You Don't Mess Around With Jim

This guy = alot sharper than he appears in this photo.

Commandos drop a 4-2 decision to Amherst at home this afternoon that saw the Ramblers score 35 seconds in and at times bend but not break. Amherst has a distinct advantage over many teams in that they play with an edge without crossing the line too often. They aren't a team loaded with star players, they just come out, execute and make you work for everything. The fact that ten players in the lineup racked up points in this game shows the proverbial "total team effort" more than anything. The Commanods - missing among others Justin MacDonald and Joel Blanchard to injury and exams, did an admirable job of pressing in Amherst territory but were forced to the perimeter on several occasions while Richard Tingley looked stronger and stronger between the pipes for Amherst as the game progressed. As well, Jim Bottomley's Rams are probably to most consistent team I've seen at the AJL this year - save maybe Yarmouth - at using their quickness in all three zone, either closing the gap on the puck carrier or pressuring the opponents defense while on a quick transition/breakout. Work ethic was very evident most of the time. Probably has something to do with that guy behind the bench (seriously, this league would just feel weird without Jim Bottomley in it... it's like an unwritten rule that he's to be involved in this league as long as humanly possible).

There are certain players of whom you look at and instantly realize "those are the guys you win with". Not necessarily the top scorer on a team, or the most purely skilled guy. I'm referring to the guy who works his tail off every shift, can be used in any situation and has the ability to spark him team on any given shift. The Ramblers have that player - his name is Kody Orr. I've been watching him in MHL rinks and major junior camps for a few years now and the progression he's made to the player he is today has been outstanding. For my money, he's one of the most valuable players in the league.

As for the Commandos, I see a guy who has the upside to be another Kody Orr down the road. His name is Alex Snow. When you're a 17 year old in this league and you make everyone in the building take notice with either a heavy hit, a quality chance or forcing a turnover, you're doing something right. He's got star player written all over him in this league.

Dieppe wraps up their 2012 home schedule next Sunday by playing host the Truro Bearcats, aka the top team in the league, aka the second best team in the CJHL, aka the team that smote the Commandos mightily this weekend. You know, one of my all time favorite Christmas gifts is having the opportunity to call upset victories over nationally ranked teams. Just sayin'.