A present from BackyardHockey.com…required reading for any proper hockey dad and very much app
A present from BackyardHockey.com…required reading for any proper hockey dad and very much app
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Sharks Bounce Back
The Devil and her team had an excellent outing the night before last in which they earned a 3-1 victory. Then again tonight they came out strong and played three good periods of hockey in a 0-0 tie against an important rival; a team they lost to the last time they played. Their early season record sits at 2-1-2. I am told the coach delivered a focused message about playing aggressively and being the first to the puck before the last victory. They have since been all that and then some. The girls are beating the other team to the puck, winning the battles on the boards and getting more shots on net.
The Devil for her part was coming off a couple of lack-lustre performances leaving many, including yours truly, wondering why she was not playing up to her potential. This season we have seen flashes of speed, but they have been relatively scarce. She has been making good plays/passes with the puck. She has scored a few goals. However, hockey mom, I and a few other observers who have seen her play in the years past, know she has more to offer. Whether it was the coach’s speech or mom/dad’s pre- and post-game exhortations; something appears to have sunken in. She, like her teammates, has picked up the pace. She’s skating harder; particularly on the back-check, which really tells you how much more committed she is.
As a hockey parent, who puts time and a few bucks up for the kids to play, you really want to see them give their best effort. There are generally extenuating circumstances. Mood swings are not uncommon with pubescent teenagers; boys and girls alike; so we always need to keep that in mind. At the same time, we can appeal to their understanding of the importance of commitment. personal growth and teamwork. They get it. Sometimes it’s just the who and the how the message is delivered. As parents/coaches we don our psychologist hats, try a variety of approaches depending on the personality we’re dealing with then hope for the best.
Whatever’s caused the recent change, the effect is welcomed by those who understand the ability and potential of the player and the team. Another lull can/will undoubtedly come as it does with all players/teams, but now we can all reflect back to the last couple of games. We can offer the reminder of what we know is possible. Then we can hope the message resonates again to affect the desired response. We know ya can do, so just do it! Oh that it were that easy. Games are lost and won as much between the ears as they are on the ice. So we’ll continue to work in both places hoping for positive results.
#imahockeydad
Sharks Bounce Back
The Devil and her team had an excellent outing the night before last in which they earned a 3-1 victory. Then again tonight they came out strong and played three good periods of hockey in a 0-0 tie against an important rival; a team they lost to the last time they played. Their early season record sits at 2-1-2. I am told the coach delivered a focused message about playing aggressively and being the first to the puck before the last victory. They have since been all that and then some. The girls are beating the other team to the puck, winning the battles on the boards and getting more shots on net.
The Devil for her part was coming off a couple of lack-lustre performances leaving many, including yours truly, wondering why she was not playing up to her potential. This season we have seen flashes of speed, but they have been relatively scarce. She has been making good plays/passes with the puck. She has scored a few goals. However, hockey mom, I and a few other observers who have seen her play in the years past, know she has more to offer. Whether it was the coach’s speech or mom/dad’s pre- and post-game exhortations; something appears to have sunken in. She, like her teammates, has picked up the pace. She’s skating harder; particularly on the back-check, which really tells you how much more committed she is.
As a hockey parent, who puts time and a few bucks up for the kids to play, you really want to see them give their best effort. There are generally extenuating circumstances. Mood swings are not uncommon with pubescent teenagers; boys and girls alike; so we always need to keep that in mind. At the same time, we can appeal to their understanding of the importance of commitment. personal growth and teamwork. They get it. Sometimes it’s just the who and the how the message is delivered. As parents/coaches we don our psychologist hats, try a variety of approaches depending on the personality we’re dealing with then hope for the best.
Whatever’s caused the recent change, the effect is welcomed by those who understand the ability and potential of the player and the team. Another lull can/will undoubtedly come as it does with all players/teams, but now we can all reflect back to the last couple of games. We can offer the reminder of what we know is possible. Then we can hope the message resonates again to affect the desired response. We know ya can do, so just do it! Oh that it were that easy. Games are lost and won as much between the ears as they are on the ice. So we’ll continue to work in both places hoping for positive results.
#imahockeydad
Back to Winning..and Scoring..Ways
The Boys team had a busy, but successful, weekend this past weekend as the previous photo foretold. We traveled a couple of hours down the road to play in a tournament. The first game was at 6:50 pm on Friday, but the Boy somehow finagled getting a full day off of school. He hitched a ride down with a teammate’s family as I decided to not miss another full day of work to his hockey schedule. Of course, that backfired as I hit rush hour traffic and got a little mis-directed on my way down with another father. We arrived late, catching only the third period of that first game.
