hanson scored both goals—clutch for sure—and Zettas logged monster minutes at the blue line. Reminds me of those championship cross country races where you’re just hanging onto every last second, every step. You have to stay locked in, because one slip and you can lose it all. Hanson had the two huge goals especially the late winner on a beautiful pass from Thompson.

Emily

Totally, totally. Heath had some brilliant moments too. And then there’s Mancino—celebrating his birthday with a gritty win, that’s gotta feel sweet. And I keep thinking, as we talked about in one of our last episodes, it’s the habits: all that structure, playing the system, trusting one another. That’s what got them through when the ice got smaller and mistakes really mattered.

Rachel

And honestly, in those tight games, it really comes down to—well, focus, yeah, but also responding to adversity. There was a moment late in the third, I think, where it could’ve swung either way. But the Marlboros just dialed in. That’s experience, and it’s something they’ve been building on all season. You see it when they get challenged, and they answer back every single time.

Emily

And with playoff-style intensity like that, the Silver Stick’s right around the corner. So, Rachel, let’s dig into the nutrition piece. I know you live and breathe this stuff—and I definitely didn’t back in the day, which is maybe why I was always lagging last period!

Rachel

Haha, well, you’re not alone! But seriously, tournament hockey? Nutrition’s not just something the parents stress about—it makes a massive difference. Carbs, especially on those back-to-back game days, are the engine. I always tell athletes: fuel before you’re tired, not after. Pre-game meal, quick snacks in between—bananas, bagels, even a homemade granola bar—and keep sipping on water and electrolytes all day.

Emily

And recovery, right? It’s not just what’s before puck drop, but right after too?

Rachel

Absolutely! Recovery starts as soon as the horn sounds. Especially at Silver Stick—there’s no down time. I used to keep portable carbs on me during marathons, same idea here. Hit the dressing room, get a chocolate milk, a yogurt—something that gets those stores back fast. Even hydration for the next round matters, which a lot of kids forget when it’s hectic. It’s less about fancy tricks and more about building good habits so you’ve got energy every single period, every single shift.

Emily

Love that. Simple. Practical. So whether you’re a Marlboro listening in, or a parent on snack duty—consistency really is key. Before, during, after. That covers it all. Well, Rachel, thanks for the expert advice—as always.

Rachel

Oh, any time! Especially before a big event like Silver Stick. It’s really about building that edge with the little things too, not just the obvious stuff. Just wish someone had drilled it into me when I was fifteen!

Emily

Alright folks, that’s a wrap for this week. Two big wins in the books, and a plan for fueling up through Silver Stick. Rachel, thanks for coming on—always a blast. And thanks to everyone listening. We’ll catch you soon on another episode of This Week in Blue & White. Stay sharp, Rachel!

Rachel

Thanks Emily! Take care, everyone. Good luck, Marlies!