Kobe

I remember watching a sports award show around the time Kobe retired. He was doing an interview with Abby Wambach and another high profile athlete. The reporter asked him a question about talented athletes and he stopped and said "this isn't about talent, this is the 4 am club. When everyone else was sleeping, we were practicing." 

There have been countless stories about Kobe and his work ethic but I liked the lessons in the article below. If you really want to rise above, you better be prepared to work for it. 

When @KobeBryant asks you to workout at 6, you show up at 5:30. @BuddyHield’s most valuable lesson from Mamba.

Tribune Article

Redemption

Love this article on future first rounder Casey Mittlestadt. Casey chose to stick with high school hockey for a chance at winning the championship. The friendships and relationships built playing high school hockey are priceless.

Times Article

Deke and Deception Tutorial

These videos are great. I love the description of attacking the heels.

Link

Appreciating the Game

Boys,

John Scott wrote this article in the Players tribune when he retired today. I really appreciated his outlook and perspective on life. He was so grateful to play in the NHL and in the following paragraph, he does a great job of highlighting the importance of not taking the game too seriously.

"I’ll never forget this one night when I was with San Jose, and we had just lost a game. We sucked. It was one of those off nights. So we were all sitting on the plane waiting to the take off for the next city, and everyone was moping. It was silent. Bad vibes.

Then Jumbo Joe Thornton walks onto the plane, and halfway down the aisle, he stops dead in his tracks. He’s looking around at everyone. Then he just shakes his head. I thought he was going to tear into us.

But he just goes, “What the f***, boys? What’s everyone so sad about? You never lost a game before? We’re in the NHL. Get over it. We’ll win the next one, eh? Let’s realize where we’re at here. Come on.”

Everybody just started laughing. You can’t say it in front of the media, especially when you lose, but it’s so true. When that awesome meal cart comes rolling down the aisle, and the boys all are laughing about something stupid that happened that day, everybody on that plane, deep down inside, is thinking the same thing: This is nuts. I can’t believe I get to do this for a living."

We want to improve our skills, grow as a team, and enjoy playing this game. We are not going to win every game. What's important is that we are competing, having fun, and supporting each other. I talked about checking your ego at the door when you walk into the rink. It is just so important. Hockey is not tennis where you can rely on only yourself; you have to make hockey work as a unit. Attitude reflects leadership.

"For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack."

Neutral Zone Speed - Pasta Goal

The reason Pasta was able to dance around Matheson is because of the detour he took into the neutral zone to build up speed while David Krejci had possession. The speed that he generated by regrouping in the neutral zone allowed him to expose the Florida defenseman before he knew what hit him. The combination of patience and strategy on this goal is incredible.

Nice article from OEL:

Players Tribune

Escape

Finn Blog Post

The Hawks first goal was a great example of what coach Smith talks about when Panarin escaped up the boards to find time and space to hit the D with a pass and then a great rebound. This is a way we could score a lot of goals in the game. Instead of Panarin going into the corner his escape up the boards resulted in a goal.

Editors Note- I love how Forsling got the puck to the net immediately. He was ready to shoot and that caught the defense off guard and allowed Hossa to secure the rebound untouched. Also on the game winner, watch Toews' positioning in front of the net. Textbook ass in the face of the goalie. Cant stand off to the side. Dig in and get in front. 

Note from Doyle - "The Blues Blues Powerplay (2:13 into the video) was using the umbrella set up to perfection. They did not end up scoring because of unreal goaltending from Crawford but it was a great example of what we are trying to do on the PP. 

Creating Opportunities - Deception, Exchanges, Body Positioning

Boys,

I want to re-emphasize the importance of using deception. Deception is used to create space and to throw off your opponents. You are playing hockey at a level where if you do not use deception, it can be very difficult to create opportunities. On this first goal, Motte lulls the defender to sleep by faking like he's looking to make a pass as he is entering the zone. This causes the defender to not view his net drive as a serious threat. Motte then lowers his shoulder and drives around the defender for a pretty goal.

