Outshooting Caravel 59-12, we played well. Our forecheck caused numerous turnovers -- and we capitalized. It is important for everyone to realize that our success this year will be directly related to our success in forechecking. If we have to play on the entire ice surface, we will be in trouble. When we play hard in the O-Zone and forecheck well, we won't have to do as much backchecking -- we won't get tired. This allows our more experienced players to be able to log more ice time in the beginning of the game, increase the point differential -- resulting in more ice time for everyone.

I am becoming a little concerned about a lack of intensity in our play, We seem to have no sense of immediacy in our play. Bad practice habits will, in time, breed bad playing habits. It's important we don't allow this to happen. We must practice with some sense of urgency, every day.

In our D-Zone, especially in our 3 v 3 low, we should work to stay D-Side of our checks, not become distracted, and keep the 'shots against' at an absolute minimum. Forwards covering points should remember to get a stick on shots. Halfbacks and Defensemen covering low, should always work to 'get a stick'. This will require more effort.

In our weekend games, we must clear the zone, pass of the glass if we must, avoid passes through the Danger Zone, protect the center of the ice, and keep opponents shot total down. Remember that no pass should ever beat 2 men and remember to play offense with an 'eye' for defense. In backchecking, make sure you are not the last man out of the zone. Avoid giving up odd-man rushes. It will require concentration. I know you'll be able to do well. Effort is the key. The score is meaningless with good effort.

Remember to HAVE FUN!

A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example. -- Joe DiMaggio

When you are going up against the best, you've got to give it your best. -- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar