A quick reset!
Dear Players and Parents,
Prior to the Ancaster game I decided to address the areas where we broke down the night before? Some coaches would never do this just prior to another game. I chose differently, as our foundation of team play and our philosophy of perfect effort was in question. How can you continue to build on a foundation that needs repair … you can’t!
With that, we asked the boys how they felt after Friday night’s game. We picked them up, dusted them off, ensured positive thoughts and then began our pre-game prep. I then moved around the room and individually challenged them as I addressed their attributes to the team, why they were selected and what they needed to change right now. Congratulations boys, you all met your challenges.
Moving to the Ancaster game we got off to a quick start with 2 goals. Ancaster responded with a strong game, not giving up. We in turn did the same and stepped up, offering a complete team game and achieved a respectable win.
Concluding the game it was very positive as we went around the room and individually commented on the boy’s revitalized effort and team game. It was a proud moment as many teams spiral downwards for multiple games before making positive adjustment. Personally I was pumped, it’s hard to accept criticism, react to it positively and then go out and do better. I told the boys …. that’s what young men do …. that’s what great teams do….that’s perfect effort!
Upon return to Orangeville we again rallied as a team to assist and support the 6th Annual Pink in the Rink fundraiser. The below was shared with me earlier today and under our team first mentality I wanted to share it with all of you.
Note:
Hello: On behalf of the Orangeville Junior A Flyers, I just wanted to take a moment to thank Coach Jamie Armstrong, his bench staff, parents, and all the minor bantam AE players who volunteered for the 6th Annual Pink in the Rink held this past Saturday.
As the organizer of the event, it takes a lot of time and effort to run the event, and when I asked for volunteers to help out, Coach Armstrong, his bench staff and players generously offered to assist. I was VERY impressed to see the team in attendance proudly wearing their Flyers jerseys. They quickly and willingly went about assisting with every task they were assigned without complaint. They all exhibited positive and friendly attitudes, assisted with running the raffle and bake sale tables, and as a Junior A parent commented to me, "behaved like 30 year olds". That in itself speaks volumes as to the kind of team this is.
I also want to thank the parents of the team who assisted with running and maintaining the raffle and jersey sales, as well as contributing some impressive baked goods that were quickly sold.
Although I don't yet have the final tallies of funds raised, if it was $20 or $2000, it doesn't matter, this team was a HUGE help, and they should be very proud of themselves.
Your organization should be very proud of these young men, I know I am.
Thanks again, and please share with your organization.
Kathleen Secenj
Pink in the Rink Coordinator
Orangeville Junior A Flyers
Wow – Dear Kathleen, on behalf of the AE MB Flyers team and parent group, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in such an important event and give back to our community. It was a fun and sociable evening for an important cause and we were glad to be part of it.
Moving forward we had a productive practice tonight. We worked on a new game warmup and then ran a few drills which I like to call “the little things”. Little things / small skills that require hard work but if performed often yield large game changing opportunities.
I’m confident some little things are going to make a big difference in Guelph Tuesday night, see you there.
Coach Jamie