Link

This next clip is of the entire overtime vs Dallas. There are a couple great teaching moments. One is the urgency that Dallas has on the powerplay to help on the faceoff. They are quick to close and clearly understand the importance of possession in the offensive zone. Throughout the Dallas Powerplay, you can see a ton of exchanging and switching positions.  They end up getting the shot they want, and the game would be over 9/10 times, but Darling was up to the task. At 7:21 you see a perfect exchange between Kane and Panarin. Elite stuff to create space. Last thing is to watch Anisimov's positioning on Hoss's game winner. His ass is planted directly in the Dallas goalies face. That is textbook on screening the goalie..

Link

On this last goal Hossa does an incredible job warding off the defender with his free hand. He positions his hand and body in a way that the defender has no chance to make contact with the puck. He sells nothing to the goalie and is able to deposit the puck top shelf. Don't see a lot of 37 year old's making plays like that in the NHL 

Link

Heart

John Madura Blog Post 

Link

Ed Decosta wrote-

Aspiration – The “What”

Aspiration is just a fancy word for a goal, dream, or desired future state. We have talked about it many times. You have to begin with the end in mind. What do you want to achieve? What do you want to become? All of those things are about where you want your life to go. You have to think about those upfront. Commit them to paper – to a journal or log of some type. Those who reach success have done a heck of a lot of work in the aspiration phase, in terms of what it is they want to achieve. Aspiration is the “what”.

Inspiration – The “Why”

Whereas aspiration is the “what”, inspiration is the “why”.

What gets you going? Why are you going to go through all of this work to reach the goals and dreams to which you aspire? If you’re going to get there, you must be in touch with your “why”.

For many, this is a faith or spiritual kind of question, but it doesn't need to be. It can be about others – a team you are intended to serve IE. For the greater good of the team. It is reaching your purpose, your potential. The reason it is important to get so in touch with your inspiration is because the journey will be challenging.

Perspiration – The “How”

Perspiration is another word for good old-fashioned hard work and sweat. It is going to be difficult. Anything worth achieving takes your greatest effort. And when you expend your greatest effort, it can be mentally, emotionally and physically draining.

Accept the fact that there is going to be some perspiration along the way. Have two associations with the perspiration: (1) be aware of it when it happens. Be very conscious of the fact that and (2) more importantly, determine that, despite the wearisome feelings you might have, you are going to persevere. You are not going to quit. You are going to overcome those obstacles because you are not going to stop. The game is not over until you win.

These three words are ingrained in the lives of virtually every accomplished person. Yes they put in the hard work, but it was work they were inspired to do in the first place. It was the inspiration that kept them going. As a team we must find a common thread that we can all strive for and suffer for together. In finding this common goal we will not stop until our task is accomplished. If our team lives through the words aspiration, inspiration, and perspiration then nothing will come between what we strive for.

-John 

Winning Formula

Boys,

Obviously this is an exciting time to be a Cubs fan in Chicago. This team has created a chemistry on and off the field that translates into success. I want to discuss their progression from a team that was 61-101 just 4 years ago to a World Series contender.

This article sums up the leadership structure in the Cubs locker room nicely. Guys like David Ross and Joe Maddon have created an environment that allows guys like Bryant and Rizzo to get the most out of their potential.

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/cubs-anthony-rizzo-kris-bryant-david-ross-retirement/ 

I isolated a few quotes from Grandpa Ross




Ross
Well, you did … and what you’re saying is so true. It’s those little efforts that make a mark on a game that a lot of people don’t see. Like, one thing we stress here — and Joe Maddon stresses — is to just go up there and have a good at bat. Every time. Whether you get out or you get a base hit, if you’re going up there and making the pitcher work, that pays off for the next guy. If a pitcher has to grind on KB, and Rizz is hitting behind him, maybe KB will wear the pitcher down a bit to the point where he lets up a little and make a mistake to Rizz. And the result might be a two-run homer

-This can be applied to having a good shift. Work hard, wear out the other team, get pucks in deep, earn an offensive zone draw. There are ways to contribute beyond just putting the puck in the back of the net

Ross
Exactly. And it’s been fun to watch the two of you because you understand that. You’re already so poised and professional at such a young age. You guys go out there and put yourselves on the line every day for your teammates. No matter what, you’re out there. Even during that stretch before the All-Star break where you guys played 24 straight games, no days off. You came in every day like, I’m here, and I’m gonna give you everything I got. Now, when you get 25 guys doing that — or at least a starting nine — that’s a team that wins.

