West Xtra: Moon seeking big win to boost its self-image
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His team still looking for that breakout signature win, Moon Area hockey coach Craig Bioni insists he is convinced it will, in fact, come.
Maybe even in the playoffs.
The Tigers are on the cusp of making some noise in PIHL Class AA, Bioni said. Things, Moon hopes, are on track to all come together just in time for the postseason.
"I feel good about where we stand," Bioni said. "We're winning the games we're supposed to. We haven't had that big win yet, but we've been getting close and we're working hard. We've got the focus, and if we stick to the gameplan and work, we'll start to win the ones we're maybe not supposed to win."
Bioni was speaking Monday morning. Later that day, his team showed just how agonizingly close it is to the Class AA elite -- yet also how far it still has to go.
Moon played an even game against defending state champion Bishop Canevin, remaining tied with the Crusaders through regulation and nearly equal to them in shots on goal.
But the Tigers were not rewarded with any points for their effort when Bishop Canevin's Matt Walsh scored 2:27 into overtime for a 3-2 win.
It was the second time this season Moon played Bishop Canevin (9-2) evenly but lost. The Tigers' other defeats this season are to West Allegheny (9-2), Erie Cathedral Prep (9-2) and Pine-Richland, which is 4-5-1 but considered a sleeper team.
Maybe Moon (4-5) will win games against those teams by the end of the season, when it figures to be at its best. The Tigers have yet to be completely healthy, and they also are a group that has begun to mesh better.
"We're bonding stronger as a team, and it shows in practice and in most of the games," captain Josh Kelly said. "Sometimes it just doesn't work out, but I definitely think we're getting stronger as the season goes on."
"The chemistry keeps getting better," Bioni said. "It was a little shaky at the beginning of the season with some of the late tryouts and guys not sure if they were playing because of travel teams and things like that.
"But when they're all together and all focused on what they need to do, the chemistry is really good, the leaders of the team are leading and we're a team that can win."
First Published January 5, 2012 12:00 am
