Oct 22, 2016 | Jamie Armstrong | 744 views
Oakville
Tough Outcome to a tough game.
Dear Players and Parents,
Great game boys vs a strong team.
Prior to the game we as a team went for a quick walk to review the ice surface as it was to Olympic specs. We wanted to point out the additional width and room behind the net. We discussed the importance of playing wide, spreading out, using our defenseman and taking advantage of what should translate to additional time and space. We then switched gears and addressed what we would do to prevent Oakville from doing the same to us to include not chasing / over committing and keeping them to the outside.
Back in the room we discussed Oakville which we knew would be a good skating and passing team c/w a strong breakout. I challenged the boys to match and exceed their skill level. I also challenged the team to outwork them and play a consistent physical game which I knew Oakville would have difficulty matching.
The first period we proved we could play and match their skill level. During out first intermission I challenged the boys to increase our physically. We did that in the fist shift of the 2nd which led to two immediate debatable penalties. We spent the majority of that period in the box playing short handed.
Gut instincts can be powerful, something told me we needed a few min of PK zone set up / player responsibility practice time before the Oakville game. I was very pleased with how we implemented those disciplined skills into our game. Not exactly happy we were forced to do so LOL. Perfect effort boys, well done.
The third period was a battle, back and forth, the boys didn't roll over and our goalie stood tall. We certainly had more scoring opportunities than they did. That being said, towards the end of the game we had to take risks which led to 2 goals.
In the dressing room the boys were deflated and had their heads down. We turned that around quickly and addressed all the challenges we faced and identified our high compete level throughout the game. We also achieved all our pre-game goals which included a strong fore-check and back-check, skating, puck movement and physicality.
This mornings practice was good, great work boys - you were focused and listening. We have a slow weekend ahead of us, I hope all of you have some additional family time. Hmmmm family time, hey boys sounds like a great opportunity to shoot some pucks, get dad out to do some passing, ask mom, sister or brother to go in net LOL.
See you Tuesday for another pre-game practice and we prepare for an away game in Milton. North Bay right around the corner, let's get ready for a great tournament and some additional team bonding.
Go Flyers Go!
Coach Jamie