Mark's 5 Things: Weekend #1

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The Adelaide Adrenaline showed us a lot in their first two games about the team they will be this season. Even though they split their games, a 6-4 loss to Newcastle and a 5-3 comeback win vs. the Bears, the Adrenaline can take away a lot of positives from the weekend.Here are five things to take away from the Adrenaline's opening weekend:

1. Grove can groove

His first goal in the AIHL was nothing other than pure grit and determination to get the puck to the net. A 3 goal, 2 assist weekend is a pretty fine way to start his Adrenaline career, and I am sure there is plenty more to come. Look out, this kid could be one of the best in the AIHL.

2. No quit from the Adrenaline

Despite trailing late both of the games this weekend, the Adrenaline never conceded defeat. After falling behind 5-1 and then 6-2 vs. Newcastle on Saturday, they came up just short despite a great third period push. They came up with the goods on Sunday in a huge character-building victory.

3. Spreading the Love

Despite only traveling with 14 skaters, Adelaide showed it can score with multiple players. Six players combined for a total of nine goals on the weekend.

The Adrenaline has multiple threats in goal too. 19-year-old Charlie Smart registered his first win in net on Sunday while Peter King was solid on Saturday. King’s start on Saturday doesn't look pretty on the stat sheet but he was brilliant most of the game. The shorthanded defense caused some problems for Adelaide, and King stood tall. He made numerous big saves to keep the Adrenaline comeback hopes alive.

If this team didn’t already look good enough, reinforcements are on the way! Josh Harding, one of the AIHL's premiere defenseman, is hurt for three weeks with a wrist injury. Import Jonathan Boxill arrives next week to add scoring and toughness. Kayne Fedor returns mid season. Then, a plethora of great depth - like Aaron Widger, Ryan Foll, Josef Rezek and Thomas Papps - will only add more weapons to the Adrenaline.

4. Young Guns Can Play

What a great effort from Adelaide's teenagers. 18-year-old Zach Boyle scored his first career AIHL goal on Saturday (and added an assist!), 18-year-old Remy McGuinness scored a key insurance marker to seal the win on Sunday, and 19-year-old Charlie Smart was solid in his AIHL debut in net to help claim the team's first victory. If this is what we're going to get from our teens all year we are certainly in for a treat.

5. Greg’s got game

Adrenaline captain Greg Oddy showed no signs of slowing down even though he was fresh off the plane from the IIHF World Championships. Oddy provided the class and leadership that we have come to expect and he still has the scoring touch. He had a goal and three assists and notched a beauty break away goal.