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Published on: 6/15/2007
Last Visited: 6/16/2007
"We've played a lot of lacrosse recently," said Islanders' head coach Gord Frederickson, adding it has been a challenge for his inexperienced players to maintain their focus over the demanding stretch of games.
After starting out flat against Surrey in their first game, Frederickson said he challenged his players to show their desire to play at a higher level.
"And to their credit, they came out in the second period and were flying," Frederickson said.
Part of that rousing victory did carry over to the clash with Burnabyâ€"Delta had a 4-3 lead in the third period.But it came crashing down when the Lakers' potent offence went to work to salvage the win.
And when it came to tackling Victoria, the Islanders were physically and mentally worn down, but did not throw in the towel.
"AgaInst Victoria they could have tucked their tails between their legs and gone home, but they hung in there," Frederickson said.
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"They have to battle shift by shift and period by period," Frederickson said.
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Frederickson said the familiar surroundings will provide a little more comfort to his team, but is not counting on it to give his players an additional lift.
"We have to be able to beat teams like Burnaby and Victoria in their own buildings if we hope to go anywhere," he said.