The team got off to a slow start against what seemed to be a “weaker” opponent and were showing signs of continuing their goal-challenged ways. They came up empty on several power play opportunities and were behind 2-1 when I arrived. But they would bounce back to tie the score at 2-2 and that’s how the first game would end. Game one did see a casualty as we lost a player for three games due to a what many felt was an over-zealous call by a ref, who would in turn toss the coach as well for a game. Interesting start to say the least.
Another pre-game development saw the Boy receive the honour and responsibility of a Captain’s “C” on his jersey. The news was quickly reported back to hockey mom and we both swelled with a sense of pride and accomplishment for him. Post game he likewise expressed his gratitude for having been selected to take on this leadership role by his coaches and peers.
Having stayed at and paid for a couple of hotels with the Boy and the Devil in the last month, we decided to accept an invitation of accommodation from a friend who lived relatively close to the tournament location. I hoped the Boy didn’t feel he was missing out on any team activities or team-building opportunities, but know there will be many more over the next 4 or 5 months. Not staying in a hotel would also ensure that he would be well rested for his games.
Games two and three on day two would see the team play somewhat better. They would break the invisible seal on the opponent’s net with 4-0 and 4-1 wins advancing them on to the semi-finals on Sunday.
In the semis they raced out to a 2-0 lead, which they in turn gave back by the end of the second period during a five minute lull. They would, however, regain their composure, add two more goals and advance to the Final game. Not that it should be a highlight, but with about a minute left in this game, the Boy pinned the puck against the boards deep in his own end and was immediately set upon by two opponents, one of whom decided to hit him in the back of the head. The Boy immediately spun and threw a strong left hook into the face mask of the slightly smaller player. This was luckily the end of the exchange, which earned the two players minor roughing penalties, as I had visions of my kid watching the final game from the stands. Hockey mom, who was receiving play-by-play from me via text, simply replied “Oh Dear” and “He didn’t get kicked out of the next game, did he?”.
Coincidentally, the combatants in the final game of the tournament would be the same two teams who faced each other in the first game of the tournament; which you will recall, ended in a 2-2 tie. The make-up of these two teams would be a little different though as our previously suspended player would return after his three-game penalty. A player from the other side unfortunately suffered a broken leg in their semi-final tilt. Our boys dominated the play for the most part in the final and the returning (understandably rested and enthusiastic) player contributed three goals in a 4-1 win.
Following the game the two teams lined up to receive t-shirts (short sleeves for the finalists and long sleeves for the champions), a plaque and the obligatory hand shakes. In the change room, there was no doubt some celebration and much needed showers before the two-hour ride home.
On our ride, the Boy quipped, “I guess we’ve decided we’re a tournament team” as they all realized this was their second tournament victory in two attempts. The coaching staff no doubt hopes this win and the breaking of the goal-scoring slump carries forward into the team’s regular season games, which begin again versus a tough opponent in a couple of days.
As usual, a weekend away had me missing one of the Devil’s games, though I received a similar text-based play-by-play of a 3-2 loss from hockey mom. The Devil is having some hockey-related issues of her own that may need to be addressed before too long, but that’s another story and I need to get to work so I can help pay for all this hockey.
#imahockeydad
Back to Winning..and Scoring..Ways
The Boys team had a busy, but successful, weekend this past weekend as the previous photo foretold. We traveled a couple of hours down the road to play in a tournament. The first game was at 6:50 pm on Friday, but the Boy somehow finagled getting a full day off of school. He hitched a ride down with a teammate’s family as I decided to not miss another full day of work to his hockey schedule. Of course, that backfired as I hit rush hour traffic and got a little mis-directed on my way down with another father. We arrived late, catching only the third period of that first game.
The team got off to a slow start against what seemed to be a “weaker” opponent and were showing signs of continuing their goal-challenged ways. They came up empty on several power play opportunities and were behind 2-1 when I arrived. But they would bounce back to tie the score at 2-2 and that’s how the first game would end. Game one did see a casualty as we lost a player for three games due to a what many felt was an over-zealous call by a ref, who would in turn toss the coach as well for a game. Interesting start to say the least.
Another pre-game development saw the Boy receive the honour and responsibility of a Captain’s “C” on his jersey. The news was quickly reported back to hockey mom and we both swelled with a sense of pride and accomplishment for him. Post game he likewise expressed his gratitude for having been selected to take on this leadership role by his coaches and peers.
