Breaking The Chains

Well, it’s been a while since I posted anything here. A lot has happened – such as the outdoor AHL game. Our team did get an opportunity to skate on the ice during the week before the big game. That was pretty cool. We got stuck on the highway for a few hours getting to the actual game. That was not cool, but we did make it only a few minutes late. It pays to go early to big events, but it also pays to plan events a little better. Our seats were way over on the side, but we could see the game on a big monitor. It was cold and damp – but we were there. That was the point anyways. Next time I will watch from the comfort of my living room. There were a lot of people in the stands that were a little too hammered, and it just seemed like there was a lack of security. It was a great idea, but there are always a few people who can ruin it. If you were to compare the game to a local high school lacrosse game – I think I prefer watching lacrosse outside. My favorite place to watch a hockey game indoors is at the Coke Coliseum, which is right there on the State Fairgrounds. That’s where you want to watch hockey. That’s where you want to play. We are pretty lucky because we do get to play there. Utica has a great rink downtown, and there are a lot of decent rinks all around the area. Rome and Geneva have done a lot to their rinks. They are all small venues, but that’s what’s nice about them. Watertown is great for public skating, and Clayton used to be the place to be on Friday nights for some great local games. I don’t get too impressed by these newer facilities with two to six sheets of ice. They’re probably convenient, but seem to lack charm or any sense of tradition and culture. The more hockey becomes a business for the promotion of the few – the more I think it decays. There are a lot of kids who should have a local rink to play and practice ---- without the need to take a bank loan out to pay for the privilege. I hope Lacrosse can learn from these mistakes and avoid becoming a sport only for the elite/wealthy. Make hockey accessible to more kids, and take advantage of playing more local games. You’ll be surprised how many great players start coming out of your program that otherwise may never have put a pair of skates on. The other thing that I would like to see is true A/B/C ranking of teams. This triple “A” and double “A” just doesn’t seem to match up with other states and provinces. If you can support A level teams with A level players – then great, but on the other hand don’t put an A level team up against a B level team just to rack up some easy wins. During the regular season take all your teams at each level – A/B/C and mix them up even into as many 4 on 4 – 8 player teams you can support and have them scrimmage each other at your home rink, or even cross town teams that can do the same. Set it up as fun hockey – no refs – no checking - no scores – just fun and extra ice. It also gives all your goalies – and potential goalies a chance to play a little more. Since I’m on a roll – stop trying to teach complex systems to players who can’t do the fundamentals yet. Get the basic skills down first. There is no short cut. You really need to know how to skate – shoot – pass and stick handle if you ever want to learn how to play any “system”. When I see coaches try to coach out of a book, or set up fancy looking drills I just shake my head and pray I never get that lazy. These are the same coaches who turn into screamers during games. I don’t wear a coach’s uniform – I wear a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. When it’s cold I wear a coat. I have an old pair of cheap hockey skates, old wooden stick, beat up old helmet, and an old pair of lacrosse gloves. My assistant coaches are great guys who really are there for the kids. Most people don’t even know who they are. They come to practice – work with the kids and go home. No fanfare – just simple love of the game. The kids on our team are great. They try – work hard, and play great. That is what hockey is all about – the kids – not the coaches. Whenever you think you’re the best team in town – go find another team in another town. That I agree with. That’s why you travel – to play at a higher level and face a challenge. It’s not the number of wins that matters – it’s how good you get playing tougher teams. You don’t go way over your head, but you find teams at your level. At he B and C level you probably won’t have to go too far. When your players are ready to move on to the next level – you’ll know and you need to keep them challenged. Don’t overload games to practice ratios either. One last lesson for today that I have learned the hard way – don’t just play hockey all year. Do something else. Take a break. Play lacrosse – read some books – go fishing – play guitar, but don’t set yourself up for hockey burnout. This is Lacrosse land right here in central New York. Hockey players tend to make pretty good lacrosse players. In the end, it’s not about the sport at all. It is about you. At the end of the season if you are a little more confident, a little faster – tougher, and wiser, then we’ve accomplished what we set out to do. I have a great team … a great “orange” team – enough said.