The Bucs got a bit of a break and get back at it for the stretch run of the season.
The Nanaimo Buccaneers resume the junior B hockey season on Tuesday (Dec. 30) with a home game against the Peninsula Panthers.
Nanaimo earned three points in its last three games before Christmas, beating the Oceanside Generals 4-2, falling in overtime to the Comox Valley Glacier Kings 3-2, then getting outscored 7-4 by the Victoria Cougars.
“We’ve just got to figure out how to play a full 60. We can’t have shifts off and periods off,” said Derek Bachynski, Bucs coach. “I think that’s the biggest thing heading into the new year, is just having complete games.”
The coach said despite early morning ice time, he needs his guys to bring energy to practice so they’re used to playing that way.
He hopes the holidays will be a chance for players to recharge.
“They say too much time at the rink, you might get a little bit drained and a little bit sick of it, so this mental break is huge…” he said. “I have no problem with them having a little bit of a break, as long as they don’t eat too much junk food.”
GAME ON … The Buccaneers and Panthers face off Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com