Having stayed at and paid for a couple of hotels with the Boy and the Devil in the last month, we decided to accept an invitation of accommodation from a friend who lived relatively close to the tournament location. I hoped the Boy didn’t feel he was missing out on any team activities or team-building opportunities, but know there will be many more over the next 4 or 5 months. Not staying in a hotel would also ensure that he would be well rested for his games.
Games two and three on day two would see the team play somewhat better. They would break the invisible seal on the opponent’s net with 4-0 and 4-1 wins advancing them on to the semi-finals on Sunday.
In the semis they raced out to a 2-0 lead, which they in turn gave back by the end of the second period during a five minute lull. They would, however, regain their composure, add two more goals and advance to the Final game. Not that it should be a highlight, but with about a minute left in this game, the Boy pinned the puck against the boards deep in his own end and was immediately set upon by two opponents, one of whom decided to hit him in the back of the head. The Boy immediately spun and threw a strong left hook into the face mask of the slightly smaller player. This was luckily the end of the exchange, which earned the two players minor roughing penalties, as I had visions of my kid watching the final game from the stands. Hockey mom, who was receiving play-by-play from me via text, simply replied “Oh Dear” and “He didn’t get kicked out of the next game, did he?”.
Coincidentally, the combatants in the final game of the tournament would be the same two teams who faced each other in the first game of the tournament; which you will recall, ended in a 2-2 tie. The make-up of these two teams would be a little different though as our previously suspended player would return after his three-game penalty. A player from the other side unfortunately suffered a broken leg in their semi-final tilt. Our boys dominated the play for the most part in the final and the returning (understandably rested and enthusiastic) player contributed three goals in a 4-1 win.
Following the game the two teams lined up to receive t-shirts (short sleeves for the finalists and long sleeves for the champions), a plaque and the obligatory hand shakes. In the change room, there was no doubt some celebration and much needed showers before the two-hour ride home.
On our ride, the Boy quipped, “I guess we’ve decided we’re a tournament team” as they all realized this was their second tournament victory in two attempts. The coaching staff no doubt hopes this win and the breaking of the goal-scoring slump carries forward into the team’s regular season games, which begin again versus a tough opponent in a couple of days.
As usual, a weekend away had me missing one of the Devil’s games, though I received a similar text-based play-by-play of a 3-2 loss from hockey mom. The Devil is having some hockey-related issues of her own that may need to be addressed before too long, but that’s another story and I need to get to work so I can help pay for all this hockey.
#imahockeydad
Back to Winning..and Scoring..Ways
The Boys team had a busy, but successful, weekend this past weekend as the previous photo foretold. We traveled a couple of hours down the road to play in a tournament. The first game was at 6:50 pm on Friday, but the Boy somehow finagled getting a full day off of school. He hitched a ride down with a teammate’s family as I decided to not miss another full day of work to his hockey schedule. Of course, that backfired as I hit rush hour traffic and got a little mis-directed on my way down with another father. We arrived late, catching only the third period of that first game.
The team got off to a slow start against what seemed to be a “weaker” opponent and were showing signs of continuing their goal-challenged ways. They came up empty on several power play opportunities and were behind 2-1 when I arrived. But they would bounce back to tie the score at 2-2 and that’s how the first game would end. Game one did see a casualty as we lost a player for three games due to a what many felt was an over-zealous call by a ref, who would in turn toss the coach as well for a game. Interesting start to say the least.
Another pre-game development saw the Boy receive the honour and responsibility of a Captain’s “C” on his jersey. The news was quickly reported back to hockey mom and we both swelled with a sense of pride and accomplishment for him. Post game he likewise expressed his gratitude for having been selected to take on this leadership role by his coaches and peers.
Having stayed at and paid for a couple of hotels with the Boy and the Devil in the last month, we decided to accept an invitation of accommodation from a friend who lived relatively close to the tournament location. I hoped the Boy didn’t feel he was missing out on any team activities or team-building opportunities, but know there will be many more over the next 4 or 5 months. Not staying in a hotel would also ensure that he would be well rested for his games.
Games two and three on day two would see the team play somewhat better. They would break the invisible seal on the opponent’s net with 4-0 and 4-1 wins advancing them on to the semi-finals on Sunday.
