GAME RECAP
What a FANTASTIC way to start the play off's!!! This was game # 1 of the play-off round in our season. Every game from now until the end of the year determines how we are ranked for the championship tournament. A win to start this round is exactly what we wanted and needed. The coaching staff was extremely happy to see the JDI crew come together as a team and claim victory over Piller's. Every second of every shift was played with determination and grit. Before the game we stressed player position and a strong defensive style hockey game.
We told the players to be patient with our offensive pressure and take opportunities that didn't leave our defensive play exposed. They nailed it every minute of the game. Aidan built a solid wall between the pipes holding the Piller's squad to 2 goals. Outstanding between the pipes!! Piller's lead the first period with 1 goal. True to our team; the JDI players persisted with the defensive and passing game they play best. Quinton Kaminski found the back of the net from a Michael Shaw feed to tie the score. 4 minutes into the 3rd, Piller's answered back with a go ahead goal. Just over a minute later Ben McKay buried a shot bringing JDI back into a tie game. Assisting on the Ben McKay goal was Cole Breen. With 2:38 remaining in the battle, Quinton went on a rush blasting the puck past the Piller's net minder bringing JDI into the lead. Sealing the fate of the Piller's squad; Cole Breen found an empty net taking JDI to the solid Victory over Piller's team. This game was an absolute pleasure to watch and coach.
I have to mention an amazing play by Michael Shaw that shows the depth and smart hockey that our players are capable of. Michael and Quinton were on a clear break; 2 on 0. Both players were able to get in behind the defense in perfect position. Michael carried the puck into end and could have taken a shot for a goal. He had ample time to make a move or find a hole to shoot. With his ability, the goal was there for his taking. The vast majority of 13/14 year olds (and 30/40 something's) would have tried for the goal and glory. Not the case here. Michael made the move on the goalie to get him out of position and then made a quick pass to Quinton for a guaranteed goal. Incredible team play and vision of the ice. It is a play like that that really makes the coach smile. Both outcomes would have resulted in a goal, but they went for the option that was best for the team's success. Highlight play for sure. Please send any video...TSN is waiting!!!
PRACTICE RECAP:
Our practices are shifting to more tactical skills of the game. We have blown all of the cobwebs and rust off of the basic skills and now need to teach game vision. Our first drill focused on a 1 on 1 situation. The goal was to teach the defense players to protect the centre of the zone and push the offensive player toward the outside. We asked the defense position themselves more toward the centre of the zone, almost letting the offense take an outside line. The intention is to make the outside line a path of less resistance, showing the offense what appears to be the easier path into the zone. This creates more distance from the puck to the net and will eventually force the player into the corner. This either forces a pass or forces a shot from a distance. In both situations, it keeps the puck carrier from getting close on our net.
The second drill focused on our zone breakout in particular, the forwards positioning. Often times, our players get excited to rush to the other end for a scoring opportunity. This is great enthusiasm however, if the forwards (ie wingers) are too aggressive with the break out they get behind the opposition defense abandoning their own defense. This forces our defense and centre to battle their way out of our zone through 5 offensive player trying to keep the puck in. If the wingers stay in our zone longer, they maintain a 5 on 5 situation and create passing lanes. The end result is a fast and effective break-out while still maintaining a defensive position in the event of a turnover.
In the practices ahead, we will continue to work on tactical strategies and fundamentals. I have encouraged players who may watch hockey on TV to pay attention to breakouts and where the players are on the ice. If they are a winger, pay attention to the winger on the ice as opposed to who has the puck. If they are defense, watch the player that is in their position instead of the puck. See what they do when they are on the offense and how they change when they move into a defensive role.
Solid practice and a great effort by all of the players!!
ADMIN ITEMS:
Light weekend ahead...
Practice - Saturday February 2nd, 2013 - 9:00 am @ Waterloo Rec Centre
As always, if your player cannot make the ice time above, please let me know via email or phone
In Hockey,
Coach Jeff