Dec 29, 2015 | Rob Smithson | 223 views
Chedoke Winter Classic - Day 2
Hello again everyone,
Just wanted to post this quick update after today's early exit from the tournament. The coaching staff is very proud of the way the boys played this morning... We know there was a lot of disappointment after losing another close battle, but all of the players should be happy with their performance.
All season long, the coaching staff have been focusing on working the puck out of our zone (use the boards!!!), as well as teaching the kids both fore-checking and back-checking skills. In the last few weeks, we've been introducing neutral zone play and how to move the puck deep into the other team's end.
In yesterday's afternoon game, and in today's morning game, we saw the team really come together and start implementing all of the things we've been working on to date. Our puck movement up the ice was evident today when Aiden made a fantastic neutral zone pass to set Hayden up for his breakaway goal... from one end to the other, and into the net with two quick passes... exactly what we've been working on all year.
In the upcoming practices, we will be focusing on puck movement inside the offensive zone, and working through some shooting drills from the slot. We want to start capitalizing on those misses we've seen in front of the other team's net.
Our next practice will take place on January 8th (the arenas are all closed for new years day). In the interim, we'd like to see the kids get out and fire off some shots in the driveway or in the basement. Keep them working towards that 5000 shot challenge... and if you want to email me a video clip, I will post it to the team website for all to see (I'm sure the kids would love to see themselves on line!)
Note that we'll be missing a few players at the January 8th practice, as the Canadiens house league team is heading off to Niagara Falls for their first tournament of the year. Let's all wish them luck!