In the semis they raced out to a 2-0 lead, which they in turn gave back by the end of the second period during a five minute lull. They would, however, regain their composure, add two more goals and advance to the Final game. Not that it should be a highlight, but with about a minute left in this game, the Boy pinned the puck against the boards deep in his own end and was immediately set upon by two opponents, one of whom decided to hit him in the back of the head. The Boy immediately spun and threw a strong left hook into the face mask of the slightly smaller player. This was luckily the end of the exchange, which earned the two players minor roughing penalties, as I had visions of my kid watching the final game from the stands. Hockey mom, who was receiving play-by-play from me via text, simply replied “Oh Dear” and “He didn’t get kicked out of the next game, did he?”.
Coincidentally, the combatants in the final game of the tournament would be the same two teams who faced each other in the first game of the tournament; which you will recall, ended in a 2-2 tie. The make-up of these two teams would be a little different though as our previously suspended player would return after his three-game penalty. A player from the other side unfortunately suffered a broken leg in their semi-final tilt. Our boys dominated the play for the most part in the final and the returning (understandably rested and enthusiastic) player contributed three goals in a 4-1 win.
Following the game the two teams lined up to receive t-shirts (short sleeves for the finalists and long sleeves for the champions), a plaque and the obligatory hand shakes. In the change room, there was no doubt some celebration and much needed showers before the two-hour ride home.
On our ride, the Boy quipped, “I guess we’ve decided we’re a tournament team” as they all realized this was their second tournament victory in two attempts. The coaching staff no doubt hopes this win and the breaking of the goal-scoring slump carries forward into the team’s regular season games, which begin again versus a tough opponent in a couple of days.
As usual, a weekend away had me missing one of the Devil’s games, though I received a similar text-based play-by-play of a 3-2 loss from hockey mom. The Devil is having some hockey-related issues of her own that may need to be addressed before too long, but that’s another story and I need to get to work so I can help pay for all this hockey.
#imahockeydad
Barrie Colts – Greater Fort Erie Minor Midget A Tournament Champions
Barrie Colts – Greater Fort Erie Minor Midget A Tournament Champions
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Barrie Colts - Greater Fort Erie Minor Midget A Tournament Champions
Temporary power outages
The Boy’s and the Devil’s teams have both, of late, had problems putting the biscuit in the basket, bulging the twine, solving the keeper — that is to say, scoring goals. Both have had a string of low scoring games. In the case of the boys this has translated into three regular season ties in a row before their most recent 4-1 loss. In the last of the three aforementioned ties, the boys had the other team to thank for the tying goal on an egregious defensive error. We’ll take a tie however we can get it, but having the other team score goals on themselves is generally not a prescribed stragegy for success.
The girls, on the other hand, opened their season with a 1-0 win followed by a 1-1 tie. Women’s hockey is generally low scoring. However, one goal a game is not going to win many for you.
It’s not that either team doesn’t know how to score or that there is a lack of effort. Rather, there seems to be a generally lack of ability to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. Shots are misfired or heaved squarely at the goalie. I joked with one of the Devil’s teammates recently that the crest on the goaltender’s sweater is not a bulls-eye she should be aiming for. To borrow a phrase from baseball “Shoot it where they ain’t.” That is, of course, easier said than done in the heat of battle. Tougher to do when you know you need a goal and you clutch your stick a little tighter trying to force something to happen. To their credit, both teams have run up against very good goaltending where sure goals were kept out my an outstretched pad, the butt end of a goal stick or the flash of a leather glove.
The Boy, himself, is experiencing a multi-game drought. He has had several very good chances to score in each of the last few games. He has never been a prolific scorer; he tends to be more of a grinder and playmaker. Yet some of the scoring opportunities he has missed lately have been a little confounding. Pucks have jumped over or seemingly through his stick. He simply hasn’t been able to finish. A couple of times I haven’t been able to figure out how the puck did not end up in the net.
Hockey, and I suppose sports in general, can be funny in terms of the ebbs and flows that can occur within and across games. Momentum is a often used word for good reason. It has been said that scoring is contagious and I’m sure when either of these breaks through there will be a flood of converted chances. It would seem not scoring is contagious as well. In practice, the coaches diligently work on plays and strategies designed to prompt these breakthroughs. The boys have practiced offensive zone break out drills and powerplay situations, while the girls have focused on creating scoring chances and going hard to the net. Coaches hope the drills taught and lessons learned translate from practice to game. It’s no doubt heartening to see when this is in fact the case. A practiced tactic that makes its way into game-play proves the players were listening and learning. That’s really the most you can ask of players. Presumably with listening, learning and practice come execution; which will ultimately lead to the desired result; in the cases of these two teams…more goals.
