GAME RECAP:
This weeks game really tested the discipline of our team. We were challenged by a team this week with strong offense that played until the whistle blew (and beyond sometimes :)). Our players stuck to our game plan of positional play. We tied the first period with our lone goal scored from a well placed point shot from Caleb. Assists going out to Quinton and Cole. The second period was won by the opposition with 3 quick goal.
Sticking to our game plan; the JDI squad battled back in the third period with the lone scoring break away goal by our very own Michael Shaw. The goal was unassisted. The game ended in a defeat to JWS Woodworking 5-2. Great effort by our guys, but in the end, we ran out of time to mount a come-back charge. Next TIME!!!
PRACTICE RECAP:
This weeks technical portion of the practice reviewed the cross over start and the v-start similar to last week, however we added a puck to increase the difficulty of the drill. Our players used a cross over start with a full out skate to the blue line. The players stopped the puck on the blue line and then dropped to the ice with a rolled over. This ensured a complete stop to set up for the v-start heading back to the goal line. We also reviewed our transitional skating from forward skating to backward skating.
We reviewed the new warm-up drill. 3 players start with a puck in each corner. The first player takes off around the top of the circle for a shot on net. When the first player reaches the top of the circle, the 2nd player takes off following the path of the first skater. The third player follows the pattern. This drill repeats from the other corner. This warm-up gives our goaltender more shots with a faster pace than the swing drill can provide. We used this drill in the game warm-up this weekend and it ran very well.
The Tactical portion of the practice incorporated a passing drill around the ice to strategically placed players. This drill simulated a break-out with a transition pass in the neutral zone. We followed this pass deep into the offensive zone finishing with a one-time shot. This week, I emphasized pass accuracy over speed of the drill. I reviewed the proper pass mechanics and asked the players to focus on each phase of the pass over speed. Speed will be introduced when the accuracy improves. We also practiced high speed passes. Players made a lap around our practice zone to build speed. When they approached the start, they called for a pass; received a pass and circled in for a shot on Aidan.. The purpose of the drill was to increase accuracy of the player making the pass as well as the skater accepting a pass at game speed.
The Finale O'Fun of the practice was chosen by the team. Players started on their stomachs. On the whistle, they raced around a cone for sole possession of the puck. The lead player took the first shot, while the trailer pick-up any re-bounds. For an added degree of difficulty, I had the players start on their back. Super fun to watch!! Great effort by all of the players. Keep up the focus and great work ethic during practice!!
ADMIN ITEMS:
Game #1 Saturday December 8th, 2012 VS Schleuter Chevrolet 1 pm at the Waterloo Rec Centre
Game # 2 Sunday December 9th, 2012 VS Schleuter Hyundai 4:30 pm at RIM Park - Optimist Rink
As always; If your player is going to be absent for any of the above ice-times, please let me know.
In Hockey,
Coach Jeff