Well folks, CXBL Central Event 1 has come and gone and for
once, we made it through the weekend without any nasty weather! I’d like to
extend a very special thank you to the Flag Raiders and CXBL staff who put in a
great amount of time and energy to make this another successful event. While there were a few changes this year, I
know the players appreciate having the opportunity to be a part of such an
incredible league. The CXBL would not be what it is without your organization
and hard work!
It was certainly a
change to be without the show stopping Elite teams this year at Event 1 and the
energy didn’t seem to be the same as in years past. Despite this, the MXL teams
brought a passion and drive to their matches that made for some exciting
paintball. And while it was clear that some teams were much stronger than
others, every group of players came onto the field hungry and striving.
Here are some of my thoughts on the MXL talent after Event
1!
Most Exciting Game – Huntsville Predators VS. Hespeler
Hooligans
Sorry Hooligans but I did not expect this to be a close
match. Predators vast array of seasoned CXBL players made them a shoe in for
the win here. While Hespeler is a team undoubtedly filled with passion and
youthful energy, they are lacking the depth of skill that many of the other MXL
teams have. In fact, when I wrote my predictions for this match, I said that
Predators would take a “vicious bite” out of Hooligans confidence. Well, colour
me surprised – while Predators still managed the win, it was not the “vicious
bite” I expected, but more of a wee nibble! In fact, Hespeler had a 3 point
lead at half!
Hooligans - amping up
Photo Credit - Sheldon Carless
The first point of the match was a long one with both teams feeling
out their competitor’s style. It was Huntsville that took the point. Hespeler,
bent on proving themselves, took the next point. And even though Hooligans took
a major penalty, Predators conceded the third point of the match but came
through once again to win the following flag hang, leaving the score 2-2 with 3
minutes left in the half. Using some slightly unconventional break outs,
Hespeler took 3 points in close succession, allowing them a 3 point lead going
into the second half. However, that was precisely where their success ended.
Predators came out strong, shaping up to be a second-half team, and won two
consecutive points before taking a minor penalty. Predators pulled together and
Hooligans were forced to concede 4 more points before the completion of the
match leaving the final score at a surprisingly close 8-5.
Hespeler, here is my formal apology for underestimating you.
Tidy up those breakouts and work on laning off the break and I am confident you
will manage a win over Mutiny at Border Battle.
Predators - Breaking out
Photo Credit - Sheldon Carless
Predators, if I know you, even though you had a 3 – 0 event,
you aren’t happy with your wins over Hooligans and Savages. They were a little
closer than you might have liked. I won’t be surprised to see you amped up and
ready to feast at Border Battle.
Most Surprising Game – Mississauga Hate VS. Sarnia Sabres
Quite honestly, I was surprised and disappointed by Sabres
showing at Event 1. I fully expected them to come out much stronger than they
did, having a roster of players who endured relegation from CXBL last season. I
still believe in this team, but Sarnia, if you really want to be successful you
are going to have to learn to stay out of the box.
Hate had very little practice together as a team leading
into this event, so I didn’t expect the strong aggressive style of play that
they brought to the field. It seems I underestimated them as well. Jeff Coons was a fantastic last minute pick up
for this team and thanks to his quick moves, Hate frequently dominated the
snake throughout this match.
This match was surprising to me for a few different reasons.
For one, I thought Sabres would come out with a close win here and instead, it
was Hate who came out of this match smiling with a 9-6 win. Secondly, this
match was riddled with penalties for both teams. There was hardly a point
played without one or both teams being short on players due to penalties. Refs
handed out a total of 5 major penalties and 5 minor penalties throughout the
course of this match! I don’t know about you but I have to wonder what this
match might have looked like if both teams stayed out of the box. Interestingly,
while Mississauga’s Andrew Hexter seemed to be the team MVP in terms of bringing
in the points, he also happened to procure the most penalty minutes for Hate
throughout the first event.
Strongest Team Thus Far – TIE –Brooklin Mafia and Huntsville
Predators
Mafia's Zach Burke
Photo Credit - Sheldon Carless
Both of these teams had strong rosters going into Event 1
and their depth of skill lived up to expectations. Both Brooklin and Huntsville
have won every match they’ve played so far and I for one would not be surprised
to see their winning streaks continue…that is until they play one another at
Event 3. I’m calling it right now with complete confidence (and I’m sure you’ll
agree) – these will be the two teams fighting for 1st this season.
Predators' Zach Wineck
Photo Credit - Sheldon Carless
Weakest Team Thus Far – Georgina Grizzlies
Georgina was the major unknown for me going into the 2013
season. When I don’t recognize names on the roster, I often peg a team as being
on the weak end. In this case that prediction was accurate. Grizzlies closest
match was against Sarnia Sabres where they lost by 8 points. They also suffered
a significant loss to St. Catherines Savages (12-1) and an even more painful
loss to Huntsville Predators (17-2). Maybe their greatest weakness is the fact
that every single player who played at event 1 (with the exception of one
individual player) took at least one if not several penalties. The prognosis
does not look good for Grizzlies…in fact, relegation may be in the
not-so-distant future.
Grizzlie's Ian Brown
Photo Credit - Sheldon Carless
Team to Watch Out For at Event 2- St. Catherines Savages
Yes, they lost to Predators and to Hate but they kept the
matches tight and they dominated the Grizzlies. Savages will face Sarnia Sabres
at Border Battle and I suspect they will take the next few weeks to round out
their game before laying it all down in Ottawa. You heard it here first, keep
an eye on these up and comers as they build their experience and skill and work
their way up the ranks. If Sabres don’t get their act together it will be
Savages and Hate fighting for that third NAX spot this year!
Savage's Brett Young bringing in the flag
Photo Credit - Sheldon Carless
Thanks to all of the MXL teams for making Event 1 a treat to
enjoy!
Signing off,
The Paintball Wife
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