-This is critical. The buy-in has to be from everyone. We don't have the individual skill guys that a Providence has. We need the Wolf Pack mentality. All for one. 

Ross
Yeah. You guys already had a great group when I got here. But I think what this team was missing was confidence. Like, when you’re a young group — which you guys are — it’s O.K. to be good and to say that you’re good. But that’s hard to do when you don’t know what being good looks like. So when Jon Lester and myself come in, coming off a World Series, it’s different. Jon and I have seen winning. We know what winning looks like. So we come into this locker room last year and look around like, This guy’s a winner. That guy’s a winner. Rizz is a winner. KB’s a winner. It gives you guys the confidence to come together and do all the things that winning teams do.

-This is what Smitty, Nick, and myself are aiming to bring to the table. We are showing you what being good looks like. We want to instill the missing confidence. Our locker room is full of winners. Just take your captain, JC. It doesn't take long to figure out that he has what it takes. 

Bryant 
It’s because you’re one of the guys who’s behind the plate who knows how to get me out. And that Marlins series was one where I wasn’t feeling comfortable — and of course, we’re facing Jose Fernandez throwing like 99, which doesn’t make it any easier to get comfortable. And I remember you said to me, “Just take some pitches till you get a strike.”
Ross
Yeah. One of those simple things you just forget when you’re in the heat of the moment.
Bryant
Right. But when you hear that from somebody else, it makes sense, and it just gives you more confidence.

-Stick to the process, keep things simple. Do the small things right. Focus on what you CAN control.
When it comes to advice from teammates, high school is a tough age because everyone is self conscious. Your teammates are here to support you. Everyone in the organization should feel comfortable asking another player for advice or help. If someone gives you constructive criticism, try to be receptive and not offended.

Ironman

Boys,

Apologies on the lack of content this past week, been swamped with the start of the NHL season.

Check out the following article on Andrew Cogliano: IRONMAN

Cogliano is the NHL's reigning ironman and has played in over 700 games in a row. He finds a way to be in the lineup. It is an incredible feat and one that is accomplished with a combination of sacrifice, discipline, and drive.

"If you followed him around, you would know why it's possible," Boudreau said. "He eats the right foods. He gets the right rest. He does the right exercise. He takes care of his body all the time. You add that with, for a little guy, there's an innate toughness."

We talk a lot about how small things done right add up to big changes. This can be as simple as getting a good nights sleep before a game or choosing a healthy meal. Do the little things to make sure you are in the lineup night in and night out.

Rebound Tracking

Boys,

Great goal scorers are relentless when they drive the net. If its not the first opportunity its the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th try. You can have all the skill in the world but it's the guy who tracks his rebounds and is hungry in front that will fill the net.

Probably the best example of tracking was Duncan Keith's cup winning goal is 2015:

Link

When the Blackhawks traded Shaw, I was really concerned. He is a guy that is constantly willing to pay the price to help the team. On this goal, Shaw plants himself in front, gets low, and just doesn't quit until that pucks in the net. Talk about a guy squeezing the juice out of his skill set. This is a third line guy that was constantly on the ice when the game was on the line.

 Link

Love this goal from Pavelski. He takes the beatings that no one else will take and goes to the areas no one wants to go. This goal is a great example of battling in front. It would have been very easy to retaliate or stay down but he keeps his focus, gets back up, and finds the puck.

Link

Awesome job tracking his shot here by Gaudreau. Out hunted the puck and earned a second chance in close. 

Link

-Coach Spence

How We Play Hockey in America

Hey Boys,

Check out the link below written by NHL player Ryan Kesler.

http://www.theplayerstribune.com/ryan-kesler-ducks-how-we-play-hockey-in-america/

I used it when I wrote my senior thesis last spring about the development and growth of the American hockey player. Take note how he talks about the American hockey system and the players that come out of it.

Coach Smith, Spence, and I are teaching you the American model of hockey: Hard work, discipline, skills, learn from your mistakes etc.

I decided to toss in a photo from my college hockey days, I scored an overtime winner as a defensemen driving the net... it can be done. Hence USA hockey!



