The Zerks haven't been slowing down for the playoffs - but Ham did give us a day off to celebrate. We spent that day with an impromptu practice led by Allbran and King, and the entire team really got after it on the ice. Otherwise, we've been treating it like it's any other work week - we're gonna prepare to go out there and do our jobs, regardless of the opponent. Rashford and I have been taking turns picking out targets to go after aggressively, Larsson has been absolutely mental on the boards - to the point where coach has told him that he can "lay off, they're supposed to be your mates", and Turtle has been making sure we all stay mentally focused by shouting out our record after each drill. The Zerks are looking to repeat this year, and to cement ourselves into SMJHL history at the same time. We know the road won't be easy, but as Teddy Roosevelt once said, "Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty... I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well."

(213 words)