Digby played a scrappy game against the visiting Division 1 squad, their confidence bolstered by a recent victory over West Kings, a Division 2 team.
“We had some momentum from the big win over West Kings,” coach Jeremy Thompson said later. “That definitely helped us. We were still on a winning high.”
The Mariners’ play has picked up noticeably since the start of the year, and Thompson said the players are now putting their effort into three whole periods of hockey.
The Mariners were tested during the second period when a series of penalties saw them two players short for almost five minutes, but they managed to stave off all the Parkview attacks.
“Our regular goalie is out on injuries and Krista (Eaton) has stepped in and stepped it up ten-fold. She has confidence in her game now and the team in front of her has confidence in her game. That makes a big difference,” he said.
Thompson said he is surprised other teams haven’t focused on stopping Robinson, who is the Mariners’ leading scorer.
“He’s a smart hockey player, he has great hockey sense.”
Thompson said the Mariners should certainly make the provincials if they maintain their level of play. Regional playoffs are here March 1-3 against Liverpool and Par-en-Bas from Yarmouth, with the winner automatically advancing. If Par-en-Bas wins and Digby is second, Digby will still advance because the Yarmouth school is hosting Provincials and is guaranteed a spot as host.
The Mariners are at home again Sunday at 1:30 p.m. against West Kings, and then again Feb. 26 for a 1 p.m. game with Avonview.
