Reply To: Diary of a Season 2012-13

[Tom Molloy]

Went to Red Deer for the first game of the weekend. We got there 45 min. before the game because the bus broke down while leaving the bus barn and they had to get another one. The drive didn't know how to work the air conditioning so it was like a sauna the entire 2 hour trip. Usually 90 min. but there was road paving going on as well.

We played really hard and won 4-1. They got 2 breakaways on really bad changes and another when our D fumbled a puck at the blue line. Other than that we were solid. 1 for 2 on the pplay and killed all the penalties. Shot clock said 55-27 for us but I have a coach record each shot and where and his total was 36-18 which I think is what happened.

The Tsunami is working great but our F3 has to cover the point on a wide pinch all the time. Right now it is only happenind about half the time.

Play game two Sunday morning.
http://www.ammfhl-hockey.ca/division.aspx?lgid=0&did=1833&p=divisionrosters is a link to the league site. Clicking on Schedule gives game results.
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Red Deer came out flying and really pinching. They scored on a power play and then another so led 2-0. We were giving the puck away standing still trying to make passes. We kept saying carry the puck, move your feet, make a play and we settled down and scored the next 5 to witn 5-2. Outshot them 37-29.

This was our first game in our home rink and it is one metre shy of Olympic size. We never practice there. It took a while to get used to the bigger ice and they have lots of players who can fly with the puck.

Next week a tournament with all the teams in the league. The games count in the standings and there is a CIS University tournament at the same time. The idea is to give the players exposure to the university coaches. It is in Lethbridge which is about 2 hrs. south of Calgary.

We practice Tuesday where I have Gaston coming to do 45 min. of skating at the start of practice. Wed. is spin on the bikes, Thursday practice and games Friday and Sunday.

One of my centre's got a concussion so I am sure she is out for a while.
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Just watched the game video https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/downloads/ and a few things we will focus on.
– skate to open ice as soon as you get the puck and pass while skating.
– Skate with the puck between the dots and pass wide instead of skate wide and pass to the middle.
– Eliminate the Stare, whith all defenders watching the puck and find who you cover then head on a swivel.
– Get defensive side before reaching in and focus on defending from D side and tight gap.
– F3 stay on original side on a weak side pinch and fill the weak point.

Our work ethic was great and pressure was relentless. Now we have to manage the puck better.

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