The Killers' Mr. Brightside blasted at an ear-splitting level through the open door to the Guelph Storm dressing room and laughing players carried ear-to-ear smiles through the hallway.
It was a stark contrast to the funeral-like atmosphere that echoed around the room for the nine-game losing streak that is now in the team's rear-view mirror.
The Storm turned in a thorough effort Friday night, winning their second straight game, a 7-4 victory over the Erie Otters before 4,400 at the Sleeman Centre.
"It's definitely not fun when you're on a losing streak. We're here to win and win as a team," said Storm forward Parker Snelgrove. "Now that we've got two it brings up the mood a lot.
"I think we're just coming together a a team. Coach has been really hard on us: no turnovers at the blueline and get pucks in deep. I think once we do that are break-ins are a lot better."
Clicking, feeling good and better morale are all part of the turnaround, Snelgrove said.
Spreading the scoring around was also a big plus.
"We have a very solid team and we can all score. We had points from all lines tonight," Snelgrove said.
The Storm should have considered themselves lucky to come out of the first period tied 1-1. Outshot 11-5, it Was goaltender Brayden Gillespie holding them in the game.
But they blew it open with five goals in the second period.
The power play was clicking, the legs were moving and a host of players got in on the action.
Snelgrove and Leo Serlin each scored twice, with singles going to Jett Luchanko, Cam Allen and Carter Stevens. Tommy Budnick chipped in with three assists while Allen and Jake Karabela each had a pair of helpers.
Snelgrove and Serlin were both plus-4 on the night.
Although outshot 30-28, the Storm was clearly the hungrier team. The forecheck was outstanding and the effort in the middle third of the ice just what the doctor ordered against an Otters team that scored nine goals the night before in a win over Niagara.
"A lot of positives," said assistant coach Scott Simmonds, who handled the post-game media duties. "We had a big win Wednesday night and it carried over. We're thankful for the effort tonight."
Simmonds said the difference is that everyone is buying into the system and executing the system.
"It took some time, but that's to be expected," he said. "That's to be expected with a new coaching staff. It took some time but we're starting to go in the right direction but there's a lot of buy-in from the players.
"I think we got better as the game went on tonight."
Guelph hosts the London Knights Sunday at 2 p.m.
