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Lions confident they will get more chances
Geneva, 03/15/13--Lyons Township's Nick Wink fights for position with AWF's David Micelli. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: April 2, 2013 4:32PM
GENEVA — The ubiquitous “We Are the Champions,” by Queen blared through the rink, but on Lyons’ end of the rink it was the sound of helmets being tossed and hockey sticks breaking that reverberated after the Lions fell 6-5 to AWF in the Cougar Cup final.
Despite coming up a victory short in the best-of-three series March 15 at the Fox Valley Ice Arena, the Lions should be proud of how far they made, said head coach Rick Reznick.
“These kids accomplished a lot this season and they should keep their heads up,” he said. “It’s not fun seeing them like this but I’m proud of how far they’ve come and how hard they have worked all season and they should be proud, too.”
Lyons goaltenders Paolo Delfini and Alex Hernandez both offered staunch protection of the net all season, averaging about 30 saves per game.
“I have confidence 100 percent in both of them,” Reznick said. “I was very fortunate to have two starting goaltenders knowing I can count on both of them to get the job done.”
Lyons captain Nick Wink proved himself as a capable leader in guiding his team to the postseason.
“He came up big this season,” Reznick said. “He really stepped up and proved himself and gave a lot to the team.”
Delfini said even before the playoffs that Wink displayed strong leadership.
“He was named captain because of his play,” Delfini said in February. “He doesn’t talk much, trust me, he’s a lead-by-example guy.”
Third-year coach Reznick continues to be impressed by his players and looks forward to another successful season.
“They’re getting better each year,” he said. “They’ve been able to make it to the playoffs multiple times, we just have to get that push. I have confidence we’ll get a trophy. These kids have heart and they deserve it.
“(Game 3) had to be the most difficult (game) this season. AWF played tough, we played tough and we’ll learn. We have another chance to bring it next season.”
Despite a disappointing conclusion, junior goaltender Hernandez enjoyed taking the ice with his teammates.
“I’ve had the most fun playing this season with these guys,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever played with a group that has all been friends and that all hang out together.”
