Blog is Back! What's up?

After being out of the swing of blogging for a few weeks, I decided to un-delete the blog and bring it back. Long story why it was deleted, but I will keep posting the little tid-bits of information that don't make it into team e-mails or said in the locker room, and even insights into why I/we did things we did with the players.

I have changed associations and am now head coaching the Washburn/Minneapolis Pee Wee B2's. The boys are great! Awesome kids, great parents, and unbelievable managers (which makes the season much easier for us coaches). We have had three scrimmages so far, so here is the recap of each:

vs other B2 team in association: This was a big game for the boys as they were going up against the kids that they tried out with and will be playing with in the future. I wasn't too sure what to expect, because with it being our first scrimmage who knows how our team would be. In the locker room we discussed simple things that they need to remember: odd-man rushes, taking the body, and pass pass pass. The puck dropped, and the boys stepped it up immediately. Goalies played fantastic, each splitting the game. The final score of the game: 4-1 win!

@ Eden Prairie: If playing the other B2 team was big for the boys, playing Eden Prairie was huge for me! Having played my entire (yet short) career in Eden Prairie and coaching there for 4 years, I wanted this win. Brandon and myself both are graduates of EP, so not only did we want to win but we also knew kids on the team. We explained to the boys how Eden Prairie normally fields unbelievable teams who know how to pass and shoot well, but don't do as well at taking the body. We are sure the boys could sense the excitement in our voices. Their team seemed ready to go, and the puck drops... What a game! The boys played awesome! Beating Eden Prairie 6-3 (one of our goals was really an icing that their goalie whiffed) made those boys feel like they were on top of the world. Good game, gentlemen!

vs Edina: "Gentlemen, you will be playing one of the best teams in the state. Want to beat them? Beat them at their own game. They get the puck, knock them down. They come charging at you, know who you are going to pass to. Be prepared boys, this is going to be one of the toughest games of the season." The boys were ready. Skates tied. Buckets on. Coaches nervous. Puck drops, pass... pass... we score! Edina was phenomenal, passing like we haven't seen in awhile, playing physical, and skating hard the entire time. However, our team stepped it up and was so mentally prepared while on that ice we were in complete shock. They barely let Edina move with the puck, they played their positions so well, and the passing was the best we've seen so far. Final score: 3-1. GREAT GOALTENDING JOHNNY AND ANDY!

First official league game tomorrow vs Johnson. Remember gentlemen, Beaver Bounce!

What about the Icebreakers you ask? They are doing fine. We definitely have areas that need a lot of work. It is tough because we haven't had everyone at practices which means I can't go over breakout, and that is what we need the most work on. If we can stick with the basics, the ladies will learn the skills they need to succeed and as time goes on will get some "W's" on the board. Brandon, Liv, and I are having a blast coaching this team. They are fun, outgoing, easy to coach, and don't talk back (cough cough pee wees!). Will keep everyone updated on how they're doing...