Goalie Issues

Well, the second week of the season is here and we have goalie issues. My senior goalie got hurt playing basketball and I am not sure when he can play. My sophomore goalie said he would play but he missed the first practice and I do not have confirmation that he will play for us. Also, I found out tonight that my senior goalie will not be able to play the second day of a three day pre season tournament.
   The adventure continues !

The Schedule

I just got my team's schedule for the upcoming season. For the most part we got a good schedule. All but one of our games are on Fridays. We have one game on Tuesday night. The game times are either 8pm or 9pm not too bad for getting fans to come. The only downside is that we do have three games that start after 9:30pm. I never like playing after 9:30pm. It is tough on the freshmen because they get tired faster it seems.
      I am starting to plan for Wednesday's practice.

The First Practice

Tonight was my team's first practice. We were missing our goalies and a couple of players. One goalie was a no show and the other goalie got hurt this week playing basketball. Also, the players missing were taking part in their fall sports which does conflict when the sports overlap. The players skating was good for a first practice. Must work on passing at the next practice.
    Anyone have a good passing drill?

First Practice of season

Tomorrow will be the first practice of the season for my team. I will be interested to see what my new players are like especially how good skaters they are.
  What do other coaches expect of their first practice?
   What do parents expect for the first practice?

Monday

Monday has come and I am still waiting to hear about my team's schedule. My plan this week is to write and email out a welcome letter to the players and parents who will be on my team. In the letter I welcome players and parents. I tell the players what the first practice will consist of and what I expect of them. For the parents I thank them for their support and ask for their help manning the penalty box.
    What do some of you coaches do? What would parents want to know from coaches at the beginning of the season?

Kids and concussions

I was reading this article about Boston Bruins center Marc Savard. It is a good artic not to letle for parents and coaches to read before the season starts. In the article Marc Savard admits he has been suffering from post concussion syndrome for several months but he played through it because he is "a hockey player". Concussions are a very tricky injury and may take time to heal. Coaches must watch any player who has been diagnosed with a concussion carefully. Parents be careful not to let your kid return to playing to soon.

Waiting for Monday

On Sunday the MSHL is having their annual beginning of the season meeting. My team manager will attend this meeting as a result I get to avoid all the politics involved with the beginning of the season. I am lucky I have a good manager and I know he will let me know what went on.
Stay tuned for the Monday post.