Coaches Corner- Installment #2
Once a month, it is our intent to update everyone on what's going on inside the locker room, on the ice and on the bench. First of all, we are THRILLED that Ted Wood has returned, on a part-time basis, to assist both the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams. Ted's experience as a coach and more importantly, with the club, has been quite valuable to Luke and Dom. It seems that anyone within a 50-mile radius, Ted has coached at one time or another.

As we move into November, both teams are progressing quite well. Both Varsity and Junior Varsity's records are a solid three wins and two losses. The teams are in position to do very well in their respective leagues.

During the course of both teams' games, playing time has come into question. I just wanted to take a moment to hopefully address the club's philosophy. At the Varsity level, the primary objective is to have the team in position to win games, our league, and qualify for the Flyers Cup. This means that during the course of a game, every rostered player might not see the same amount of ice time. With this season's new rules, a significant portion of the game will be spent on the power play or killing them off. Some players are just not suited for special teams' play. Even at the NHL level, you will almost never see Peter Forsberg play shorthanded; it is just not his strength. That being said, over the entire season, I would bet that every player should see the same amount of ice time, just not necessarily in the same game.

At the Junior Varsity level the philosophy is quite different. The main objective of our Junior Varsity coaches is to develop Varsity players. This can only be accomplished by maximizing everyone's ice time. It is human nature to want to win every game. Winning is important, but secondary at the Junior Varsity level to players' development. We expect line combinations to change regularly. We hope that everyone will have a chance to play wing, center, and defense. That being said, we hope that Anthony Lamlin is the only JV goalie! Using another pro-hockey analogy; does it really matter that the Philadelphia Phantoms have won two AHL championships in ten years if their parent club hasn't won the Stanley Cup since 1975? Our development has paid off in the early season. Four Junior Varsity players have already dressed and played games at the Varsity level.

The majority of our players do not yet drive a car. That being said, we must ask the parents to honor the coaches' wishes and be sure that all players are at practices and games no later than one hour prior to start time. We know that there will always be equipment repairs, skate sharpening, etc to accomplish. This all must be taken care of prior to the coaches' locker room talks before games and practices. After games and practices, please do not rush the players. Sometimes the employees at the rink will lose track of time. We will not leave the practice ice (relatively speaking) until the Zamboni doors open. For games, please allow the coaches to break down the game and for everyone to get dressed. Some of the boys really look forward to showering after the games. Just be thankful that they're getting in your car clean!

In summation, I believe that we are heading in the right direction. If any of you know hockey players within the School District, please do not keep us a secret. We hear rumors that there are hockey players out there that could help both teams. If cost is an issue, the Board has many fundraising opportunities to ease the burden of the fee.

As always, if anyone has any questions or comments, don't be a stranger! I am always willing to take hockey calls or emails at home or the office.......See you at the rink, David Barrist

Why Hockey is Really Not That Expensive…Where Your Fees Go

Many people have asked where their $975 fee goes. About 90% goes to time on the ICE. Here’s what you get:

- 25+ Practices; over 40 hours on the ICE. ($325)

- 20+ GAMES including referees and scorekeepers. ($550)

- Playoffs and Flyer Cup included.

- USA Hockey Fees ($35)

- Annual Banquet including Trophies, Awards and Senior Jackets.($50)

- Administration ($15)

This breaks down to less than $20 per time on the Ice (Ice costs about $250/ hour)…. a real bargain!!