July 29, 2016 - VHL.com
OTTAWA – The puck officially dropped on the Brent Hardy era Thursday and already, the Ottawa Lynx seem newer and more improved. It took Hardy all of 10 minutes and 9 seconds to score his first VHLM goal, a power play conversion that opened that drew first blood in a win over last place Bratislavia.
“Just incredible”, Brent Hardy said in describing his first VHLM action. “...the fans were great, the boys were fired up, and we prepared to play some aggressive hockey.”
The aggressive style of play was a sight for many sore eyes due to Ottawa’s recent struggles to get shots on net. The tempo had definitely changed on Thursday and the Lynx put off 45 shots in route to a 3-0 victory over the Watchman. After the game, Ottawa GM Sandro Clegane credited Hardy as being the difference-maker.
“Brent’s addition along the blueline allowed coach to put forwards in their more natural spots for several shifts”, explained Clegane. “The team played with more energy and confidence...it certainly showed in the box score.”
Hardy’s goal came after a high sticking call put the Lynx on a man advantage. It didn’t take long for the power play unit to open up lanes where Hardy put an Eric McCroy pass to the back of Bratislavia’s net. The Lynx’s newest addition finished the night with a goal on 6 shots, a pair of hits, and a pair of blocked shots.