The Devil’s coach has rightly surmised that part of their dilemma is a lack of power. He has suggested working on shooting at home into a net, against a wall, a garage door, etc. I’ve nailed two pucks together in an effort to strengthen the Devil’s shot. She has admittedly been negligent with the extra work, but has school basketball, homework and general kid stuff competing for her attention. When we were kids (here comes my father’s voice again) we’d be out on the driveway or in the backyard practicing for what seemed like hours. But, in my case at least, there was far less to be distracted by.
Of course, as I recently watched the local NHL hockey team struggle through eight consecutive periods of scoreless hockey, I was quickly reminded that all teams, at all levels, are susceptible to lulls in execution.
So with no lack of effort or chances, perhaps the key is to simply continue to do the good things, limit the bad and wait for the flood gates to open. The hockey gods will smile upon you soon enough. If that doesn’t work, it’s back to the drawing board. We, perched in the stands, will do our best to will a few in.
#imahockeydad
Temporary power outages
The Boy’s and the Devil’s teams have both, of late, had problems putting the biscuit in the basket, bulging the twine, solving the keeper — that is to say, scoring goals. Both have had a string of low scoring games. In the case of the boys this has translated into three regular season ties in a row before their most recent 4-1 loss. In the last of the three aforementioned ties, the boys had the other team to thank for the tying goal on an egregious defensive error. We’ll take a tie however we can get it, but having the other team score goals on themselves is generally not a prescribed stragegy for success.
The girls, on the other hand, opened their season with a 1-0 win followed by a 1-1 tie. Women’s hockey is generally low scoring. However, one goal a game is not going to win many for you.
It’s not that either team doesn’t know how to score or that there is a lack of effort. Rather, there seems to be a generally lack of ability to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. Shots are misfired or heaved squarely at the goalie. I joked with one of the Devil’s teammates recently that the crest on the goaltender’s sweater is not a bulls-eye she should be aiming for. To borrow a phrase from baseball “Shoot it where they ain’t.” That is, of course, easier said than done in the heat of battle. Tougher to do when you know you need a goal and you clutch your stick a little tighter trying to force something to happen. To their credit, both teams have run up against very good goaltending where sure goals were kept out my an outstretched pad, the butt end of a goal stick or the flash of a leather glove.
The Boy, himself, is experiencing a multi-game drought. He has had several very good chances to score in each of the last few games. He has never been a prolific scorer; he tends to be more of a grinder and playmaker. Yet some of the scoring opportunities he has missed lately have been a little confounding. Pucks have jumped over or seemingly through his stick. He simply hasn’t been able to finish. A couple of times I haven’t been able to figure out how the puck did not end up in the net.
Hockey, and I suppose sports in general, can be funny in terms of the ebbs and flows that can occur within and across games. Momentum is a often used word for good reason. It has been said that scoring is contagious and I’m sure when either of these breaks through there will be a flood of converted chances. It would seem not scoring is contagious as well. In practice, the coaches diligently work on plays and strategies designed to prompt these breakthroughs. The boys have practiced offensive zone break out drills and powerplay situations, while the girls have focused on creating scoring chances and going hard to the net. Coaches hope the drills taught and lessons learned translate from practice to game. It’s no doubt heartening to see when this is in fact the case. A practiced tactic that makes its way into game-play proves the players were listening and learning. That’s really the most you can ask of players. Presumably with listening, learning and practice come execution; which will ultimately lead to the desired result; in the cases of these two teams…more goals.
The Devil’s coach has rightly surmised that part of their dilemma is a lack of power. He has suggested working on shooting at home into a net, against a wall, a garage door, etc. I’ve nailed two pucks together in an effort to strengthen the Devil’s shot. She has admittedly been negligent with the extra work, but has school basketball, homework and general kid stuff competing for her attention. When we were kids (here comes my father’s voice again) we’d be out on the driveway or in the backyard practicing for what seemed like hours. But, in my case at least, there was far less to be distracted by.
Of course, as I recently watched the local NHL hockey team struggle through eight consecutive periods of scoreless hockey, I was quickly reminded that all teams, at all levels, are susceptible to lulls in execution.
So with no lack of effort or chances, perhaps the key is to simply continue to do the good things, limit the bad and wait for the flood gates to open. The hockey gods will smile upon you soon enough. If that doesn’t work, it’s back to the drawing board. We, perched in the stands, will do our best to will a few in.
#imahockeydad