Sep 24, 2016 | Jamie Armstrong | 359 views
HOME OPENER
Wow .... does it get any better than that!
Dear Players and Parents,
Wow .... what a home opener! When I put in for the team is was with a purpose, a purpose to improve the boys hockey skills, instill the value of perfect effort in everything we do ... and most important, create lasting positive memories.
It takes a full team effort to pull off what was achieved last night. Coaches rallied to our goals, parents assisted behind the scenes in a multitude of ways and most important, the players performed. This is the true meaning of Perfect Effort, the entire team .... players, coaches and parents were all on the same page.
As a group, our team set the bar high and represented Orangeville Minor Hockey to an incredible standard. The Milton coaching staff and players expressed their thanks for having the opportunity to participate in such a special event.
Prior to the game, the team discussed the theatrics of our pre-game on ice warm up. I wish all of you were in the dressing room to see the smiles and excitement on their faces. We then switched gears and put our game faces on and reviewed aspects of the game that would be hard work but produce positive results towards success. These aspects included:
Forecheck like crazy - certain players were challenged to be disruptors
Backcheck even harder - again players were individually challenged
Play a physical game and start / finish our checks - players were reminded this is now part of our game
Pass the puck - believe in your teammates
Play your position - don't chase the puck, stay in your lane / zone.
Tough defense - protect our blueline with physicality, sending a strong message.... there is a high cost to enter
Play with perfect effort - implement all that we practiced and focus on the above with your best effort.
The result was incredible, the players rose to occasion and achieved their team goals. The bench was also something special as the boys were supporting one another throughout the game. Equally important was the parental support, the cheering and environment created behind us was off the chart.
Sitting here now .... still in awe of how it all came together. Keep up the great work Team and on behalf of all the coaches, thanks for an awesome lifetime memory.
Sincerely,
Coach Jamie