Reply To: Diary of a Season 2011-12

[Tom Molloy]

At our 90 min practice n Tuesday the players seemed a little burned out mentally and physically after playing 5 intense games in 4 days. I also found out that our spin class was cancelled and we were doing weights on Wednesday instead. I wanted the spin for clearing out the lactic acid and aerobic conditioning.

I changed my practice plan and replaced it with an aerobic and competitive practice.

10 min. – balance and edges routine with no pucks.

Games with various kinds of pucks and balls and rings. All the players and coaches play all of the games and everyone is on the ice. 8 vs 8. (2 players sick) Losing team skate a circle for every goal they are behind.

15 min. – game of ringuette with the rule that you must pass before crossing a blue line.

10 min. – game with a hockey ball (it broke in half near the end)

10 min. – game with a tennis ball.

10 min. – game with a heavier rubber ball filled with air.

10 min. – game with a wiffle ball that has a small garbage bag stuffed inside to keep it from bouncing too much.

10 min. – game with a modified puck, hard rubber on the inside and soft on the outside.

15 min. – game with a regular puck.

It was a good workout for the players and coaches as everyone moved the whole time.

Wednesday we did the weights and core workout and the player we thought may have a concussion was cleared to play as she has had no symptoms while exercising.

Today we will have a practice focusing on quickness and good habits and Friday we have a family scrimmage that I have invited parents and siblings over 12 who play hockey to attend. After we are going to a pizza place. We leave Saturday morning for our two game road trip.

Yesterday there was a press conference to announce the schedule and teams for the Mac's tournament which is really big for the players and a tradition for hockey fans to watch U18 teams from all over. On the boy's side there is a Russian and a Czech team as well as some from Eastern Canada. No USA teams this year for some reason.

Our draw is games on the 26-27 the 28th no game and then play the 29 and 30th. You need to basically have no losses to go on to the playoff round. I think we have a good chance to make some noise.

'The Game is the Greatest Coach'
'Enjoy the Game'