Coach Nick

The McDavid Drive Wide Formula

Team,

Not a lot of commentary needed here. I love how this guy breaks down the specifics of Mcdavid's drive wide. I particularly like the emphasis on crossovers towards the defender. Small things done right.

Link

Here is an example of McDavid using this technique (1st one):

Link

Unrelated to post:

Check out Coach Nick's brother Matt's goal during Wisconsin's opener!

Check out Matt Ustaski's strike to open up the scoring for UW. pic.twitter.com/DAzlXoaUoe

— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) October 2, 2016

-Coach Spence

Creative Options in the Offensive Zone

Boys,

Connelly sent in the Marchand GWG from last nights World Cup decider. Connelly pointed out the creativity in Toews' zone entry. Instead of just dumping the puck in and forechecking, Toews bought himself time by cutting from left to right across the top of the circles. Both European defemsemen bit on the play and Toews left a drop pass for Marchand. Marchand fired with a quick release and the tournament was over for Europe. Note how number 4 (Jay Bouwmeester) jups up with Toews on the original attack to lure the defensmen down low. Once the D have retreated he pulls back into a defensive position and Marchand takes the open space in the middle of the ice. Even though he wont show up on the stat sheet for that goal, he played a role in opening up space for the the forwards.

Key Points:

• Get creative with how you attack once you have gained the blue line (ie. Gretzky curl, chip to space, buy time, etc)
• Catch opponents off guard by attacking when no one is expecting you to (shorthanded)
• Never be complacent on defense when on the powerplay
• Quick releases catch goalies off guard 

Link

PS. Note how number 4 (Jay Bouwmeester) jumps up with Toews on the original attack to lure the D down low. Once the D have committed to him down low he pulls back into a defensive position and Marchand takes the open space in the middle of the ice. Even though #4 wont show up on the stat sheet for that goal, he played a role in opening up space for the forwards. Great example of contributing to the attack while still maintaining defense as the priority.

-Coach Spence

Forechecking with a Purpose

There are a lot of things to love about Crosby's opening goal in the semifinal of the World Cup. Let's focus on his forecheck.

Crosby times his speed perfectly and takes an angle on the play that allows him to get stick on puck. The Russian D-man feels the pressure and the pass is deflected to a dangerous area (as opposed to behind the net or off the high glass). Pay attention to how Crosby did not over commit to making a big hit on the initial defenseman. By focusing on getting stick on puck and timing his speed, Crosby was able to quickly adjust to the deflection and disrupt the breakout. This led to a turnover in a dangerous area and Crosby's offensive skill took over. He converted a smart and calculated forecheck into a huge opening goal of an elimination game. Small details done right.

- Coach Spence

Face-off Set Play

Love this set play off the face-off from Bemidji State! The key was the hard, quick pass from the D-man which spread out the ice and allowed for a quick zone entry. Bemidji State was ready to go from the drop of the puck and they caught their opponents flat footed.

That didn't take long - @BSUBeaversMHKY going face-off to goal in a hurry. pic.twitter.com/ZP8UWdT5Tp

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) September 23, 2016

Bonus College Hockey:

One more look back at the magic of @QU_MIH legend Sam Anas. pic.twitter.com/n3Y1fWEtps

— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) September 22, 2016

Shift Time

Team,

Just a reminder going into the season as to how long an efficient shift should last. There is no reason to be on the ice more than a minute. We want to encourage fresh legs and smart changes. This can be as simple as getting the puck deep (and changing) when you are 30 seconds into a shift instead of trying to challenge the opposing D.

Please read the following article on shift length and how it affects the game:

Mike Babcock and the 40 Second Shift



Example:

-Coach Spence

Volunteering Schedule for Saturday 9/24

                St. Ignatius Hockey Volunteer Opportunity

Saturday 9/24 – United Center 3v3 Street Tournament 

What: You will be assisting the Chicago Blackhawks Fan Development Department in running 3v3 street hockey tournament. You will help to shag balls that leave the arena, make sure kids signed waivers, and other duties as assigned. 

8:00am-10:30am

Haroldsen

Gilbert

J. Madura

S. Madura

10:30am-1:00pm

Wallace

Scherer

C. Mcfarland

Fischer

Blocking Shots for Scoring Opportunities

Blocking shots the correct way is not only important for safety but can also lead to scoring opportunities. 

