GAME# 1 RECAP
The first game of the weekend saw the JDI squad come together for a nice victory. Continuing the theme of working together, our players used the open space of the ice to create opportunities to move the puck around. Hard back checking and strong defensive play held the Rangers team back. The opportunities that did present themselves to our goal tender were denied 100% of the time. Great job by Aidan earning another shut out!!
The scoring charge was lead by Harmon at the end of the first unassisted. Harmon found the back of the net half way through the second period from a Michael Shaw pass. Quinton made a strong rush 2 minutes later giving JDI a 3 goal lead. Finishing the second period; Ben McKay persisted in front of the net and scored with an assist going to Quinton. The scoring was topped off to an solid 5 by Ben McKay from a Coulter Weiler feed.
A solid game was played by every player of the JDI team. The coaches asked the players to pass the puck, back check and play a strong defensive game. We succeeded on every pre-game goal. Great Job!!!!
GAME# 2 RECAP
The second game of the weekend saw a re-match of the Christmas Tournament semi finals. The Piller's crew came out strong. We held them to a close game for the first 2 periods. At the end of the game the JDI squad had to accept a loss to the Piller's team. A hard fought battle. We can take the lessons learned in this game and come out fighting at the tournament this weekend.
PRACTICE RECAP:
The practice opened this week reviewing our fundamental skating skills and worked on some cardio. The majority of the practice was focusing on the game play situations. The players started in the corner with a puck. The skated through a series of cones to work on their puck handling control at game speed. They rounded the behind the net. The player then had to make a choice of the right or left side of the net. When the side of the net was chosen he had to decide whether to stuff the puck in by the post or fade out further for a close range shot. The was a great drill to force the players to think with their heads up. It added a game time scenario for our goaltender.
The second half of the tactical portion was a 3 on 2 drill. During this drill, we worked more on player positioning and defensive strategy. We frequently stopped the play and explained to the player where they should be and most importantly why they should be there. It's great for a player to be told where to go, but they need to understand why they are going to a place. When they gain this understanding, they will start to make better on-ice decisions for their positioning.
Solid practice and a great effort by all of the players!!
ADMIN ITEMS:
TOURNAMENT WEEKEND!!!!!!!
Coach Kevin has sent out an email with all of the tournament details. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Kevin. We are using one point of contact for the tournament to avoid any conflicting information being communicated.
As always; If your player is going to be absent for any of the above tournament ice-times, please let me know.
In Hockey,
Coach Jeff