Bandits' Struggles Continue With Fifth Consecutive Loss

All teams have found successes at some point during the season. After winning their fourth consecutive game on September 7, the Temecula Vineyard Vipers are on the longest win-streak any team’s had this season. On the flip side, the Del Mar Bandits are on a five-game losing streak since starting the season with a 2-1 record. 

While all teams make the playoffs for this inaugural season, now is the pivotal time for teams to build their momentum to prepare for the weight of elimination-style playoff games. 

Week Eight Recap

Temecula Vineyard Vipers vs. Del Mar Bandits

The first half was all Vipers. They pressured the Bandits when they didn’t have possession; they controlled play when they did; and they capitalized on scoring chances. You could see the disparity on the scoreboard, and you could feel it from the player’s demeanor. When plays weren’t going the Bandits' way–which was often in the first half–players gave exasperated groans and shouts of discouragement to teammates. The Vipers played better, but the Bandits were also playing against themselves. 

What stood out from the Vipers’ play was how well they used the entire rink to create room for one another. Players showed trust in the team by supporting plays when needed and finding open stretch lanes when appropriate. And that trust paid off as the Vipers found multiple rink-long connections throughout the game that put them in lethal scoring positions. Ultimately, the Vipers have found their identity. They are utilizing players for their strengths and trusting one another to play their roles. 

The Vipers went up 6-0 early in the second half. A hole which would prove too much for the Bandits to climb from. The Bandits got on the board with 9:48 left in the second half, which gave them momentum that propelled them to score three more goals to end the game with a score of 6-4. The Bandits can clearly score, but they need to start believing in each other and committing to full-game performances. 

For scoring a hat trick, getting five points on the night, and gifting us with highlight reel goals, Wes Langeloh was recognized as player of the game.

Final Score
Temecula Vineyard Vipers: 6
Del Mar Bandits: 4

North County Surfers vs. Mission Bay Ospreys

Welcome to the Kinsey show! All players skating for the North County Surfers scored a goal in this one, but it was either Reed or Ray Kinsey who lit the lamp for the Surfers’ first seven goals of the game, effectively outscoring the entire Ospreys team. With a final score of 10-5 in favor of the Surfers, it begs the question: can the Kinseys be contained? 

It’s always a treat when these teams meet because they match up well in terms of speed and both teams demonstrate strong team chemistry. But there were notable players missing from both benches in this showdown, which had a clear impact on the game. While we usually see back-and-forth momentum swings as each respective team asserts itself with extended possession and savvy team play, this game felt more like moments between individuals. And when boiled down to individual play, the Surfers–led by the Kinseys–simply did a better job of finding the back of the net.

The first half ended with a score of 3-3. Ray Kinsey scored all the Surfers first-half goals, each a highlight-reel tally. Whether executing an elusive drag-and-shoot ripper or an ankle-breaking toe-drag dangle, Ray was playing  like an offensive Juggernaut, stampeding into high-scoring areas and generating scoring opportunities. The Ospreys goals came from similar stretches of strong individual effort. Jason Effertz found himself in the right spot at the right time, and both Danny Carlos and Joe Kubani each scored great goals by unleashing their speed and finishing finesse. 

The back-and-forth bursts of talent continued into the beginning of the second half. The score was tied 5-5 with just over 11:00 minutes left in the game. And then the Surfers poured it on, scoring the next five consecutive goals and getting everyone on the score sheet. This game was exciting, and the Kinseys demonstrated their strengths, but we anticipate this game to have a different look and feel when they meet again with more complete benches. 

For each getting at least a hat trick and combining to score seven of the Surfers’ ten goals, both Reed and Ray Kinsey were recognized as players of the game. 

Final Score
North County Surfers: 10
Mission Bay Ospreys: 5

Looking Ahead: Keys to the Game

These are the key ingredients deemed necessary for each respective team to find success, as analyzed by the San Diego Elite Draft League back office.

Del Mar Bandits: Take individual responsibility for showing up as a team. Commit to a full game of play. Improve gap control to avoid giving opposing players so much time and space in the offensive zone.

Mission Bay Ospreys: Win the possession game by supporting the play with speed, generating offensive-zone cycles, and harassing the H-E-double hockey sticks out of opponents to regain possession.

North County Surfers: Win the physical game, lead by example, and stay communicative on the rink.

Temecula Vineyard Vipers: Keep trusting one another to perform in their roles. Use a full-rink cycle to create ideal matchups and generate scoring opportunities.