As a winger, one of your primary responsibilities in the defensive zone is to position yourself in the shooting lane of the opposing team's defensemen. This prevents opposing D from taking a clear shot on net while also putting you in good position to defend the half wall or initiate the breakout. 

The angle that you take towards the defenseman is very important. If you charge straight at the D, not only will it be easy for them to deke around you, but you also set yourself up for a "fly by". 

In the following clip you will see Michael Frolik do a great job staying in the shooting lane and taking away options. Frolik’s stick is in the passing lane which leaves Yandle only one safe option, which is to dump the puck in deep. Instead, Yandle tries for the shot and surrenders a breakaway. This is a perfect example of how sound defense can lead to high quality scoring opportunities.

Link

Next we have Milan Lucic challenging a D-man at the point. Notice Lucic's speed as he attacks the point. He is not charging to the point that he will be out of position if the player dishes the puck or makes a move. He is content in the shooting lane and is slowly closing the gap. Lucic gets his feet together when the player releases the shot and ends up earning a game winner. 

Link

-Coach Spence

An ideal hockey play and what makes it so great. Featuring Pasiennik and Klein.

Why this is an ideal hockey play:

1.  Attacking the opponent while always being a threat to shoot or pass.  Read & React!

• If Max had in his head he was going to shoot or going to pass the play wouldn't be as good.  Max was ready to do both based off of what he saw in front of him.

2.  Recognizing time and space while on the ice.

• Max recognized he had room to skate the puck until the defender committed to him.  

3.  Drawing the opponent to the puck carrier, then dishing the puck to an open man.

• Timing is everything. Once he recognized the defender had committed to him, he was able to pass the puck to the open man.  In this instance the open man was in prime scoring position.  Which is the ultimate goal when making plays.

4.  Working hard to get open.

• Klein beat his opponent to an open area of the ice which allowed him to easily receive this pass.

5. Last but not least, hitting the back of the net!

• Hit the net! Start with your habits in practice, it's better to miss your spot toward the middle of the posts than toward the outside.

Concepts of Checking

Team, 

I liked these two videos on delivering body checks. Cory Sarich does a great job explaining how/when to pick your spots and Dustin Brown demonstrates the concept of shifting your momentum and staying low. Check out the two videos and I will highlight the key points below. 

Link

Link

Key points:

·         Match your speed with the opposition

·         Good stick position

·         Wait till your opponent takes his eyes off of you

·         Area of the ice matters. How much risk is there if you miss? Do you have forward support?

·         Power comes from your legs (outside edge)

·         Generate momentum going into the hit

·         Use deception to surprise the player (pretend you are skating backwards)

·         Transfer of power from back leg to front

·         Elbow and hands stay down. Make contact with your shoulder

·         Target the chest not the head

Let me know if you have any questions. We are going to do some hitting drills prior to the opener on the 24^th.

Bonus:

Link

-Coach Spence

Nutrition for YOUR body simplified (with math):

Calories are made up from proteins (4 calories/gram), carbohydrates (4 calories/gram), and fats (9 calories/gram).

Your body needs CARBOHYDRATES for HIGH INTENSITY ENERGY.

Your body needs FATS for LOW INTENSITY ENERGY.

Your body needs PROTEIN to retain and BUILD MUSCLE.

How much of each do I need?  That is different for everybody and takes a little bit of trial and error.  

For most of you who are lean and have trouble gaining weight:

50% of calories should be CARBOHYDRATES.

25% of calories should be FATS.

25% of calories should be PROTEIN.

If you need to lose body fat:

25% of calories should be CARBOHYDRATES.

40% of calories should be FATS.

35% of calories should be PROTEIN.

It’s also possible to be somewhere in the middle:

40% of calories should be from CARBOHYDRATES.

30% of calories should be from FATS.

30% of calories should be from PROTEINS.

The amount of calories you should take in depends on your body weight, body type, and weather you are trying to gain or lose weight.  Again, this is an on going process of trial and error, but the more in tune you are with your body and what you eat, the easier it is to figure out.

Multiply your body weight by 12 to lose weight, by 15 to maintain weight, and by 18 to gain weight.  That will give you a good calorie goal to start with.  Adjust as necessary!

