Needless to say the first 2 games didn't go quite the way we had hoped. Despite the early losses, by looking at the standings, we've played the top 2 teams thus far. Nothing to hang our heads in shame about. So lets put these games behind us and move forward. Rome was not built in a day and our team has been broken down and rebuilt a couple of times with players moving on, adding new players, and others playing new positions. The Indians and Stingers, to their credit, have a consist core of players that have been playing together for literally years, this team was formed just over 6 months ago.
There are several things we need to continue to work on during games. One, keep talking to each other on and off the ice. Forward lines should be talking to each other as much as possible. We will try and keep the lines together as much as possible so that players can gel and learn what each other does. But make sure we are talking on the bench too when you see something that will help each other. Defense needs to talk as well, especially on the ice. Letting someone know that there is someone coming up behind them, telling them to throw the puck around the boards, etc, etc. We've done a pretty good job of yelling or warning teammates of things from the bench, just need to do it on the ice as well.
Our best games are still in front of us. Even if we get down early don't get discouraged. Buckle down, talk to each other, and keep plugging away. We might just surprise ourselves and come back to win a game. Although we lost the game against the Stingers we kept peppering their goalie, and played much better, and outshot them for the game. I know that might seem petty but at least we were still pushing forward.
Brian, unless he's changed his mind, is inviting the team to his place for "The Big Game" this Sunday. More info will be available this Wednesday at our next game.
Congrats to Bruce and Paul for "winning" the Puck Of The Game Award for the first 2 games. The current holder of the puck is more than welcome to decorate it or whatever they wish, but they will pick the next "winner" and we will continue to do this.
It took close to 500 years for Rome to be built. I don't think the season is that long...
ReplyDelete"Grizzly Adams did have a beard..." and we can definitely form up some wins.
ReplyDelete#1 a positive attitude spreads just as fast as a negative one and can immediately change the entire game.
#2 continuity and pushing yourself just a little further that extra step the entire fame, not just the beginning or end, dominates a game and with smart passing destroys the other team.
#3 communication is key no matter what position you play or what the game situation-- nonstop communication builds a lower team into an upper team.
#4 positioning properly guards our advantages whether puck possession or a one goal lead. If defense leads the rush they crash the net then return back-- when they do that the wingers on that side hangs back to cover point right inside the blue line and stop any breakaways or opponent opportunities--the other wingers crash the net for scoring chances (trash goals, rebounds, deflects..)--the center is the 3rd forward in their zone, and also the 3rd defense in our zone-- everyone should focus on playing one zone at a time (1st--gain possesion in ours and protect the puck as we breakout.... 2nd-- control the neutral zone and protect the puck-- pace with your teammates full speed rush... 3rd-- crossing the blue line keep somewhat of a triangle of passing options and ALWAYS get someone right in front of the net screening their goalies line of sight).
Also...for a few new folks...remember to bend your knees well, keep two hands on your stick with the blade on the ice, and stay constantly moving. Don't take anything yelled from the bench or on the ice as criticism--your teammates are only trying to help and act as a second set of eyes and offer on the spot advice to help you out. Don't ever hesitate to ask plenty of questions-- even folks who have played for years still have questions and started off asking the same ones you will now. Have fun and enjoy every minute of it because you're actually out there doing it instead of dreaming or talking about it-- and that says a lot about you right there in that fact itself. I told Greg last season that you win a game and it lasts for a week till the next one, but you win friendships-- those last a lifetime. Skills, speed, accuracy, etc develop over time but the fun and friends are right now.
I good everyone really enjoys this season and take opportunities to help your teammates grow and have fun every game. I think we also have s few folks who would be a tremendous help in mentoring roles. There will be a few new surprises on the horizon soon I think everyone will enjoy. My thumbs can't think of much more to type right now so....uhhh... yeah... that's all folks....
Mike #76
***Also...I'd like to organize a team lunch soon at Joes Pizza & Pasta right down the street from the rink. Lee and Emma are great folks with great food and service. I'd love to take a few team pics in our jerseys at lunch. Let me know the level of interest so I can plan one out.