Week 10 - More Refinement / Tournament Preparation

As with a lot of the teams we are playing in PNAHA this season, this weekend was another extremely physical and taxing couple games. We are doing a better job of getting involved in the physicality. We are also doing a better job, though not perfect, with defending our zone. Our backchecking has especially improved over the past couple weeks. Working on these details and refining our game will keep us competitive with the top teams. Our goalies are also doing a great job of keeping us in the games when we make mistakes. Right now, we are always having a chance to win. With more endurance and mental focus, we will turn some of losses to wins.

This coming weekend is a tournament weekend. We should all know what it takes to win at these events. 5 games over 3 days is a lot of hockey against great teams. If we bring our A game and play as a team, we stand a good chance of coming away with another medal. Bring your compete and work ethic to practice as we prepare.

When you guys are practicing this week, keep the topics we keep mentioning in mind:

• Scan
• Communicate
• No gliding
• Physical, but clean!

It is worth noting that being an athlete means making sure your other life priorities are also managed. Get your school work done. Get some good rest. Eat healthy food. I’m sure there is some extra candy floating around after last weekend. Moderation is key, but sometimes just say no to that extra piece of candy is the right answer.

See you all at practice!

“We forecheck hard so we don’t have to backcheck as often” - A Friend’s Youth Coach in Minnesota

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NOTE: I am trying a new format for practice plans. There will be a single practice link per week. Pay attention to the “Station Number” section of each drill to see what days it will be run on.

• Practice Week 10

Extra reading:

• FAST TRANSITION FROM D-ZONE TO OFFENSE BY PANTHERS - See Practice Plan
• Defensive Masterclass with Rasmus Dahlin & How To Hockey

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