I’ll use myself as an example.  Currently I’m 190lbs and I’m trying to lose a little weight and lean up.  Therefore I multiplied 190 x 12 = 2,280.  

So I need to lose body fat and my calories are at 2,280 therefore:

25% of calories should be CARBOHYDRATES = 142g.

40% of calories should be FATS = 101g.

35% of calories should be PROTEINS = 199g.

Last and most important, KEEP TRACK OF WHAT YOU EAT!  download an application and try to hit those numbers daily.  When in doubt take an educated guess.

Feel free to reach out at anytime for support.

Best,

Coach Atsoff

Elite Defensive Qualities

Team,

I really liked this article from Logan Couture on the top defensemen in the NHL. He does a great job highlighting the specific skills that separate the elite from the rest of the competition. I have elaborated on a few below. Please read the article before my notes.

The 5 Toughest Defensemen I've Ever Faced

• Changing the angle of the shot to get it through traffic (Burns, Giordano). This is a skill that defensemen should be working on everyday. The power of the shot is irrelevant if it doesn't make it to the net. Burns uses the half-slapper at the top of the point to get a quick release and increase the accuracy of his shot. 

• Understanding when it is time to bail (Burns). Great defensemen have enough self-awareness to understand when they need to bail on an offensive rush in favor of defensive responsibility. This is a combination of reading the play and factoring in your speed/energy level.  

• Creating Time and Space (Josi). This skill originates with the defenseman's confidence with the puck. In order to have an effective breakout, it is crucial that the forwards and defensemen are communicating effectively and moving up the ice together. This is made possible when the defensemen are comfortable hanging on to the puck and regrouping so that everyone can attack as a unit. 

• Feisty and Physical (Keith, Giordano). We want our defensemen to be physical and difficult to play against, but we cant afford to take penalties in the process. Out skating your opponent, managing your emotions, and establishing body position are good ways to avoid taking penalties without sacrificing physicality. 

Duncan Keith being ELITE:

Link for tablets

Never Say Die

Team,

I wanted to share this story on Jason Day and his journey to becoming a world class golf champion. He was striving every day to get better, to improve a little bit. Impossible not to root for a guy that shows his level of determination and sacrifice.

Link for tablets

Montreal Canadiens great, Jean Béliveau, put it best -

"Talent is a gift, but you can only succeed with hard work". 

Legacy

Boys,

Welcome to the St. Ignatius Hockey Blog. This will be a resource for us to motivate, teach, and prepare. 

For those of you who are not familiar, I would like to introduce you to the New Zealand All Blacks. They are the national rugby team from New Zealand. They are known for the "haka",  the highly ritualized challenge thrown down by one group of warriors to another.  

 

The following excerpt is from the book Legacy by James Kerr.

 "Opposing teams face the haka in different ways. Some try to ignore it, others advance on it, most stand shoulder to shoulder to face it. Whatever their outward response, inwardly the opposition know that they are standing before more than a collection of fifteen individual players. They are facing a culture, an identity, an ethos, a belief system – and a collective passion and purpose beyond anything they have faced before. Often, by the time the haka reaches its crescendo, the opposition have already lost. For rugby, like business and like much of life, is played primarily in the mind. The All Blacks are the most successful rugby team in history. They have been called the most successful sports team, in any code, ever. In the professional era, they have an extraordinary win rate of over 86 per cent and are the current World Champions. How do the All Blacks do it? What’s the secret of their success? What is their competitive advantage? And what can we learn from it?" 

Below is one of the All Blacks' motto's:

Sweep the Sheds - "Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done"

I love the following except from Legacy. This is after a big win against the Welsh Rugby Team. 

"Two of the senior players – one an international player of the year, twice – each pick up a long-handled broom and begin to sweep the sheds. They brush the mud and the gauze into small piles in the corner. While the country is still watching replays and schoolkids lie in bed dreaming of All Blacks’ glory, the All Blacks themselves are tidying up after themselves. Sweeping the sheds. Doing it properly. So no one else has to. Because no one looks after the All Blacks. The All Blacks look after themselves" 

They know who they are, what they stand for, and why they exist. 

 

                                          

If we can apply some of the principals that the All Blacks employ, we will be able to achieve impressive gains as a hockey team and as people this season. No one is more important than anyone else. Sweep the Sheds.